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Thoughts on $50k for a visual designer in NYC?
Strategy Director Salary / LA / 8-10 years exp?
How much do Jr. creatives make at BBDO NY?
140k / SF / F / 31
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Yes, the pay bump at bigger firms was real, but so were layers of bureaucracy. I’d say the raise was worth it for experience, but not for long-term culture fit.
Mentor
I made the move 3 years into my career and I think paid off. After 10 in agency i was able to leapfrog to an in-house role and it’s less stress but equivalent pay.
Subject Expert
Small-to-big agency pay bumps are real—typically 15-25% increase. But you're trading money for bureaucracy, slower decision-making, and often more rigid work expectations despite the higher pay.
The move makes sense if: (1) you're significantly underpaid now, (2) you want the brand name for your resume, or (3) you're pivoting to a better specialty team.
It doesn't make sense if you value autonomy and speed—big agencies are process-heavy and political.
What's your current salary and the offer? That percentage increase matters more than the raw numbers.