MLM Directory

Agency versus Corporate Marketing Compensation?

After working as a software developer and then getting an MBA with a Marketing focus, I'm starting a new career. I'm considering the differences between working at an Ad/Marketing Agency in an account role (e.g. Account Executive) or working in Marketing at a corporation (e.g. product management or communications, etc.). How do agency salaries compare to corporate (short term and long term)? If agency salaries are lower, do they balance it with bonus/commission or other types of compensation? I'm looking at the Seattle area if that's relevant. In either corporate or agency marketing I may have a tech focus due to my background.

Public Comments

1. AE in marketing agent has more upside potential, if you are a good salesperson - no, they don't "balance" it with a bonus - but mostly commission - expect base to be very nominal - they're paying you to sell, not to sit on your duff. Being an employee is a more steady salary, less upside potential, but then, if you slack a bit, it won't cost you in the paycheck department. My advice (hey, I was an application and network architect, been there, done that), I would work for the corporation - once you are a "customer", you make a much more effective "salesperson".