When considering a career in media and creative industries, one of the key factors is understanding the entry-level salary landscape. For aspiring professionals in South Africa, roles such as graphic designers, copywriters, junior journalists, and other related positions offer opportunities for creativity and expression, but they also vary significantly in compensation.
List of Entry-level Jobs in Media and Creative Fields and their Salaries
1. Graphic Designers
Graphic designers are vital in the creation of visual content, often working with brands, agencies, or in-house teams to produce logos, advertising materials, social media graphics, and more.
- Average entry-level salary: R10,000 – R15,000 per month
- Key factors influencing pay: Location (urban vs. rural), size of the company, and the designer’s skill set, such as proficiency in popular tools like Adobe Creative Suite.
2. Copywriters
Copywriters are responsible for creating compelling and persuasive text, whether for advertisements, websites, social media, or product descriptions. Entry-level copywriters may start in advertising agencies, media houses, or work freelance.
- Average entry-level salary: R8,000 – R14,000 per month
- Key factors influencing pay: The complexity of the industry they write for, the company’s size, and whether they work in-house or freelance.
3. Junior Journalists
Journalism remains an exciting but competitive career, where many start their journey in smaller publications or digital media platforms. Junior journalists often handle research, interviews, and reporting on local or niche issues.
- Average entry-level salary: R10,000 – R18,000 per month
- Key factors influencing pay: Type of publication (print, digital, or broadcast), geographic location, and the journalist’s specialization.
4. Social Media Managers
Social media managers oversee content creation, scheduling, and engagement across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter). While senior roles can be lucrative, entry-level positions tend to be more modestly compensated.
- Average entry-level salary: R8,000 – R12,000 per month
- Key factors influencing pay: The company’s size, industry, and the complexity of its social media strategy.
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5. Videographers and Editors
In a digital-first world, videographers and video editors are in demand to create engaging content for social media, websites, and commercials. While many entry-level videographers work on short-term projects or freelance, there are opportunities in production houses and agencies.
- Average entry-level salary: R10,000 – R18,000 per month
- Key factors influencing pay: The specific skills in video production, editing software proficiency, and whether the role is freelance or full-time.
6. Illustrators
Illustrators create images for books, magazines, websites, and other media. Some specialize in animation, while others may focus on hand-drawn or digital art. Freelancing is common in this field.
- Average entry-level salary: R8,000 – R13,000 per month
- Key factors influencing pay: The type of illustration (e.g., animation vs. print), the client’s industry, and freelancing vs. working full-time.
7. Photographers
Photographers may specialize in areas such as event photography, editorial photography, or product photography. Those starting out often take freelance gigs or internships.
- Average entry-level salary: R8,000 – R12,000 per month (varies greatly with freelance work)
- Key factors influencing pay: Portfolio quality, niche specialization, and whether the work is freelance or permanent.
8. Animators
Animators create motion graphics, cartoons, and special effects for TV, film, video games, and online media. Entry-level animators may work in small studios or as freelancers.
- Average entry-level salary: R12,000 – R20,000 per month
- Key factors influencing pay: The complexity of animation required, software skills, and the size of the studio or client.
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Factors Influencing Salaries in Media and Creative Fields
Several factors influence how much an entry-level worker can expect to earn in these fields:
- Location: Larger cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban tend to offer higher salaries compared to smaller towns.
- Industry: Some industries, such as advertising and digital marketing, often pay more than traditional print or broadcast media.
- Freelance vs. Full-time: Freelancers may earn more per project but face income instability, while full-time roles offer consistent pay and benefits.
- Portfolio & Skills: A strong portfolio showcasing diverse skills or niche expertise (e.g., animation, motion graphics) can lead to higher starting salaries.
- Company Size: Larger companies and agencies typically offer higher compensation packages than smaller firms or startups.
How to Boost Your Earning Potential
While entry-level salaries may seem modest, there are ways to boost your earnings early in your career:
- Upskill: Learning additional software tools or marketing strategies (such as SEO for copywriters) can make you more valuable.
- Freelance on the side: Many creative professionals supplement their income through freelance work.
- Network: Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and collaborate on projects to build your reputation and access higher-paying opportunities.
- Niche specializations: Becoming an expert in a specific area like motion design or social media strategy can open up higher-paying roles.
The media and creative industries offer dynamic and rewarding careers, but entry-level salaries can vary greatly depending on your role, location, and skillset. While some positions start modestly, the potential for growth is strong, especially if you’re willing to diversify your skills and build a strong portfolio. If you are passionate about creativity and storytelling, these fields can offer both personal and professional fulfillment with time.