The advertising industry crafts messages that influence consumer behavior. Account executives communicate important information to an advertising company's clients. They manage the daily activities related to a client's advertising program, which requires strong communication, management and business skills. Candidates who display a high level of creativity and prepare by obtaining an internship during college typically enjoy the best opportunities when starting out.
Average Starting Salary
The entry-level salary for advertising account executives was between $32,000 and $40,000 annually in 2011, according to the University of Maryland. The Southern Illinois University reports that the starting salary for assistant account executives was between $20,000 and $40,000 annually. Wages in the advertising and marketing industries climb significantly once a professional gains experience.
National Average Compensation
Advertising employees earned an average $98,720 annually in 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The lowest 10 percent of employees, including most account executives starting out, earned $41,480 annually, while those in the highest 10 percent were paid more than $166,000 per year. The middle 50 percent of earners were paid between $56,820 and $122,570 annually.
Salary by Industry
The top-paying industries for advertising account executives included electrical wholesalers, computer systems companies and securities. Executives in these industries earned between $127,920 and $140,710 annually, according to the BLS. The industries offering the highest number of jobs included advertising services, company management services and media publishers. Salaries ranged between $93,120 and $121,560 annually.
Education
Candidates seeking account executive opportunities fare well if they pursue a bachelor's degree in advertising or a business administration degree with a focus in advertising or marketing, according to the BLS. Some employers prefer individuals with a bachelor's degree specific to the industry, such as computer technology, and a master's in business administration.
