2494 Advertising accounts managers and creative directors

In short

• ONS unit group 2494, in minor group 249 (Media professionals) and major group 2 (Professional occupations).
• Appendix Skilled Occupations (figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked 26 October 2026): On the list: Table 1, Table 2.
• Going rate as the tables print it:
  • Table 1, Going rate (SW – options A and D): £46,000 (£23.59 per hour)
  • Table 2, Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU): £37,200 (£19.08 per hour)

What the ONS says

Description

Advertising accounts managers and creative directors plan, design, organise and direct the advertising activities of an organisation.

Typical entry routes

Entry is generally via career progression from related occupations. There are no pre-set entry standards, but in practice most directors hold a degree. Off and on-the-job training is provided.

Tasks

• liaises with client to discuss product/service to be marketed, defines target group and assesses the suitability of various media
• conceives advertising campaign to impart the desired product image in an effective and economical way, including planning which media to use, such as print, television, radio or online advertising
• reviews and revises campaign in light of sales figures, surveys, etc.
• stays abreast of changes in media, readership or viewing figures and advertising rates
• arranges conferences, exhibitions, seminars, etc. to promote the image of a product, service or organisation

Related job titles

• Account manager (advertising)
• Advertising Manager
• Campaign Manager
• Creative Director
• Projects Manager (advertising)

What the Appendix Skilled Occupations says

The Appendix lists this code in the tables below, with the tables’ own caption and the row as printed. Read the full table, and any condition in it, on GOV.UK.

Table 1: Eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates based on median Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) data

SOC 2020 occupation code

2494 Advertising accounts managers and creative directors

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Advertising account managers
• Creative directors
• Fundraising managers

Going rate (SW – options A and D)

£46,000 (£23.59 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option B)

£41,400 (£21.23 per hour)

80% of going rate (SW – option C)

£36,800 (£18.87 per hour)

70% of going rate (SW – option E)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

Yes

Table 2: Eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates based on 25th percentile Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) data

SOC 2020 occupation code

2494 Advertising accounts managers and creative directors

Equivalent SOC 2010 occupation code(s)

2473

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Advertising account managers
• Creative directors
• Fundraising managers

Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU)

£37,200 (£19.08 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option G)

£33,500 (£17.18 per hour)

80% of going rate (SW – option H)

£29,700 (£15.23 per hour)

70% of going rate (SW – option J, GTR)

£26,000 (£13.33 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

Yes

Other unit groups in minor group 249

• 2491 Newspaper, periodical and broadcast editors
• 2492 Newspaper and periodical broadcast journalists and reporters
• 2493 Public relations professionals

Sources

Occupation text: Office for National Statistics, SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups (file dated 27 August 2026, version V13). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Open Government Licence v3.0. Tables: Home Office, Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations on GOV.UK, page updated 3 August 2026; re-checked against the page updated 8 October 2026 on 26 October 2026, tables unchanged.

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