Posted in Business

Ad Talent Salary Survey: Wage comparisons and employment trends

   February 13, 2025
Ad Talent Salary Survey: Wage comparisons and employment trends


As the corporate world navigates the new hybrid work environment created in the aftermath of Covid lockdowns, so 2024 showed that the ripple effect of this shift is still ongoing. This is evident by the remuneration and hiring trends revealed in Ad Talent’s latest salary survey.

“Over the past 25 years that Ad Talent has conducted salary surveys, this year has witnessed an unprecedented shift in job descriptions and remuneration structures,” says Stacey Bossenger, MD of Ad Talent. “The early elections and a generally favourable GNU outcome have contributed to stabilising the job market, but the most significant influence has been the rapid rise of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). This technological advancement has re-shaped job titles, work structures and remuneration scales dramatically.”

Changes in job titles and descriptions

Bossenger points out that many traditional job titles previously used in the Ad Talent surveys have become obsolete. “There is a clear trend towards unique titles and job descriptions that reflect the evolving landscape of the industry. As a result, we have removed outdated titles from our survey and incorporated those that are more relevant to current market demands.”

Influence of global recruitment

The skills, work ethic and language proficiency of South Africa’s tech talent has captured the attention of overseas recruiters. This demand has led to the establishment of unique remuneration structures that often differ from traditional models.

Rise of fractional hiring

2024 has also seen an increase in fractional hiring trends. Employers are now more inclined to bring in specialised skills on a project basis or through abbreviated work schedules. This trend typically involves senior or experienced professionals who can contribute valuable expertise on a temporary basis.

Remuneration trends

Ad Talent’s survey reveals an overall increase in remuneration that surpasses inflation rates, particularly in high-skill sectors where candidates are in high demand. The shift towards flexible workspaces has also contributed to levelling out historical salary disparities between geographic locations.

Additional insights

  • Remote work impact: The rise of remote and hybrid working models has further influenced salary structures, narrowing gaps between salaries in major cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town.
  • Market dynamics: The competition for scarce skills continues to drive salary increases across various roles within the communications sector.
  • Employee satisfaction: Despite these increases, recent surveys indicate that a significant portion of workers remain dissatisfied with their current salaries, highlighting ongoing challenges in compensation negotiations.
  • Future projections: As we look ahead, it will be essential to monitor how these trends evolve, especially with ongoing advancements in technology and shifts in workforce dynamics

“In summary, the 2024 salary survey reflects a transformative year for the communications industry, characterised by rapid changes driven by technology, evolving job roles and shifting employment practices,” concludes Bossenger.

Ancel Draai, MD for Applico Training

Salary survey – earnings by industry

Advertising

0-2 yrs (light) 2 – 5 yrs (medium) 5 – 9 yrs (heavyweight)
Managing Director
Johannesburg R90 000 – R100 000 R100 000 – R130 000 R130 000+
Cape Town R75 000 – R100 000 R100 000 – R125 000 R125 000+
Deputy MD
Johannesburg R85 000 – R94 000 R94 000 – R100 000 R100 000+
Cape Town R75 000 – R90 000 R90 000 – R100 000 R100 000+
Client Service/Business Unit Director
Johannesburg R65 000 – R75 000 R75 000 – R90 000 R90 000+
Cape Town R55 000 – R65 000 R65 000 – R80 000 R80 000+
Group Account Director
Johannesburg R49 000 – R54 000 R54 000 – R60 000 R60 000+
Cape Town R45 000 – R50 000 R50 000 – R55 000 R55 000+
Account Director
Johannesburg R40 000 – R50 000 R50 000 – R65 000 R65 000+
Cape Town R38 000 – R42 000 R42 000 – R48 000 N/A
Account Manager
Johannesburg R25 000 – R30 000 R30 000 – R38 000 R38 000+
Cape Town R20 000 – R25 000 R25 000 – R32 000 N/A
Account Executive
Johannesburg R18 000 – R20 000 R20 000 – R25 000 N/A
Cape Town R12 000 – R15 000 R15 000 – R17 000 N/A
Project Manager
Johannesburg R27 000 – R40 000 R40 000 – R45 000 R45 000+
Cape Town R23 000 – R34 000 R34 000 – R43 000 R43 000+
Operations
Johannesburg R49 000 – R60 000 R60 000 – R80 000 R80 000+
Cape Town R45 000 – R57 000 R57 000 – R70 000 R70 000+
Production
Johannesburg R14 000 – R22 000 R22 000 – R40 000 R40 000+
Cape Town R12 000 – R20 000 R20 000 – R35 000 R35 000+
Traffic
Johannesburg R18 000 – R30 000 R30 000 – R45 000 R45 000+
Cape Town R18 000 – R30 000 R30 000 – R40 000 R40 000+
Strategic Planning Director
Johannesburg R70 000 – R90 000 R90 000 – R120 000 R120 000+
Cape Town R70 000 – R90 000 R90 000 – R120 000 R120 000+
Strategic Planner
Johannesburg R25 000 – R40 000 R40 000 – R60 000 R60 000+
Cape Town R25 000 – R40 000 R40 000 – R60 000 R60 000+
CEO
Johannesburg R130 000 – R140 000 R140 000 – R160 000 R160 000+
Cape Town R120 000 – R130 000 R130 000 – R155 000 R155 000+

Digital

0-2 yrs (light) 2 – 5 yrs (medium) 5 – 9 yrs (heavyweight)
Digital Strategist
Johannesburg R35 000 – R45 000 R45 000 – R70 000 R70 000+
Cape Town R30 000 – R40 000 R40 000 – R60 000 R60 000+
Social Media Manager
Johannesburg R23 000 – R35 000 R35 000 – R48 000 R48 000+
Cape Town R20 000 – R30 000 R30 000 – R40 000 R40 000+
Head of Social Media
Johannesburg R45 000 – R50 000 R50 000 – R65 000 R65 000+
Cape Town R40 000 – R48 000 R48 000 – R62 000 R62 000+
Social Media Community Manager
Johannesburg R18 000 – R28 000 R28 000 – R40 000 R40 000+
Cape Town R15 000 – R25 000 R25 000 – R35 000 R35 000+
Influencer Marketer
Johannesburg R18 000 – R30 000 R30 000 – R45 000 R45 000+
Cape Town R15 000 – R28 000 R28 000 – R40 000 R40 000+
Campaign Manager
Johannesburg R25 000 – R35 000 R35 000 – R42 000 R42 000+
Cape Town R22 000 – R32 000 R32 000 – R38 000 R38 000+
Content Manager
Johannesburg R25 000 – R38 000 R38 000 – R43 000 R43 000+
Cape Town R22 000 – R35 000 R35 000 – R40 000 R40 000+
Digital Account Executive
Johannesburg R18 000 – R22 000 R22 000 – R28 000 R28 000+
Cape Town R16 000 – R20 000 R20 000 – R25 000 R25 000+
Digital Account Manager
Johannesburg R28 500 – R35 000 R35 000 – R45 000 R45 000+
Cape Town R25 000 – R32 000 R32 000 – R42 000 R42 000+
Digital Account Director
Johannesburg R40 000 – R48 000 R48 000 – R55 000 R55 000+
Cape Town R40 000 – R45 000 R45 000 – R52 000 R52 000+
Digital Group Account Director
Johannesburg R55 000 – R60 000 R60 000 – R70 000 R70 000+
Cape Town R52 000 – R58 000 R58 000 – R65 000 R65 000+
SEO Specialist/Manager
Johannesburg R25 000 – R32 000 R32 000 – R52 000 R52 000+
Cape Town R25 000 – R32 000 R32 000 – R52 000 R52 000+
PPC Specialist/Manager
Johannesburg R30 000 – R40 000 R40 000 – R50 000 R50 000+
Cape Town R30 000 – R40 000 R40 000 – R50 000 R50 000+
Digital / Media / Marketing Analyst
Johannesburg R25 000 – R33 000 R33 000 – R45 000 R45 000+
Cape Town R22 000 – R28 000 R28 000 – R42 000 R42 000+
Editor & Content Producer
Johannesburg R25 000 – R35 000 R35 000 – R45 000 R45 000+
Cape Town R25 000 – R35 000 R35 000 – R45 000 R45 000+
Data Analytic Manager
Johannesburg R28 000 – R35 000 R35 000 – R50 000 R50 000+
Cape Town R25 000 – R32 000 R32 000 – R45 000 R45 000+
Dr Chris Blair, CEO of 21st Century

Marketing

0-2 yrs (light) 2 – 5 yrs (medium) 5 – 9 yrs (heavyweight)
Head of Digital Marketing
Johannesburg R60 000 – R80 000 R80 000 – R100 000 R100 000+
Cape Town R50 000 – R75 000 R75 000 – R95 000 R95 000+
Digital Marketing Manager
Johannesburg R40 000 – R60 000 R60 000 – R70 000 R70 000+
Cape Town R40 000 – R60 000 R60 000 – R70 000 R70 000+
Group Marketing Head
Johannesburg R95 000 – R120 000 R120 000 – R160 000 R160 000+
Cape Town R80 000 – R115 000 R115 000 – R150 000 R150 000+
Marketing Director
Johannesburg R65 000 – R75 000 R75 000 – R90 000 R90 000+
Cape Town R60 000 – R72 000 R72 000 – R82 000 R82 000+
Marketing Manager
Johannesburg R55 000 – R60 000 R60 000 – R80 000 R80 000+
Cape Town R52 000 – R55 000 R55 000 – R70 000 R70 000+
Brand Manager
Johannesburg R40 000 – R50 000 R50 000 – R70 000 R70 000+
Cape Town R30 000 – R45 000 R45 000 – R60 000 R60 000+
E-Commerce Manager
Johannesburg R35 000 – R45 000 R45 000 – R65 000 R65 000+
Cape Town R35 000 – R45 000 R45 000 – R65 000 R65 000+
Brand/Marketing Assistant
Johannesburg R25 000 – R32 000 R32 000 – R40 000 N/A
Cape Town R20 000 – R30 000 R30 000 – R40 000 N/A
Martech (Marketing Technology Specialist)
Johannesburg R38 000 – R55 000 R55 000 – R70 000 R70 000+
Cape Town R35 000 – R50 000 R50 000 – R65 000 R65 000+
Marketing Specialist / Coordinator
Johannesburg R25 000 – R35 000 R35 000 – R40 000 R40 000+
Cape Town R20 000 – R30 000 R30 000 – R38 000 R38 000+
Activations Manager
Johannesburg R25 000 – R38 000 R38 000 – R50 000 R50 000+
Cape Town R25 000 – R38 000 R38 000 – R50 000 R50 000+

Creative

0-2 yrs (light) 2 – 5 yrs (medium) 5 – 9 yrs (heavyweight)
Chief Creative Officer
Johannesburg N/A N/A R150 000+
Cape Town N/A N/A R150 000+
Group/Executive Creative Director
Johannesburg N/A R90 000 – R120 000 R120 000+
Cape Town N/A R90 000 – R120 000 R120 000+
Creative Director
Johannesburg N/A R68 000 – R95 000 R95 000+
Cape Town N/A R55 000 – R90 000 R90 000+
Head of Design
Johannesburg R38 000 – R52 000 R52 000 – R62 000 R62 000+
Cape Town R35 000 – R40 000 R40 000 – R55 000 R55 000+
Graphic Designer
Johannesburg R10 000 – R18 000 R18 000 – R45 000 R45 000+
Cape Town R10 000 – R18 000 R18 000 – R45 000 R45 000+
Creative Group Head
Johannesburg R38 000 – R45 000 R45 000 – R55 000 R55 000+
Cape Town R30 000 – R40 000 R40 000 – R50 000 R50 000+
Art Director
Johannesburg R17 000 – R25 000 R25 000 – R45 000 R45 000+
Cape Town R17 000 – R25 000 R25 000 – R45 000 R45 000+
Copywriter
Johannesburg R18 000 – R25 000 R25 000 – R52 000 R52 000 – R70 000
Cape Town R15 000 – R20 000 R20 000 – R45 000 R45 000 – R60 000
Proofreader
Johannesburg R15 000 – R20 000 R20 000 – R30 000 R30 000 – R47 000
Cape Town R10 000 – R15 000 R15 000 – R25 000 R25 000 – R40 000
Creative/Content Strategist
Johannesburg N/A R23 000 – R38 000 R38 000 – R50 000
Cape Town N/A R20 000 – R35 000 R35 000 – R45 000
Studio Manager
Johannesburg R33 000 – R36 000 R36 000 – R42 000 R42 000 – R55 000
Cape Town R28 000 – R35 000 R35 000 – R40 000 R40 000 – R50 000
DTP Operator
Johannesburg R9 500 – R16 000 R16 000 – R25 000 R25 000 – R40 000
Cape Town R8 000 – R15 000 R15 000 – R24 000 R24 000 – R36 000
Promo Director/Producer
Johannesburg R22 000 – R32 000 R32 000 – R60 000 R60 000 – R80 000+
Cape Town R22 000 – R32 000 R32 000 – R60 000 R60 000 – R80 000+
Animator
Johannesburg R14 000 – R18 000 R18 000 – R35 000 R35 000 – R57 000
Cape Town R12 000 – R16 000 R16 000 – R26 000 R26 000 – R45 000
Video Editor
Johannesburg R10 000 – R17 000 R17 000 – R30 000 R30 000 – R48 000
Cape Town R10 000 – R15 000 R15 000 – R25 000 R25 000 – R40 000
Multimedia Designer
Johannesburg R18 000 – R25 000 R25 000 – R40 000 R40 000+
Cape Town R18 000 – R25 000 R25 000 – R40 000 R40 000+
User Experience (UX) Lead
Johannesburg N/A N/A R78 000+
Cape Town N/A N/A R65 000+
User Experience (UX) Designer
Johannesburg R18 000 – R27 000 R27 000 – R48 000 R48 000+
Cape Town R15 000 – R20 000 R20 000 – R40 000 R40 000+
User Interface (UI) Designer
Johannesburg R19 000 – R28 000 R28 000 – R44 000 R44 000+
Cape Town R17 000 – R22 000 R22 000 – R35 000 R35 000+
Motion Designer
Johannesburg R20 000 – R38 000 R38 000 – R45 000 R45 000+
Cape Town R18 000 – R35 000 R35 000 – R42 000 R42 000+

IT/Tech

0-2 yrs (light) 2 – 5 yrs (medium) 5 – 9 yrs (heavyweight)
Front-end Developer
Johannesburg R25 000 – R35 000 R35 000 – R60 000 R60 000+
Cape Town R25 000 – R35 000 R35 000 – R60 000 R60 000+
Back-end Developer
Johannesburg R18 000 – R30 000 R30 000 – R65 000 R65 000 – R110 000
Cape Town R18 000 – R30 000 R30 000 – R65 000 R65 000 – R110 000
Full-stack Developer
Johannesburg R25 000 – R40 000 R40 000 – R70 000 R70 000 – R125 000
Cape Town R25 000 – R40 000 R40 000 – R70 000 R70 000 – R125 000
Web Developer
Johannesburg R36 000 – R50 000 R50 000 – R90 000 R90 000 – R140 000
Cape Town R36 000 – R50 000 R50 000 – R90 000 R90 000 – R140 000
Java Developer
Johannesburg R20 000 – R38 000 R38 000 – R70 000 R70 000+
Cape Town R20 000 – R38 000 R38 000 – R70 000 R70 000+
Scrum Master
Johannesburg R25 000 – R42 000 R42 000 – R66 000 R66 000 – R150 000
Cape Town R25 000 – R42 000 R42 000 – R66 000 R66 000 – R150 000
IT Manager
Johannesburg R32 000 – R60 000 R60 000 – R100 000 R100 000+
Cape Town R32 000 – R60 000 R60 000 – R100 000 R100 000+
Solutions Architect
Johannesburg R30 000 – R50 000 R50 000 – R100 000 R100 000+
Cape Town R30 000 – R50 000 R50 000 – R100 000 R100 000+
Data Engineer
Johannesburg R25 000 – R50 000 R50 000 – R85 000 R85 000 – R120 000
Cape Town R25 000 – R50 000 R50 000 – R85 000 R85 000 – R120 000
Data Scientist
Johannesburg R30 000 – R50 000 R50 000 – R90 000 R90 000 – R125 000
Cape Town R30 000 – R50 000 R50 000 – R90 000 R90 000 – R125 000
AI & ML Engineer
Johannesburg R30 000 – R55 000 R55 000 – R90 000 R90 000+
Cape Town R30 000 – R55 000 R55 000 – R90 000 R90 000+
Dr Chris Blair, CEO at 21st Century

PR & Corporate Communications

0-2 yrs (light) 2 – 5 yrs (medium) 5 – 9 yrs (heavyweight)
Account Executive
Johannesburg R15 000 – R25 000 R25 000 – R28 000 R28 000+
Cape Town R15 000 – R25 000 R25 000 – R28 000 R28 000+
PR Account Manager
Johannesburg R28 000 – R35 000 R35 000 – R42 000 R42 000+
Cape Town R28 000 – R35 000 R35 000 – R42 000 R42 000+
PR Account Director
Johannesburg R45 000 – R60 000 R60 000 – R70 000 R70 000+
Cape Town R45 000 – R60 000 R60 000 – R70 000 R70 000+

Human Resources

0-2 yrs (light) 2 – 5 yrs (medium) 5 – 9 yrs (heavyweight)
HR Manager
Johannesburg R33 000 – R45 000 R45 000 – R68 000 R68 000+
Cape Town R30 000 – R40 000 R40 000 – R60 000 R60 000+

Media

0-2 yrs (light) 2 – 5 yrs (medium) 5 – 9 yrs (heavyweight)
Media Sales Director
Johannesburg R45 000 – R60 000 R65 000 – R75 000 R75 000+
Cape Town R45 000 – R60 000 R60 000 – R65 000 R65 000+
Media Sales Executive
Johannesburg R30 000 – R40 000 R40 000 – R50 000 R50 000+
Cape Town R30 000 – R40 000 R40 000 – R50 000 R50 000+
Digital Sales Executive
Johannesburg R30 000 – R35 000 R35 000 – R45 000 R45 000+
Cape Town R25 000 – R30 000 R30 000 – R42 000 R42 000+
Events Manager
Johannesburg R25 000 – R30 000 R30 000 – R45 000 R45 000+
Cape Town R20 000 – R30 000 R30 000 – R40 000 R40 000+
Data & Insights Strategist
Johannesburg R35 000 – R45 000 R45 000 – R50 000 R50 000+
Cape Town R35 000 – R45 000 R45 000 – R50 000 R50 000+
Sales Coordinator
Johannesburg R15 000 – R25 000 R25 000 – R32 000 R32 000+
Cape Town R15 000 – R25 000 R25 000 – R30 000 R30 000+
Sales Head
Johannesburg R70 000 – R100 000 R100 000 – R140 000 R140 000+
Cape Town R70 000 – R100 000 R100 000 – R140 000 R140 000+
Sales Manager
Johannesburg R40 000 – R55 000 R55 000 – R70 000 R70 000+
Cape Town R40 000 – R50 000 R50 000 – R70 000 R70 000+

Architecture

0-2 yrs (light) 2 – 5 yrs (medium) 5 – 9 yrs (heavyweight)
Project Manager
Johannesburg R30 000 – R47 000 R47 500 – R70 000 R70 000+
Cape Town R30 000 – R47 000 R47 500 – R70 000 R70 000+
Architect
Johannesburg R30 000 – R40 000 R40 000 – R60 000 R60 000+
Cape Town R30 000 – R40 000 R40 000 – R60 000 R60 000+

Finance

0-2 yrs (light) 2 – 5 yrs (medium) 5 – 9 yrs (heavyweight)
Accounts Receivable / Payable
Johannesburg R15 000 – R18 000 R18 000 – R20 000 R20 000+
Cape Town R15 000 – R18 000 R18 000 – R20 000 R20 000+
Bookkeeper
Johannesburg R16 000 – R20 000 R20 000 – R25 000 R25 000+
Cape Town R16 000 – R20 000 R20 000 – R25 000 R25 000+
Associate: Cost Controller
Johannesburg R38 000 – R42 000 R42 000 – R47 000 R47 000+
Cape Town R38 000 – R42 000 R42 000 – R47 000 R47 000+
Director of Finance
Johannesburg R90 000 – R120 000 R120 000 – R160 000 R160 000+
Cape Town R90 000 – R120 000 R120 000 – R160 000 R160 000+
CFO
Johannesburg R120 000 – R150 000 R150 000 – R190 000 R190 000+
Cape Town R120 000 – R150 000 R150 000 – R190 000 R190 000+
Image source: wirestock –

This survey was compiled:

  • using figures of actual placements made by Ad Talent
  • using figures from salary information obtained from all candidates interviewed by Ad Talent from January 2024 to December 2024
  • using figures from salary information obtained from candidates who have submitted their CVs to Ad Talent
  • using cost to company (CTC) figures
  • using the average salaries per sector

Interpretation:

  • Salaries vary significantly depending on many factors, including size of the company, desirability to work for a particular company and status
  • Salaries for media sales roles vary significantly depending on the commission structure / incentives
  • 0-2 years (light) means 0 to 2 years experience in that particular position and not 0 to 2 years total working experience
  • The same applies for medium and heavy weight. It is experience in the particular position and not total working experience
  • This survey is not intended to be prescriptive, but is a report on what we, Ad Talent, (not the entire industry) has experienced in the past 12 months



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