What does a media buyer do and why is this profession so in demand?
A media buyer is a specialist responsible for purchasing advertising space and placing ads in various media: the Internet, TV, radio, print media. They work with advertising campaigns, choose optimal channels, platforms and placement formats, analyze the effectiveness and optimize costs.
The demand for such specialists is growing every year. Companies are investing more and more in digital marketing and online advertising, so media buyers who can effectively distribute and place budgets are becoming key figures in advertising and marketing departments.
What media buyer jobs are relevant in 2026?
According to the analysis, the following media buyer vacancies will be in demand in 2026:
- Media buyer (salary $1000-1500)
- Media buyer (salary not specified)
- Finance Manager (Crypto / Affiliate Marketing) (salary $2500-3500)
- #MediaBuyer (salary not specified)
- Vacancy without a name (salary not specified)
As you can see, employers offer both classic media buyer positions and broader roles related to managing advertising budgets and interacting with partners in the cryptocurrency and affiliate marketing fields.
What requirements do employers have for media buyers?
The main requirements for media buyer candidates:
- Experience in digital marketing or media planning of 1-2 years or more
- Knowledge of the basics of advertising procurement: media channels, formats, auctions, performance metrics
- Skills in working with advertising platforms: Google Ads, Facebook Ads, Yandex.Direct, etc.
- Analytical skills: the ability to analyze data and optimize advertising campaigns
- Creativity and flexible thinking to generate non-standard ideas
- Communication skills for interaction with the team and clients
Employers also often prefer candidates with experience in the field of cryptocurrencies, blockchain and affiliate marketing.
How much do media buyers earn in 2026?
According to the analysis, the average media buyer salary in 2026 is:
- $1000-1500 for entry-level
- $2500-3500 for more experienced specialists in managerial positions
It is also worth noting that media buyers working in the cryptocurrency and affiliate marketing fields can expect higher salaries.
How to become a media buyer in 2026?
To become a successful media buyer in 2026, we recommend following these steps:
- Gain basic knowledge in digital marketing: understand the basics of online advertising, performance metrics, and working with advertising platforms.
- Develop analytical skills: learn to analyze data, optimize advertising campaigns, and identify growth points.
- Study the specifics of cryptocurrency and affiliate marketing: this can be an additional advantage when applying for a job.
- Gain practical experience: try yourself as a media buyer in small agencies or startups.
- Develop soft skills: communication, creativity, stress resistance.
By following these recommendations, you will be able to take a sought-after and well-paid position as a media buyer in 2026.