Had a conversation with some fellow ladies this morning about our salaries. Just want to check. I’m a copywriter with 5 years experience at $55k in St Louis. I expect to get promoted in a year or less

Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Everyone needs to chill. You can’t go by the number on face value. St. Louis is a very small ad market plus cost of living is relatively low. Is this an independent shop like Hoffman Lewis or is it part of a large holding company like Rogers Townsend? Is it traditional advertising or mainly a digital shop? What level did you start at? Did you come straight out of a non ad school program with a communications degree or did you come out of ad school? Did you start as an intern and then get hired on? Have you gotten an increase every year or every other year or will this be your first? Answer these and we can tell you if you are being underpaid. Until then it’s pretty much conjecture.

likehelpfulsmart

Look, I know they’re different markets, but I started at 55k in San Francisco 5 years ago and now I’m at 115. There is no way you’re being fairly compensated

like

Just a caveat, don’t compare your salary to an SF or NY salary and if they work at a big agency for big brands. There are so many variables.

Agree yours might be on the lower end but I know what it feels like to think you’re treated unfairly...and that’s due to others’ perception, that can inform, but also cloud your judgment with sometimes unrealistic expectations.

likesmart

Seems low for a “copywriter” but I don’t know the pay for a “copwriter" 😜

funnylike

I made more than 55k when I was interning

likeupliftingfunny

Where were you interning? That's higher than a junior salary in Chicago. (Not saying that's good but seems to be the case for the most part.)

like

Cost of living is huge. I average $85k in Omaha. According to CNN Money's cost of living calculator, I'd need to make $220k in NYC & $177k in SF. ....

likesmart

I'd say you're around what I'd expect salary wise in STL. With a bump to Senior, pay is going to vary a lot based on what agency you're at here

like

Sounds about right. I’d expect $62-65k at your next promotion.

like

A lot goes into salaries it beyond time. Awards. Pitch wins. City. If you have none of the first two then leave the small network you’re in and go to a bigger city.

like

I have a role open in Cincinnati that will pay you a good deal more than that if you are willing to relocate and your skill set matches our need.

like

Might get more responses in the Creatives bowl (in case) and what is your question? “Is this normal?” And why do you expect to get promoted? Just context for people to be able to answer.

That’s not right. I’m at $80k and I’ve got 4 years of experience. Granted my market is slightly larger, but still.

Yeah I’m at $96K and started June 2017 at $55K. Also, SF though.

Jumped from Jr to Sr. Switched companies.

Extremely underpaid. After 2 years in I was making 10k+ more than that.

Don’t know St. Louis but in Dallas 55 seems right for mid level but on the low side for 5 years if that makes sense

53k. Denver. 5 yrs exp. Im with ya

Seems really low to me.

Related Posts

Hey guys,

How is it working for
UST UST Global hyderabad as a Java developer with 5 yoe? Considering onsite opportunities, wlb and hikes.

Hi fishes! To those of you who moved from UK (or elsewhere) to Dubai for work - is it the standard norm to get an expat package when you move to Dubai? Just trying to understand how it works. Thanks!!

like

I have 7+ years of experience, how much salary offer I should expect from TechM.

Hi Fishes,

I am a software specialist having 8+ yoe, currently working at Mastek with a CTC of 17lpa. Can anyone help me with the current market CTC considering the below:
Current Role: Tech Lead
Tech Stack: Full Stack in Java, Springboot, Angular, Mobility, AWS beginner.
Your responses will be much appreciated.

like

Should I take up this job?

Current - Consultant in Deloitte USI
Offer - Senior Consultant in EY India?
Hike offered - 30%

Role - Internal, EMEA Leadership Support

Please help.

like
like

Help! I wanted to know your thoughts about accepting a job and forgetting to negotiate salary and 3 months in asking for a raise. Should I just wait or should mention it? I do love my job but because I feel like I’m not getting paid my worth, I have been looking at other positions but do not really want to leave. Help!

I have submitted the BGV details on the link shared by HR.
When can I expect the salary discussion with HRs?
Are they really listen about the salary we are asking.
How long will it take to get the offer letter from now?

like

What is the package for credit manager in ICICI bank having YOE 1.5 years

What's the pay range for a Director in Financial Crime and Compliance in any of the top consulting firms in New York?

like

Is capgemini worth joining? Please share light on work culture, job security, projects and other benifits.

Honest opinions please.
Yeo- 3.5

like

I heard People in Advisory received performance bonus? True? And how much by level?

like

Hi all,

Recently I have completed probation in Accenture, and got offer from HCL, Is there any chance to revise the package? because I have completed only 6 months in Accenture, If I compare CTC of both there is huge difference it's round 10 lacs, HCL offering 60 per hike.

I was on bench in Accenture since 45 days so i started searching outside.

like

Hi All

Received offer from HCL for 19LPA
YOE 7.1
Band E3
Associate Consultant
Domain Network Security

CCTC 14LPA
I asked 20LPA.

Is 19 LPA good package for the E3 band?

like

I just graduated with my MS in Health Information Management. Any jobs in NYC in this particular field (first time in this field)? Provide links. 🫶🏼

Also what is the starting salary? It would be my first time in this field. 😺

• Bachelors degree in Radiologic Sciences (x-ray tech)
• Master of Science in Health Information Management

like

Hello have a question How much make a lead mobile engineer technician in CBRE in Virginia

likehelpful

Anyone from Société Générale , can confirm from their experience whether SG provides Expected Salary after HR round or they get into Negotiations before rolling out Salary Breakup Letter ?

like

Do accountants in the tech industry make a lot for salary? Above average than other industries? Like Cali / tech

like

How much hike (%) does Accenture gives during promotion?
(If it differs based on management level then I want to know about promotion from level 10 to 9)

like

More Posts

Soft Cranberry and White Chocolate Cookies

Post Photo
like

Any other junior tax lawyers here feeling discouraged by how steep the learning curve is? 🥲 I started remotely too and training has not been the best…

like

Any firms in London hiring US qualified associates into their capital markets practice?

like

Hi Fishes, As the recession is coming. I am really worried that I switch or not. I have got an offer from Here Technologies. Can anyone please suggest what should I do? I have 1.7 YOE in Android/Java application development with some devops experience as well. The last working for TCS is mostly in the last week of December. I am new in the IT industry but have worked on upwork as a freelancer during my college.

like

Life after college 😅
I faced the same for 3 months

Post Photo
funnylike

Has anyone made (or know someone) who has made a switch to a strategy or project mgmt role in pharmaceuticals?

like

Looking for a new HR opportunity in the Madison, WI area, or remote work. Any leads out there? 19 years experience, SHRM-SCP certified. Tons of employee relations, talent development, benefits, payroll, experience! Still growing in comp administration, and enjoying aligning people strategies to organizational goals and objectives.

like

McKinsey & Company Hi Fishes...i have a 7 year of experience in reimbursement and AP profile and looking for change... please help 🙏 Boston Consulting Group JLL McKinsey & Company Deloitte KPMG PwC Tata Consultancy Accenture RBS

like

How do referrals work? Do you apply first or wait for the referral, then apply? Looking for a tiktok referral.

like

Best influencer search tools or strategies for sourcing?

like

What does Hours over Standard impact from “My Metrics”?

like

I have a Deputy CISO who constantly instructs us to not go to HR with top level compliance issues (because JP Morgan Chase frowned upon it). But these issues are pervasive to tone at the top and could cause non compliance. What should I do?

like

Is it better to try and look for a job in Canada or apply for PR?
I am currently in the USA and want to start job hunting. I don’t see a future for myself in the USA and want to move to Canada. I have an EAD and my spouse has an h1b.

like

How easy is it to switch firms on Skilled worker visa?

like

In today’s meeting when asked if we’re working on #Juneteenth, a new Federal holiday as of 2022…
Someone challenged this by saying “We work on Columbus Day”
Likeeee are you talking about Columbus that stole land from indigenous ppl?!

Post Photo
funnylike

FML. I’ve been dating someone for 8 months and have been having doubts about the longevity of the relationship. This week he tells me he is thinking about leaving our city and working remotely. Even though I was already thinking about ending it, this hurts. I know I’m being childish - being rejected by someone who I was planning to reject! And I know he isn’t the right guy for me in the long term. So why does this hurt?! 😭😭😭

like

What does everyone think of Bitclout.com ? Intriguing concept of investing in individuals but currently you can’t cash out and can only use crypto to buy in. ‘Flash in the pan’ or the next massive trend?

like

Can someone having work experience of 6 years in Procurements can move to a domain like CSR?

If yes, what would be required for that?

like

Additional Posts in Salaries in Advertising & Marketing

I live in NY and make $40k a year as a Copywriter, I have 2.6 years of experience. Pls rip on me and tell me I’m being underpaid, thx fam

like

Senior art director and ACD salary in La?

ACD/M/14 y exp/$150k/SF

like

when’s the best time to negotiate about raising salary? after a year? two?

like

Copywriter, 30/M/NYC/5 year’s exp. Currently at 90k. In-house at major global brand. Hoping to ask for raise/promo soon. What’s a realistic number?

FP&A Manager with 5 yrs of experience. What salary range should I consider with an advertising agency in NYC?

funny

How much $ do FT mid-level creatives make in Amsterdam?

like

Any ideas on Account Director salaries NOT in a major market? I’m in lower cost of living state.

like

Besides salary is there any additional bonuses, stock options, etc to expect as you advance to SVP and EVP?

like

Any tips on how to be taken seriously when asking for a higher salary? Looking for compelling presentation tactics you’d use for going into a meeting to discuss it.

likehelpful

What do Group Media Directors make in LA?

What is an appropriate hourly rate for an account director w/ 10 yrs experience if I’m freelancing? My full time salary was $170k for reference.

like

Do you know what is the salary range for a Senior Manager II at Walmart Home Office?

like

Found out a male with way less experience and no produced work is getting hired next week and making a significant amount more. How do I bring this up in a review?

likehelpful

Account Director / Senior (Sr.) Account Supervisor salaries for health PR, in NYC? …
Seeing many different numbers so looking for some guidance.

like

What to you do when a recruiter emails you about jobs in another city (LA) and asks what you currently make (in Chicago) if you’re greatly underpaid?

Cheil in korea asked me how much I want to make for a junior position. I have no idea what to say.

Any idea?

Copy vs art - paid the same or what? What’s the norm? Not interested in hearing about the exceptions

Average salary for a Sr Copywriter in DC?

What is a good/ expected salary for an AE in San Fransisco?
What’s livable?

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal