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Media Planning & Strategy Associate I Salary in the United States

How much does a Media Planning & Strategy Associate I make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Media Planning & Strategy Associate I in the United States is $56,103 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.

However, a Media Planning & Strategy Associate I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $62,942
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $51,803 to $59,683
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $47,888
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View as table View as graph 25% $51,803 10% $47,888 90% $62,942 75% $59,683 $56,103 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Media Planning & Strategy Associate I Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $59,683 $4,974 $1,148 $29
Average $56,103 $4,675 $1,079 $27
25th Percentile $51,803 $4,317 $996 $25
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Key Factors That Influence Media Planning & Strategy Associate I Salaries

A Media Planning & Strategy Associate I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Media Planning & Strategy Associate Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Media Planning & Strategy Associate I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Media Planning & Strategy Associate I (0-2 years): $56,083
  • Marketing Media Planning Specialist II (2-4 years): $67,727
  • Marketing Media Buying Specialist III (4-7 years): $87,794
  • Marketing Media Planning Specialist IV (7+ years): $115,361
  • Media Supervisor (7+ years): $101,844
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Media Planning & Strategy Associate I0-2 years$56,083
Marketing Media Planning Specialist II2-4 years$67,727
Marketing Media Buying Specialist III4-7 years$87,794
Marketing Media Planning Specialist IV7+ years$115,361
Media Supervisor7+ years$101,844
$56,083 Media Pla...
$67,727 Marketing...
$87,794 Marketing...
$115,361 Marketing...
$101,844 Media Sup...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Media Planning & Strategy Associate Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $70,753
  • San Francisco: $69,983
  • Oakland: $68,503

Media Planning & Strategy Associate I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Media Planning & Strategy Associate I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $62,804. While startup companies pay approximate $53,131.

Media Planning & Strategy Associate I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$53,131
Growth Stage51~500$56,192
Established501~5000$60,648
Enterprise5000+$62,804

Media Planning & Strategy Associate I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Media Planning & Strategy Associate I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Media Planning & Strategy Associate positions in Transportation or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Media Planning & Strategy Associate I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Media Planning & Strategy Associate I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$67,324$32.020%
Pharmaceuticals$67,324$32.020%
Software & Networking$67,324$32.020%
Biotechnology$64,518$31.015%
Internet$64,518$31.015%

Media Planning & Strategy Associate I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Media Planning & Strategy Associate I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026

Media Planning & Strategy Associate I Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Media Planning & Strategy Associate I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Media Planning & Strategy Associate I Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Advertising Specialist II $77,200 38%
Marketing Media Planning Specialist II $67,800 21%

Salary Trends for Media Planning & Strategy Associate I

Salaries for a Media Planning & Strategy Associate I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary from $47,323 in 2023 to around $47,323 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Media Planning & Strategy Associate I salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Media Planning & Strategy Associate I Over Time

2023
$???
2024
$47,323
2025
$???
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2023
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2024 $47,323
2025
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2026
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2027
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Most common benefits for Media Planning & Strategy Associate I

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Media Planning & Strategy Associate I

Here are companies hiring for Media Planning & Strategy Associate I and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Media Planning & Strategy Associate I Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Media Planning & Strategy Associate I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
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FAQ about Media Planning & Strategy Associate I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Media Planning & Strategy Associate I?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Media Planning & Strategy Associate I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. How do I get a job in media planning?

To get a job in media planning, you typically need a bachelor's degree in marketing or advertising and 2-4 years of related experience. Strong research skills and a curiosity to learn are essential. As a Media Planning & Strategy Associate, you can expect a salary ranging from $54,753 to $70,243, with a midpoint of $61,723.

3. What is the highest salary for a media planner?

The highest salary for a Media Planning & Strategy Associate is approximately $70,243. The salary range typically starts at $54,753 and can go up to $70,243, with a midpoint around $61,723. This reflects the competitive nature of the role in the industry.

4. Is media planning a stressful job?

Media planning can be a demanding job, often requiring over 50 hours a week to meet tight deadlines for client proposals. While the advertising industry is inherently stressful, the financial rewards can be significant, with salaries ranging from $54,753 to $70,243. The satisfaction of delivering successful campaigns can make the challenges worthwhile.

5. How much do media strategists make?

Media Planning & Strategy Associates typically earn between $54,753 and $70,243 annually, with a median salary of $61,723. While some cities may offer higher salaries, this range reflects the general compensation for this role.

6. What does a media associate do?

A Media Planning & Strategy Associate is responsible for developing and executing media plans to effectively reach target audiences. They analyze market trends, manage budgets, and collaborate with creative teams to optimize campaigns. The salary for this role typically ranges from $54,753 to $70,243, with a midpoint of $61,723, reflecting the associate's experience and expertise.

7. What is the salary of a social media strategist per month?

The estimated total pay for a Media Planning & Strategy Associate is approximately $4,562 per month, with a median salary of around $5,102 per month. This range is based on a minimum salary of $54,753, a mid-salary of $61,723, and a maximum salary of $70,243, reflecting the midpoint of the salary data collected.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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