By 
The UK advertising industry is currently facing two significant crises: the ongoing cost of living challenge and a deep-seated diversity issue.
The average starting salary in the advertising sector is now approximately $30,000, which is only slightly more than entry-level jobs offered 15 years ago. In real terms, this reflects a 35% decline in starting salaries. Consequently, those who cannot rely on financial support from their families are effectively excluded from pursuing careers in this industry. This disconnects the sector from the realities of today’s living costs.
Unsurprisingly, the industry experienced its highest rate of staff turnover in over a decade last year. Factors such as burnout and inadequate pay have contributed to advertising losing its appeal in attracting and retaining creative talent. Despite the fact that advertising requires no formal qualifications—relying instead on skills and experience that can be learned on the job—low starting salaries prevent individuals from lower-income backgrounds from affording a job in the industry. This is evident in the fact that only 8.1% of the 1.9 million jobs in the creative industries are occupied by individuals from underrepresented groups.
Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) highlights the often-overlooked aspect of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)—Access. It shows that young people from privileged backgrounds are five times more likely to succeed in the creative industries than their less privileged counterparts. Additionally, the advertising sector is unique in that few people transition into it later in their careers. Therefore, attracting and retaining diverse entry-level talent is essential for the industry’s future success.
As advertisers, our primary goal is to create work that is both memorable and meaningful. Achieving this requires a wide range of perspectives, ideas, and approaches from all walks of life. The current barriers to entry stifle innovation, limiting the industry’s potential.
In response, we at Pablo have introduced the ‘Pablo Living Wage,’ committing to raise our minimum annual salary for all full-time staff to $37,500. We hope this initiative will act as a catalyst for change within the advertising industry—a change we are encouraged to see others like St. Lukes and Neverland also pledging to implement.
The industry urgently needs new and diverse voices. As business leaders, it is our responsibility to create pathways that ensure advertising is an accessible career option for everyone, where people not only survive but thrive from day one.