Advertising & Media Jobs in Australia

We place candidates across a wide range of creative and communications disciplines, including copywriters, graphic designers, art directors, account managers, media planners and buyers, content creators, social media managers, publicists, journalists, photographers and communications advisors. We work with agencies, government communications teams, broadcasters, publishers and corporate in-house creative departments.

Not necessarily. While many employers value a relevant degree in communications, marketing, journalism or design, Australian creative industries place significant weight on your portfolio and practical experience. For most roles, a strong body of work will open more doors than your qualification alone. Short courses, internships and freelance projects all contribute to a competitive application.

Salaries vary widely depending on the discipline, seniority and sector. Entry-level roles such as graduate copywriters or junior designers typically start between $50,000 and $65,000. Mid-level account managers, media planners and communications specialists generally earn between $75,000 and $110,000. Senior creative directors, heads of content and strategy leads in major markets can command well above that.

Sydney and Melbourne are the dominant markets, home to the majority of major agencies, broadcasters and publishers. That said, Brisbane and Perth have growing creative sectors, particularly in digital and government communications. Canberra also offers strong demand for communications and public affairs professionals given the concentration of federal agencies. Chandler Macleod recruits across all these markets.

Creative and media roles tend to attract high application volumes, particularly at well-known agencies and media brands. Candidates who stand out typically have a focused, well-presented portfolio, clear examples of campaign or project outcomes, and a specific area of expertise rather than a purely generalist pitch. Tailoring your application to the agency or brand's own tone and style also makes a meaningful difference.

Agency-side roles typically offer exposure to a broader range of clients, faster-paced environments and more varied creative briefs. In-house roles, whether in a corporate, government or not-for-profit setting, tend to offer deeper brand immersion, more predictable hours and in some cases stronger job security. Both pathways are well-represented across the Australian market and the right fit depends largely on your working style and career goals.

Yes, contracting is very common in this sector. Many businesses bring in creative professionals on a project or campaign basis, and a number of experienced practitioners build careers working across multiple clients simultaneously. Chandler Macleod places candidates in both contract and permanent roles, so if you are open to either arrangement it is worth registering your interest regardless of what is currently listed.