Salary by Category: Advertising Sales or Regional Manager

ADVERTISING SALES OR REGIONAL MANAGER

In 2007, ad sales or regional managers in consumer saw a big jump in mean base salary—up 26.8 percent from the previous year to $87,516—and in average total compensation—up 11.8 percent to $132,000. These managers trumped their b-to-b counterparts by almost $30,000 in base salary and $18,000 in total compensation, even though b-to-b managers made 23.2 percent more in average commission.

Like directors, managers saw a significant gap between average base salaries and total compensation among males versus females. Males’ base salaries were 11.7 percent higher and their total compensation was 7.9 percent higher.

Also like directors, it pays to work more than 40 hours. Those who work ed 41-49 hours a week made almost $23,000 more. However, there doesn’t seem to be as much of a payoff for working 50 or more—these people made an average only about $1,300 higher than those working 41-49 hours.

Managers are enjoying the flexibility of their jobs, as this was one of the most cited rewarding aspects in verbatim comments. They’re enjoying the independence. “Freedom to succeed and be an autonomous manager. No limit in compensation,” one wrote. “The ability to work my own business (my territory) minus all the headaches of owning a business,” said another.

But at the same time, they’re worried about the economy, particularly in their own markets—“Building industry is in a slump,” one wrote; “Recession of aquarium industry,” said another; “Little growth in restaurant industry,” another commented.

They’re also grappling with the impact of e-media. “Integration of digital media has potential to be both an obstacle and an opportunity,” one wrote. For industry trends affecting compensation, one said, “E-commerce. Still trying to figure out a compensation model so I don’t know for sure.”

Overall, twenty-four percent expect to see a total compensation decrease in 2008, while 24 percent expect compensation to stay the same.