I was offered $55k for a Copywriting role at a New York-based, global, mid-sized agency following an internship.
Peers say it's too low. Salary.com says that's about average. Management seems to be glossing over the negotiation part of bringing me aboard ("When you start, our budget for your pay is 55k. We'll send this over for you to sign.") Also, no senior writers. All directors have a design-oriented background. Plans to hire a Creative Director: Copy, but after my work justifies its need.
You just finished an internship and you consider yourself mid-level?
This was extremely helpful, thank you! I feel much better.
I was offered 55k for an associate copywriter role in 2019 from an agency in Denver. That seems so low to live and work in NYC
Cost of living is super expensive there. 55k doesn’t sound like it’s livable unless you have family supporting/paying for you. I earn 51k (remote work) in Austin Tx and if I didn’t have my partner splitting the bills with me I don’t think I could live here by myself.
Minimum should be like 60k in New York.
for NY 60-65 seems to be avg. I was told 58,500 for a job I’m interviewing for and the HR rep said a similar thing along the lines of “that’s our budget for someone of your level..” others told me that was low and I should definitely negotiate so at 55 I definitely would. Play the inflation card if you gotta. Also is this job Hybrid/in person? Cause then you can sight commute costs living/relocation costs as another reason for wanting more.
i started at 60k in ny and it felt low. 55k for a mid seems wild.
Too low. But not wayyy off
I made 55k as a jr in 2017, I know from a friend they paid same for Jr copy. That was in pharma so maybe a little higher but I'd say 55k is def too low now + for a mid-level title.
If you've got 2 yrs experience and there's no "Jr" in the job title, I'd assume Mid-Level experience and position and you should be paid accordingly!
What level do you consider yourself to be at (jr. vs. senior)?
If the agency is giving you the title of copywriter then it means they consider it to be a mid-level role. It should be 80k then. 55k is a junior role. You should let them know.
I earned 55k as a junior in New York. That’s way too low for mid-level.
Rising Star
I wouldn’t count an internship as “experience” in terms of your time in the business. I made 55k in 2015 as a junior coming out of ad school. This was in nyc as well.
I jumped to 83k as a mid after about 2.5 years (I changed agencies).
That’s too low and barely livable. Should
be at the very least $70k for your level and experience.
If you don’t know whether you’re a jr or mid-level, you’re a jr.
Also, if you feel the salary’s too low to the point where it’s putting a bad taste in your mouth, don’t take it. Find something else you’re happier with.