Advertising designer

What does an Advertising Designer do? – Tasks and Work Environment

An Advertising Designer works on creating visual concepts for marketing and advertising campaigns. Tasks include developing graphic identities, designing advertisements, and producing material for digital and print media. The work often involves branding, typography, color schemes, and photo editing. Advertising Designers collaborate closely with copywriters, marketing strategists, and clients to ensure messages and expressions are consistent and impactful. The work environment is generally office-based, but remote work opportunities have increased, especially in larger agencies and digital-focused companies. The pace is often fast, with tight deadlines, demanding both creativity and resilience under stress.

Salary Development Over Time

The salary of an Advertising Designer has shown a clear positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,500 SEK per month, increasing slightly to 40 800 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 43 600 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 7.7% from 2022 to 2024. This development can be attributed to increased demand for digital skills within the advertising industry and a generally positive salary trend for creative professions. Competition for experienced advertising professionals has also contributed to rising wages, especially in metropolitan regions where the market is more dynamic. Differences in education level and work experience also influence salary growth, with higher education and specialization offering better earning potential.

Advertising Designer Salary – Complete Overview

• Average Salary: 43 600 SEK/month
• Lowest Salary: 39,200 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, high school education)
• Highest Salary: 48,600 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Highest Salary for Women: 43,500 SEK/month
• Lowest Salary for Women: 39,700 SEK/month
• Hourly Wage (average): 262 SEK
• Gender Pay Gap: Women earn 93% of men's salary (men: 45 000 SEK, women: 41 800 SEK)

Education and Qualifications

To work as an Advertising Designer, a post-secondary education in graphic design, visual communication, or similar creative fields is usually required. Many employers seek a combination of formal education and practical experience, such as internships or trainee programs. Supplementing education with courses in digital tools and software used in the industry is also common.

• Post-secondary education: Vocational higher education or university, 2–4 years
• Courses/Certifications: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, UX/UI design
• Internships: Common during education
• Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of images, color, and form
• Self-study/Online: Recommended to stay updated on new tools

Common Benefits and Compensation

In addition to base salary, Advertising Designers often receive benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and remote work options. Bonuses for major projects, skills development through courses and training, and subsidized lunches or pension schemes are also common in larger companies and agencies.

Competition and Challenges

The competition for roles as an Advertising Designer is intense, especially in larger cities where many educated professionals seek opportunities. Success requires not only technical skills but also a strong portfolio and the ability to adapt quickly to changing digital tools and trends. The creative nature of the profession means tasks and demands can change rapidly, requiring flexibility and continuous skill development. Specializing in areas like digital design or animation can increase chances of securing attractive assignments, but also raises pressure to deliver creative solutions under short deadlines.

Tips for Aspiring Advertising Designers

To succeed as an Advertising Designer, curiosity and initiative are valuable, as employers often value the ability to find innovative solutions to creative challenges. Developing technical skills in key industry software is essential, while an active interest in design trends and visual communication provides an advantage. Self-discipline is important for meeting deadlines and managing a high workload, while teamwork skills facilitate collaboration in projects involving multiple roles. Building and regularly updating a professional portfolio is one of the most effective ways to showcase competence to potential employers. Good communication skills help interpret client needs and translate them into clear design solutions. Finally, embracing feedback as an opportunity for growth is crucial.

Key Facts about Advertising Designers

• Salary Range: 39,200–48,600 SEK/month
• Average Salary: 43 600 SEK/month
• Education Level: Post-secondary education, 2–4 years
• Work Environment: Office-based, often project-based work with deadlines
• Number of Job Vacancies (profession group): 620

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After three to five years in the profession, an Advertising Designer can advance to roles such as Art Director, Creative Director, or specialist in digital design and UX/UI. It is also common to move into project management roles or start a freelance business. According to the Employment Service's forecasts for the "Graphic Designers and similar" profession, there is no specific assessment of future job prospects due to limited data, but currently, there are 620 job openings. The digital transformation and increasing demand for visual communication suggest continued need for skilled Advertising Designers, especially in digital channels and e-commerce.

Frequently Asked Questions about Advertising Designers

• What is the average salary of an Advertising Designer?
  - An Advertising Designer has an average salary of 43 600 SEK per month.
• What do salary differences between men and women look like?
  - Men earn on average 45 000 SEK and women 41 800 SEK, which means women earn 93% of men's salary.
• What education is required to become an Advertising Designer?
  - Post-secondary education in graphic design or visual communication, typically 2–4 years.
• Are there regional salary differences for Advertising Designers?
  - Salary levels can vary between regions, generally higher in metropolitan areas.
• What are the future prospects for Advertising Designers?
  - Currently, there are 620 job openings in the profession, but no specific forecast is available according to the Employment Service.
• What are the most common benefits for Advertising Designers?
  - Wellness allowance, flexible working hours, remote work, and skills development are common benefits.
• How do you build a strong portfolio as an Advertising Designer?
  - By showcasing diverse projects, both from education and internships, and continuously updating with new work.