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Account Director, Account Manager
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Advertising account executives are the link between ad agencies and their clients. Their work varies depending on the agency and the type of account. But in general, they:
They may also be expected to bring in new business.
Advertising account executives usually work in offices in large cities. They may need to travel from time to time. Account executives may increasingly have opportunities to work remotely.
Dealing with difficult clients or unexpected challenges can be stressful. Advertising account executives may also need to work long, irregular hours to meet deadlines.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in analyzing advertising needs of establishments; and in developing advertising campaigns and in evaluating promotional and marketing results against budgeted sales, costs, profits and effect on future sales
Interest in consulting with managers of establishments on advertising needs; and in advising clients on advertising and sales promotion strategies
Interest in implementing advertising campaigns for print and electronic media
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Advertising account executives need:
They should enjoy the world of advertising, as well as consulting with people and analyzing client needs.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 108 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Mar 27, 2025 and Jul 10, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Develop marketing strategies | 59 |
|---|---|
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 55 |
| Tasks: Assist in the preparation of brochures, reports, newsletters and other material | 52 |
| Tasks: Prepare written material such as reports, briefs, website content | 50 |
| Tasks: Gather, research and prepare communications material | 48 |
| Tasks: Advise clients on advertising or sales promotion strategies | 47 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 47 |
| Tasks: Co-ordinate special publicity events and promotions | 45 |
| Attention to detail | 45 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 44 |
Advertising account executives specialize in marketing and communications. They need computer software skills, related experience, and related post-secondary education. This could include a 2-year diploma in advertising or marketing or a bachelor’s degree in commerce, management, business administration, psychology, or sociology. Recommended courses include marketing, market research, economics, statistics, accounting, communication arts, and consumer psychology.
Some employers may require a master’s degree for higher positions (for example, a master of business administration, or experience in a certain industry, such as retail, insurance, or health care).
Suitable post-secondary programs are offered across Alberta. For information, see the Marketing Manager occupational profile.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Advertising account executives work at ad agencies and in the advertising departments of large companies.
Most account executives start their careers in junior positions. Advancement usually means dealing with higher-profile clients and bigger campaigns. In agencies, successful account executives may move up to account manager, supervisor, or account director positions.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations
2016 NOC: 1123
78.2% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Advertising account executives may be paid a salary or work on a contract basis.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $21.63 | $71.86 | $42.69 | $41.12 |
| Overall | $25.48 | $84.63 | $50.27 | $48.08 |
| Top | $26.63 | $107.28 | $58.88 | $57.69 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $99,752 |
|---|---|
| Construction | $109,883 |
| Manufacturing | $95,484 |
| Wholesale Trade | $99,814 |
| Retail Trade | $98,968 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $63,286 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $79,344 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $95,592 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $109,100 |
| Educational Services | $91,905 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $94,780 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | $78,506 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $91,281 |
| Public Administration | $119,005 |
Association of Canadian Advertisers (ACA) website: acaweb.ca
Institute of Communications Agencies website: www.lbbonline.com/companies/institute-of-communications-agencies
Institute of Canadian Agencies website: theica.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 17, 2023. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
