Employment of advertising sales agents is expected to increase 13 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Media companies will continue to rely on advertising revenue for profitability, driving growth in the advertising industry as a whole. Growth in the occupation will largely follow these broader industry trends.
From 2010 to 2020, an increasing amount of advertising is expected to be concentrated in digital media, including digital ads made to be seen on cell phones, tablet-style computers, and online radio stations. This will drive increases in employment of advertising sales agents in Internet publishing.
Digital advertising allows companies to directly target potential consumers because websites usually are associated with the types of products individuals would like to buy. Targeting clients through digital advertising is labor-intensive; therefore, the role of the sales agent will not be automated. This, combined with the broader range of media outlets, will lead to a greater need for advertising sales agents.
Although newspaper print advertising is expected to decline, much of this decline will be offset as newspapers sell online ad space. Growth in traditional media outlets—such as television and radio—should remain strong.
Competition is expected to be strong for advertising sales agents. Applicants with experience in sales or a bachelor’s degree should have the best opportunities.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition