When we first set up our agency compensation structure in 2022, we spent time understanding what freshers in advertising were being paid. We reviewed starting salaries at 44 agencies across both networks and independents, for roles like junior account executives and junior creatives. These are usually first jobbers or recent grads. The average salary at the time was ₹3.67L. Even with a 5% margin of error, this settles ₹3.85L. We knew we didn’t want to start there.
Talented began with a base salary of ₹6L in 2022. In 2023–24, this was revised to ₹6.5L. In 2025, we’re taking a bigger step forward.
The new minimum base pay at Talented as on Apr’ 25 is ₹8L per annum.
This is the floor for all full-time hires regardless of role, background, or experience. Even if you’re entering the industry for the very first time, you’ll start at no less than ₹8L per annum.
Advertising has long underpaid its youngest and newest talent. We believe that raising the bar here is one of the most effective ways to shift the kind of talent the industry attracts, and as a result, the kind of work it produces.