Why is advertising so underpaid compared to other jobs? I have friends in sales, consulting, etc. all making double what I am and working less.

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Also, advertising is not valued highly by most businesses leaders. It’s considered a commodity, and the cheaper the better. So, the margins are slim. The only way the agency owners can make a good profit (and pay themselves well) is by hiring people who are willing to work long hours for average or below average wages.

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Because agencies have managed to continue the myth that advertising is “fun.” Also, there is no educational barrier to entry, which means — theoretically — anyone can do it. And many do.

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The irony is that labor could totally screw over management if they could ban together…

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I have friends in engineering, social work, teaching, accounting, nursing, therapists, that make way less than people in advertising. Not to mention pretty much every blue collar job.
You need some perspective. We still make a lot more than most people. Especially at the director level.

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My husband is an engineer and makes half of what I do 🤷‍♀️

likesmart

I still think creatives are able to make a great salary but the flood of “title inflation” in the past 5 years has brought averages way down. You have inexperienced talent racing to ACD,level, happily accepting 100K and less just to have the title.

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Hmm. On the bottom, pay is not that great. On the top, pay is very very good. Better than average.

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Because those jobs have measurable goals and metrics to determine the value of the role.

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