Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Understanding customer needs and providing helpful, professional service.
Communicating clearly through speech while listening carefully to understand others.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Advertising sales agents typically need at least a high school diploma to enter the occupation, although some employers require or prefer that candidates have a bachelor’s degree. Once hired, these workers typically receive training on the job. Sales and communication skills are essential. PayThe median annual wage for advertising sales agents was $64,820 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of advertising sales agents is projected to decline 7 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 7,800 openings for advertising sales agents are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for advertising sales agents. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of advertising sales agents with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about advertising sales agents by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for advertising sales agents was $64,820 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of advertising sales agents is projected to decline 7 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 7,800 openings for advertising sales agents are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for advertising sales agents. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of advertising sales agents with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about advertising sales agents by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of advertising sales agents is projected to decline 7 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 7,800 openings for advertising sales agents are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for advertising sales agents. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of advertising sales agents with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about advertising sales agents by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Advertising sales agents sell promotional space to businesses and individuals.
Work Environment
Advertising sales agents work under pressure to meet sales quotas. They may travel to visit current and prospective clients. Most work full time.
How to Become an Advertising Sales Agent
Advertising sales agents typically need at least a high school diploma to enter the occupation, although some employers require or prefer that candidates have a bachelor’s degree. Once hired, these workers typically receive training on the job. Sales and communication skills are essential.
Pay
The median annual wage for advertising sales agents was $64,820 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of advertising sales agents is projected to decline 7 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 7,800 openings for advertising sales agents are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for advertising sales agents.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of advertising sales agents with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about advertising sales agents by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Advertising sales agents work under pressure to meet sales quotas. They may travel to visit current and prospective clients. Most work full time.
How to Become an Advertising Sales Agent
Advertising sales agents typically need at least a high school diploma to enter the occupation, although some employers require or prefer that candidates have a bachelor’s degree. Once hired, these workers typically receive training on the job. Sales and communication skills are essential.
Pay
The median annual wage for advertising sales agents was $64,820 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of advertising sales agents is projected to decline 7 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 7,800 openings for advertising sales agents are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for advertising sales agents.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of advertising sales agents with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about advertising sales agents by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for advertising sales agents.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of advertising sales agents with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about advertising sales agents by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about advertising sales agents by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.