Paid Media Executive
Also advertised as: Media Buyer, Paid Media Executive, Paid Search Executive, Paid Social Executive, Performance Marketing Executive, PPC Executive
Plans and runs paid advertising campaigns across search and social platforms.
What the job involves
Paid media executives set up and optimise adverts on platforms such as Google Ads and Meta, managing budgets to hit cost and conversion targets. You test different ad creative and audiences, then report back on what delivered the best return on spend. It is a fast-moving role where daily numbers show whether a campaign is working.
Typical responsibilities
- Set up and launch paid search and social campaigns
- Manage daily advertising budgets
- Test ad creative and targeting to improve performance
- Report on campaign results against targets
- Liaise with clients or stakeholders on strategy
Common employers
- Media and performance agencies
- E-commerce brands
- In-house marketing teams
Pay, hours and working environment
Typical pay
£23,000 – £28,000 a year
With experience
£34,000 – £48,000 a year
Typical hours
37.5 hours
Working environment
Office based or hybrid
Remote working
hybrid
Demand for this work
high
Pay ranges are indicative guidance drawn from advertised UK vacancies and published careers information. They are not an offer, and actual pay varies by employer, location and experience.
Skills and qualifications
Core skills
- Google Ads and Meta Ads platforms
- Budget management
- Data analysis
- A/B testing
- Reporting
Transferable skills you may already have
- Managing a budget
- Spreadsheet-based reporting
- Testing and iterating on ideas
Requirements employers ask for
- Google Ads and Meta Ads platforms
- Budget management
- Data analysis
- A/B testing
- Reporting
- No formal qualification required
Useful but not essential
- Managing a budget
- Spreadsheet-based reporting
- Testing and iterating on ideas
- Google Ads certification
- Degree in marketing
Helpful qualifications
- Google Ads certification
- Degree in marketing
Ways into this career
A degree is only one route. Where an apprenticeship, work-experience or qualification route exists, it is listed here alongside the academic option.
Apprenticeships and work-based routes
- Digital Marketer (Level 3)
Degree and college routes
- Related subject: Marketing
- Related subject: Business
- Related subject: Digital media
Where this career can lead
next
Paid Media Manager
next
Performance Marketing Manager
next
Head of Paid Media
The good parts and the hard parts
What people enjoy
- Direct link between your work and business revenue
- Certifications are free and quick to gain
- Agencies offer fast progression for strong performers
What people find hard
- Client budgets and expectations can be tight
- Platform changes require constant relearning
Common questions
- Do you need a degree to become a paid media executive?
- No. As well as degree routes, this career can be entered through an apprenticeship or by building experience and qualifications on the job. not_required
- How much does a paid media executive earn in the UK?
- Typical advertised pay runs from £23,000 to £28,000 a year, rising towards £48,000 with experience. Figures are indicative guidance rather than an offer.
- What skills transfer into this career?
- Skills that transfer well include Managing a budget, Spreadsheet-based reporting, Testing and iterating on ideas.
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Where this information comes from
- National Careers Service
- Institute for Apprenticeships
Last reviewed 14 September 2026.
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