Running online ads in 2026 is a decision many UK business owners are strongly considering. And if you’re one of them, then you’re also interested in knowing how much it will cost to hire a paid ads manager.
While online ads are a great way to reach more customers, get more visibility and make more sales, doing it yourself without sufficient experience and skill is the fastest way to burn through your budget.
A lot has been changing in the online advertising space recently, so it makes sense to hire an expert that specialises in running online ads, especially since running the ads yourself would be on top of the other hundreds of tasks you already handle for your business.
In this article, we cover the base cost of hiring a paid ads manager by experience level, the additional costs most businesses overlook, the total cost of employment, the factors that affect what you pay, and the hiring options available if the numbers do not fit your budget.
What is the Base Cost of Hiring a Paid Ads Manager in the UK (2026)?
The current National Minimum Wage in the UK is £12.71 per hour for workers aged 21 and over, according to GOV.UK. The salary figures used throughout this article reflect the current 2026 rates.
When hiring a paid ads manager, salary expectations typically depend on their level of experience, platform expertise, and proven ability to manage profitable advertising campaigns.
The table below shows the typical base cost of hiring a paid ads manager with experience ranging from entry level to 5+ years.
| Experience level | Years of experience | Hourly | Monthly (approx.) | Yearly (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level | 0 – 3 years | £12.71 – £14.50 | £2,200 – £2,510 | £26,400 – £30,120 |
| Mid-level | 3 – 5 years | £14.50 – £16.50 | £2,510 – £2,860 | £30,120 – £34,320 |
| Senior-level | 5+ years | £16.50 – £19.00 | £2,860 – £3,290 | £34,320 – £39,520 |
For a wider picture on salary data, platforms like Jooble and Indeed suggest that UK paid ads managers or paid search managers typically earn between £24,477 and £44,257 per year, with variations based on experience and location.
What are the Additional Costs of Hiring a Paid Ads Manager?
Aside from the base pay, there are other costs that factor into hiring a full-time paid ads manager:
- Employer National Insurance
When you hire a paid ads manager as an employee, you’ll also need to pay Employer National Insurance contributions, which is 15% on earnings above a certain threshold in 2026. This adds to the overall cost of employment beyond the manager’s salary and should be factored into your hiring budget. - Auto Enrolment Pension
UK employers are required to contribute to a workplace pension scheme for eligible employees. While pension contributions may seem like a small percentage of the overall salary, they are an ongoing employment cost that increases the total expense of hiring a paid ads manager. - Paid Leave & Public Holidays
Employees are entitled to paid annual leave, meaning you continue paying your Paid Ads Manager even when they are away from work. Businesses may also need additional support to monitor campaigns, respond to issues, or maintain performance during holiday periods. - Equipment and Software
A paid ads manager needs access to advertising platforms, analytics tools, reporting software, and other marketing resources to effectively manage campaigns. While your ad spend is separate from their salary, the tools and subscriptions required for campaign management can add to the overall cost. For an in-house or remote employee, you may also need to provide equipment such as laptops and monitors, which increases the initial investment. - Onboarding and Training
New paid ads managers need time to understand your business, target audience, offers, previous campaigns, and internal processes. This onboarding period requires input from managers and team members before they can independently manage campaigns and deliver results. - Recruitment or Job Board Fees
Hiring a paid ads manager can involve advertising the role, using job boards, screening applicants, conducting interviews, and potentially working with recruitment services. These costs can add up before the right candidate even joins your team.
Here is what these additional costs typically add up to for a full-time paid ads manager:
| Additional Costs | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Employer National Insurance | £3,200 – £5,200 |
| Auto Enrolment Pension | £800 – £1,200 |
| Paid Holiday Cover (28 days) | £2,400 – £3,500 |
| Equipment and Software | £800 – £1,500 |
| Onboarding and Training | £500 – £2,000 |
| Recruitment or Job Board Fees | £1,000 – £3,000 |
| Total Additional Costs | £8,700 – £16,400 |
What is the Total Cost?
Having covered the base pay and additional costs, the estimated total cost to hire a paid ads manager in the UK in 2026 typically looks like this:
| Experience Level | Base Annual Salary | Total Additional Costs | Total Monthly Cost | Total Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 – 3 years | £26,400 – £30,200 | £8,700 – £12,800 | £2,920 – £3,550 | £35,100 – £42,920 |
| 3 – 5 years | £30,120 – £34,320 | £9,600 – £14,400 | £3,310 – £4,060 | £39,720 – £48,720 |
| 5+ years | £34,320 – £39,520 | £11,400 – £16,400 | £3,810 – £4,660 | £45,720 – £55,920 |
Key Factors That Affect the Cost of Hiring a Paid Ads Manager
When hiring a paid ads manager, several factors influence the cost, including:
- Experience level
More experienced paid ads managers typically charge higher rates because they bring deeper knowledge of advertising platforms, stronger campaign strategies, better optimisation skills, and a proven track record of improving ROI. - Industry
Some industries, such as SaaS, finance, healthcare, eCommerce, and real estate, often require more specialised advertising knowledge. Businesses in these sectors may pay more for managers who understand complex customer journeys and can create campaigns that drive profitable results. - Location
Hiring costs can vary significantly depending on where the paid ads manager is based. Managers in cities with higher living costs often charge more, while remote hiring gives businesses access to skilled professionals from regions with lower costs without being limited by geography.
Affordable Ways to Hire Paid Ads Support in the UK
Many UK businesses need marketing support but can’t justify the cost of hiring a full-time local employee. If that sounds like your situation, here are a few practical alternatives to consider.
- Hire Part-Time
If your workload doesn’t require a full-time employee, hiring someone part-time allows you to pay only for the hours you actually need, helping you keep costs under control. - Hire Interns
If you already have an experienced paid ads manager on your team, bringing in interns or entry-level talent can be a smart long-term investment. While training takes time, it can pay off by developing capable team members at a lower cost. - Hire Freelancers
Freelancers are ideal for businesses that need flexible, project-based support without the ongoing commitment and expense of a permanent hire. - Hire Offshore
This is where many businesses are saving the most right now. You can partner with Arwana to hire experienced and dedicated paid ads manager based overseas, at a fraction of the cost of hiring locally, with no recruitment fees and no long-term contracts.
Conclusion
Hiring a paid ads manager can help your business generate more leads, sales, and revenue while making the most of your advertising budget. With the information in this article, you should now have a clearer understanding of what it costs to hire a paid ads manager in the UK.
If you’re a small business with a limited hiring budget, consider a part-time, freelance, or remote paid ads manager. These options give you access to experienced advertising professionals while keeping your hiring costs flexible.
If a remote hire sounds like the right fit, Arwana connects UK businesses with dedicated remote paid ads managers from £699 a month.
