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Associate Media Planner Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for a Media Strategy Associate to join our dynamic media department. In this ... This role offers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in media planning for a nationally ...

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Associate Media Planner information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$82.4K

$143.6K

How much do associate media planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate media planner in California is $82,406.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,400.00 and $123,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are typical challenges an associate media planner might face when working on multiple campaigns simultaneously?

As an Associate Media Planner, managing several campaigns at once can be challenging due to tight deadlines, shifting client priorities, and the need to coordinate with various internal and external stakeholders. You may need to balance competing demands while ensuring that each campaign is executed accurately and efficiently. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and clear communication are essential for handling overlapping timelines and making sure that deliverables meet clients’ expectations.

What is the difference between Associate Media Planner vs Media Buyer?

AspectAssociate Media PlannerMedia Buyer
ResponsibilitiesAssists in developing media strategies, research, and campaign planningExecutes media placements, negotiates with vendors, and manages ad buys
Skills & CertificationsKnowledge of media planning tools, basic analytics, and industry standardsNegotiation skills, familiarity with media platforms, and industry certifications
Work EnvironmentCollaborative team setting within advertising agencies or media firmsFast-paced environment focused on media transactions and placements

While both roles work within media and advertising, the Associate Media Planner primarily supports campaign planning and research, whereas the Media Buyer focuses on executing media buys and negotiations. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and employer expectations in media advertising.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an associate media planner?

To thrive as an Associate Media Planner, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a degree in marketing, advertising, or a related field. Familiarity with media planning tools such as Nielsen, comScore, and buying platforms like MediaOcean or Prisma is commonly required. Excellent communication, organization, and teamwork abilities help you collaborate effectively with clients and internal teams. These skills ensure strategic media placements that maximize campaign impact and meet client objectives efficiently.

What does an associate media planner do?

An Associate Media Planner assists in developing and executing media strategies for advertising campaigns. They research target audiences, analyze media consumption habits, and help select the most effective channels to reach potential customers. Their duties often include creating media schedules, tracking campaign performance, and coordinating with vendors. This role is typically entry-level and provides a foundation for advancing within the field of media planning.

What are the most commonly searched types of Media Planner jobs in California?

The most popular types of Media Planner jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Media Planner jobs in California?

For Associate Media Planner jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Media Planner jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Media Planner jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Associate Media Planner jobs?

Cities in California with the most Associate Media Planner job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Media Planner jobs in CA?

For Associate Media Planner jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Associate Media Planner job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,406 per year, or $39.6 per hour.

Associate Media Planner, Strategy & Planning

Quigley-Simpson & Heppelwhite

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$26 - $27/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Summary:

The Associate Media Planner coordinates everyday media operations and collaborates closely with all staff levels, including other departments within the agency and with business partners in the planning, execution, and administration of media activities for the client. Core accountabilities include—but are not limited to—the following:

Core Accountabilities:

  • Develop a deep understanding of the client’s business
  • Assist the media strategy and planning team with day-to-day operations, including media research and analysis, planning, campaign administration, invoice and billing reconciliation, and reporting
  • Maintain team status report, and compile notes following any partner or client meeting; organize and maintain internal files
  • Assist in the maintenance of tactical components of client media campaigns, such as buy details, flowcharts, spreadsheets, budget summaries, and budget reconciliation creation and upkeep
  • Assist in daily campaign maintenance, including tracking, spend pacing, report preparation
  • Assist with campaign analysis and optimization recommendations
  • Gather market and media research; compile competitive spend reports where needed

Academic/Educational Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree

Requirements:

  • High comfort level with technology: PC proficiency and familiarity with MS Office, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
  • Excellent writing skills: ability to provide logical, persuasive, positive communications that develop client rapport and trust
  • Strong ability in math: understand numerical relationships, and easily create pivot tables to best convey data
  • Previous exposure to the media planning process or media resources (such as Innovid, Comscore, Prisma/Mediaocean, Telmar [MRI], GuideLine Planning/MediaTools, Mediaocean OX, Commspoint, or DoubleVerify is a plus, but not required

How You’ll Excel in Your Role:

  • Attention to detail is essential
  • Ability to work well both independently and within a team, maintaining a positive attitude; team player
  • Ability to deliver on deadlines and prioritize tasks in order of importance
  • Curiosity/desire to learn; because the media landscape is constantly changing, it’s imperative that you continue to educate yourself and stay up on industry news
  • Adaptable to working with different workstyles and contributing to the core values and culture Quigley-Simpson upholds
  • Have fun! Don’t be afraid to take risks. Quigley-Simpson’s goal is for you to grow in what brings you joy in your responsibilities and to foster that momentum.


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