Want a role that lets you make a living using your creative skills on the job? Good choice. New research from the placement experts at Robert Half suggests that there are some lucrative career options that will be in demand over the next year for people with a creative flair.
And, despite the ongoing cloud of COVID-19 hanging over many sectors, depending on the specific employer policies, all of these roles can reasonably be performed remotely. So, whatever happens with lockdowns or limitations, if you have the creative chops and a decent internet connection, you can still get the job done.
Here are some well-paying gigs for creatives
User experience (UX)
This continues to be a hot job with fewer candidates available than the market demands. UX designers/directors ensure that websites are easy to use, pleasant to visit with a modern and intuitive look and feel, and provide visitors with a positive experience.
From designers to directors, the median salary ranges from $85,000 – $125,000.
Creative director
These marketing professionals are responsible for the quality of all creative department projects, managing the creative team and process from conception to delivery. They take ownership of the overall production of advertising and marketing collateral and ensure that brand standards are met across various media.
Robert Half estimates a median salary of $117,000 for Creative Directors.
Demand generation manager
Demand generation managers bridge the divide between marketing and sales. They develop and deliver demand generation (leads) programs such as email marketing or digital advertising to create sales opportunities and reach new potential clients. They need a deep understanding of the target market, the products, and the customer journey. This role involves marketing creativity, as well as research and analytics abilities.
Professionals in this role can expect a median salary of $89,250.
Marketing director
Marketing managers play a variety of roles are responsible for a company’s public messaging and communications, from brand audits to advertising, from social media to public relations. Along with solid communications and creative skills, marketing directors also need solid business, project management, and budgeting abilities. Many companies require an MBA.
Robert Half estimates a median salary of $109,000 for this job.
Front-end web developer
While the UX designer has mapped out how the business’ internet and intranet sites should function, the front-end developer makes it work. Ensuring fast, smooth, and glitch-free functionality of users, these professionals write code for web- and mobile-based applications. They require a keen understanding of the entire web development process, from mock-ups to development, from launch to maintenance.
The position has a median salary of $88,000.
Advertising account director
Advertising account directors will take the lead on accounts within an advertising agency setting. They make sure that the creative work delivered addresses the client’s stated goals. They need solid communication, negotiation, and presentation skills. These are creative professionals with honed business acumen. They are typically experienced team leaders and proven problem solvers.
Account directors earn a median salary of just over $100,000.
PR director
These professionals are media and public relations experts who are responsible for planning and directing the creation of messaging and material to maintain or enhance the public image of their employer or their client. They need to be savvy with traditional and digital media strategies as well as develop and foster positive relations with both client and media contacts as well as online influencers.
The median salary for a PR director is $98,000.
Brand/product manager
Brand managers are responsible for the brand strategies and marketing programs of a specific product line or a business overall. They coordinate market research and pricing, product supply and sales, and product development to meet strategic business objectives.
Brand and product managers need to have strong writing skills, relationship management, and presentations abilities. Many brand managers have a degree in communications, marketing, or business.
The median salary for a brand manager is $90,500.
Show don’t tell
One of the best ways to get hired for a creative role is to demonstrate (rather than describe) your ability. So, don’t say that you are creative – get creative. Have a portfolio of your work ready. Don’t just tell employers that you are a fantastic designer, be prepared to show samples of your work. If you haven’t produced any relevant material professionally – create some. Find out who your potential employer’s clients are and write some winning samples of what you could do for them.
The same goes for graphics, copywriting or PR positions. To stand out from the competition, candidates need to demonstrate that they understand the specific role, have the skills to do it, and are prepared to go the extra mile.
See marketing and advertising jobs available right now on CareerBeacon.
Salary data and job demand provided by research from Robert Half. View their complete list of top 14 creative jobs for 2021.