There are currently an estimated 149,900 advertising sales agents in the United States. The advertising sales agent job market is expected to shrink by -3.6% between 2016 and 2026.

How employable are advertising sales agents?

CareerExplorer rates advertising sales agents with a D employability rating, meaning this career should provide weak employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 3,200 advertising sales agents. That number is based on the retirement of 8,600 existing advertising sales agents.

Are advertising sales agents in demand?

As is the case for many occupations, job growth for advertising sales agents will continue to be driven by the decline in print advertising, the growth in the number of cable distributors, and the electronic boom. Demand will therefore be strongest for advertising sales agents familiar with the dynamics of targeted advertising for smart phones, tablets, and online radio stations. On the other hand, the technology of search engines and software applications may allow companies to develop new customer bases with fewer agents. Large metropolitan areas where many advertising agencies and media representative firms are located will, of course, produce more jobs than smaller cities. If consolidation of media businesses and negative economic conditions cause companies to reduce the frequency of advertising campaigns, the demand for sales agents in this sector declines. While a high-school degree is typically the only educational requirement for advertising sales agents, a university degree in business or marketing will potentially open doors to opportunities with large companies that attract higher numbers of applicants. Job candidates who know how to build client relationships and are able to manage the pressure of a quota- and commission- based role are likely to have greater success in the field of advertising sales.

What’s the supply of advertising sales agents?

The advertising sales agent industry is concentrated in New York, California, Florida

Advertising Sales Agent job market by state

State Name Employed Advertising Sales Agents
New York 20,040
California 17,290
Florida 10,860
Illinois 7,700
Texas 7,140
Georgia 4,630
Pennsylvania 4,370
Ohio 4,260
Michigan 3,850
North Carolina 3,850
New Jersey 2,900
Washington 2,850
Minnesota 2,790
Massachusetts 2,740
Indiana 2,490
Virginia 2,360
Arizona 2,350
Wisconsin 2,250
Missouri 2,190
Colorado 2,090
Connecticut 2,070
Tennessee 1,950
Iowa 1,730
South Carolina 1,480
Kansas 1,460
Alabama 1,430
Kentucky 1,350
Louisiana 1,300
Oregon 1,180
Maryland 1,070
Arkansas 1,040
Nebraska 1,000
Utah 980
Oklahoma 840
District of Columbia 760
Nevada 730
Puerto Rico 710
Mississippi 680
West Virginia 660
Idaho 650
New Mexico 610
Montana 610
New Hampshire 570
North Dakota 530
South Dakota 520
Maine 510
Rhode Island 430
Hawaii 310
Wyoming 300
Delaware 290
Vermont 270
Alaska 220
Guam 30