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Media Planning Senior Manager Salary in the United States

How much does a Media Planning Senior Manager make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Media Planning Senior Manager in the United States is $154,666 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $74.

However, a Media Planning Senior Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $162,927
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $142,121 to $158,990
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $130,699

Key Factors That Influence Media Planning Senior Manager Salaries

A Media Planning Senior Manager'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 Senior Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Media Planning Senior Manager'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 Supervisor (7+ years): $102,023
  • Media Planning Supervisor (7+ years): $97,027
  • Media Planning Manager (7+ years): $114,180
  • Media Planning Senior Manager (7+ years): $154,666
  • Media Planning Director (7+ years): $173,817
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Media Supervisor7+ years$102,023
Media Planning Supervisor7+ years$97,027
Media Planning Manager7+ years$114,180
Media Planning Senior Manager7+ years$154,666
Media Planning Director7+ years$173,817

Top Paying Cities for Media Planning Senior Managers

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: $195,080
  • San Francisco: $192,944
  • Oakland: $188,878

Media Planning Senior Manager Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Media Planning Senior Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $172,846. While startup companies pay approximate $146,210.

Media Planning Senior Manager Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $146,210
Growth Stage 51~500 $154,632
Established 501~5000 $166,905
Enterprise 5000+ $172,846

Media Planning Senior Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Media Planning Senior Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 46% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Media Planning Senior Manager positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Media Planning Senior Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Media Planning Senior Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$193,332$93.025%
Internet$188,693$91.022%
Energy & Utilities$177,866$86.015%
Aerospace & Defense$173,226$83.012%
Telecom$173,226$83.012%

Media Planning Senior Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Media Planning Senior Manager'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 September 01, 2026
$142,121
Average $154,666/year
$158,990
$11,843
Average $12,889/month
$13,249
$2,733
Average $2,974/week
$3,058
$68
Average $74/hour
$76
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $158,990 $13,249 $3,058 $76
Average $154,666 $12,889 $2,974 $74
25th Percentile $142,121 $11,843 $2,733 $68

Media Planning Senior Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Media Planning Senior Manager, 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 Senior Manager Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Advertising Director $171,503 11%
Media Planning Director $173,817 12%

Most common benefits for Media Planning Senior Manager

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Media Planning Senior Manager

Here are companies hiring for Media Planning Senior Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Media Planning Senior Manager

1. Where can a Media Planning Senior Manager earn the most?

A Media Planning Senior Manager's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Media Planning Senior Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Media Planning Senior Manager is $195,080.

2. What is the highest pay for Media Planning Senior Manager?

The highest pay for Media Planning Senior Manager is $162,927.

3. What is the lowest pay for Media Planning Senior Manager?

The lowest pay for Media Planning Senior Manager is $130,699.

4. What are the responsibilities of Media Planning Senior Manager?

Oversees and manages the team responsible for the planning, execution, and optimization of media plans across multiple media channels. Coordinates the client's overall marketing strategy, tactics, message, and objectives. Uses analytics to design innovative strategies to ensure the client's marketing campaigns are accurate, data-driven, and reach the target audience. Oversees campaign tactics and execution to monitor spending, manage budgets, and control pacing, optimization, and timelines for all types of media campaigns. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a director. Typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. Typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Media Planning Senior Manager?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Media Planning Senior Manager roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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