The news: The US advertising industry is shedding jobs rapidly.

• Between August 2025 and August 2026, employees in advertising, public relations, and related services fell from 482.9 thousand to 476 thousand, a loss of 6,900 jobs.
• The industry lost 800 jobs between July and August of this year alone.

Behind the numbers: AI and consolidation are fueling worker concern about future job security. While AI’s impact on ad employment isn’t yet clear, worker concerns are worsened by continued layoffs across the industry.

• The rise of AI is broadly causing concern among working professionals. 9.5% believe that AI will take their job, while another 29% say it will cause them to change roles within the organization, per Workera.
• 70% of US adults said that AI advancements would likely decrease job opportunities, per Quinnipiac University data.

Layoffs are unlikely to ease in coming months as agencies and firms grapple with a field that is increasingly defined by automation and consolidation, and as economic uncertainty persists.

• The Trade Desk laid off 15% of its staff last week as it faces mounting pressure from walled gardens.
• Omnicom-IPG cut over 8,000 jobs pre-merger and anticipates an additional 15,000 reductions by mid-2028.
• WPP plans to cut “hundreds” of positions this year as it restructures its business around data and AI capabilities.

Recommendations for industry professionals: Ongoing layoffs means that the ad industry jobs that are available will be increasingly competitive. Ad professionals will need to demonstrate a broader mix of technical skills, adaptability, and industry connections to stand out.

• Upskilling is becoming a necessity. Professionals should prioritize developing their skills in AI tools, as AI fluency will become a major requirement for many organizations.
• Adaptability and flexibility are invaluable attributes. The industry is undergoing structural shifts that could require professionals to embrace new roles and additional responsibilities.
• Networking remains critical. Entry-level and internship positions are especially under threat as layoffs mount; active networking may help emerging professionals discover hidden opportunities.

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