Media buyer jobs: what it is, skills and salaries in 2026

Who is a media buyer and what do they do?

A media buyer is a specialist responsible for purchasing advertising placements and media resources for their company or clients' advertising campaigns. Their tasks include market analysis, selection of optimal advertising channels, negotiation with publishers, planning and implementation of media strategies.

The demand for media buyer profession

The media buyer profession is becoming increasingly in demand in 2026. This is due to the growing volume of advertising budgets and the increasing complexity of the media landscape: new digital channels are emerging, analytical tools are developing, and requirements for the effectiveness of placements are increasing. All this requires advertisers to attract professional media buyers.

Skills and competencies of a media buyer

Analytical thinking and ability to work with data
Knowledge of advertising channels, formats and market trends
Negotiation and vendor management skills
Creativity and strategic thinking
Experience in media campaign planning and performance analysis

Media buyer salaries in 2026

According to current data, the average media buyer salary in 2026 is:

Entry-level: $2000-3000
Mid-level: $3000-4500
Experienced professionals: $4500-6000

Media buyer's income depends on their level of qualification, work experience, company size and region. Specialists with experience in large agencies or advertisers can expect higher salaries.

Where to find media buyer job openings

Relevant media buyer job openings can be found on specialized job portals, social networks (LinkedIn, Facebook) and on the websites of recruitment agencies. Vacancies are also often posted on the websites of large advertising, marketing and digital agencies.

Examples of relevant media buyer job openings:

Media Buyer ($2000-5000)
Media buyer (no salary indicated)
Media buyer ($1000-1500)
Finance Manager (Crypto / Affiliate Marketing) ($2500-3500)
#MediaBuyer (no salary indicated)

Conclusion

The media buyer profession remains in demand and promising in 2026. It requires a combination of analytical, creative and communication skills. The average media buyer salary ranges from $2000 to $6000 depending on experience and level. Vacancies can be found on specialized job portals, social networks and on the websites of recruitment agencies.