AD Assistant

What does an AD assistant do? – Tasks and work environment

An AD assistant, or art director assistant, works closely with an art director and assists in creative tasks within advertising, media, design, and set design. The duties often include creating sketches, assisting in developing visual concepts, coordinating productions, and handling administrative tasks related to design projects. The AD assistant acts as a link between creative teams and production, requiring both technical and artistic understanding. The work environment is usually office-based, with studio elements and sometimes on-site work during photoshoots or recordings. The profession often involves a high pace and demands flexibility, especially around deadlines and major projects.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for an AD assistant has shown steady growth. In 2022, the average monthly salary was 38,300 SEK, increasing to 39100 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 41 100 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 7.3% during this period. This positive trend can be explained by increased demand for creative skills in digital media and design, as employers compete for experienced staff. The salary increase is somewhat higher than the average for similar professions, possibly due to the industry’s digitalization and the need for specialized skills in visual storytelling. Although the role is an assistant position, experience and technical skills are increasingly valued in the job market.

AD assistant salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 41 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 36,200 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 45,600 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 247 SEK
• Women: 40 200 SEK/month (91% of men’s salary)
• Men: 44,400 SEK/month
• Regional differences: No specific statistics available

Education and qualifications

To work as an AD assistant, a high school education in media, art, or design is usually required, often supplemented by post-secondary studies in graphic design, visual communication, or similar. Practical experience through internships or trainee programs is common, as employers value portfolios and practical skills. Self-study and online courses in current design tools can also be advantageous.

• High school education: Aesthetic programs, 3 years
• Post-secondary education: YH training or university in design/graphic arts, 2–3 years
• Certifications: Courses in Adobe Creative Suite, UX/UI, or digital design
• Internships: Strongly recommended, often a requirement for employment
• Prerequisites: Basic design principles and digital tools
• Tips: Build a strong portfolio and continuously update your skills

Common benefits and compensation

AD assistants are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and the possibility of remote work when needed. Other common benefits include skills development, subsidized lunches, and access to creative tools. Some employers also offer bonuses linked to projects or performance, as well as occupational pensions and insurance.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as an AD assistant is relatively high, especially in metropolitan areas where many creative educations are available. Since the profession is often an entry point to further roles within design and advertising, many young and driven candidates seek these positions. A challenge is that the role requires both technical skills and good collaboration abilities, and workload can vary depending on project cycles. Lack of experience or a weak portfolio can hinder entry, so it is important to continuously update your knowledge to stay competitive. The profession is broad, and tasks and requirements vary between employers.

Tips for those who want to become an AD assistant

To succeed as an AD assistant, it’s good to be curious and show engagement with both technology and creativity. A keen eye for detail combined with good organizational skills makes it easier to handle multiple projects and deliver high quality. Being attentive and cooperative facilitates teamwork with art directors and other creatives, and the ability to quickly learn new digital tools is a great advantage. Building an updated portfolio that shows variety and work samples, along with staying informed about trends in design and advertising, is beneficial. Good stress resilience and flexibility are appreciated, as the pace is often high and deadlines tight. Finally, it’s important to be open to feedback and use it to develop further in the profession.

Key facts about AD assistant

• Education level: High school + post-secondary education in design
• Work environment: Office-based, often project-oriented and creative
• Employment type: Full-time, sometimes project or hourly employment
• Demand: 620 job openings within the profession
• Gender distribution: Women earn 91% of what men do

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as an AD assistant, it is common to progress to roles such as art director, graphic designer, or project manager within advertising and media. Some choose to specialize in digital design, UX/UI, or animation, while others move into more strategic marketing roles. The Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts for interior decorators, decorators, and set designers currently do not provide a clear assessment of job opportunities, mainly due to limited data. Nevertheless, there are 620 job openings in the industry, indicating ongoing demand. The industry’s development is influenced by digitalization and changing work methods, which can create new opportunities for those who are flexible and updated on new technology.

Common questions about AD assistant

• What does an AD assistant earn?
  - An AD assistant has an average monthly salary of 41 100 SEK, with variations depending on experience, gender, and sector.
• What education is required to become an AD assistant?
  - Usually, high school education in aesthetic subjects and post-secondary studies in design or graphic design are required.
• What is the work environment like for an AD assistant?
  - The work environment is often creative and office-based, with elements of project work and periods of high tempo.
• Are there gender differences in salaries for AD assistants?
  - Yes, women earn on average 91% of what men do in the profession.
• What career paths are available for AD assistants?
  - Common career paths include advancing to art director, graphic designer, or project manager within creative industries.
• What are the future prospects?
  - There is no clear forecast for the profession, but within the industry, there are 620 job openings, indicating demand.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for an AD assistant?
  - The highest salary is 45,600 SEK and the lowest is 36,200 SEK per month.