Marketing Salaries: How Much Does a Digital Marketer Make?
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- According to the BLS, marketing managers earned a median income of $133,380 in May 2021.
- Digital marketing professionals in states like New York, Virginia, and Delaware earn the most.
- Most digital marketing positions only require a bachelor's degree.
- Pursuing a master's in digital marketing may lead to higher-paying positions in this field.
Digital marketers help brands reach their target audiences through social media, websites, and mobile apps. They work with a team of photographers, designers, and writers to garner attention for their employers or clients. These professionals also evaluate the performance of past digital campaigns and look for opportunities for improvement. Most digital marketing jobs only require a bachelor's degree in marketing, business, or communication.
Digital marketing is a relatively stable career choice with above-average salaries and projected industry growth. However, certain factors can influence salary. This guide highlights how a digital marketing salary fluctuates between position type, location, and degree level.
What Is the Average Digital Marketer Salary?
According to the BLS, media and communication professionals earned a median income of $62,340 in May 2021. During the same time, the BLS reported that marketing managers earned an average income of $153,440. Aspiring digital marketing professionals can negotiate a higher salary if they have multiple job offers.
The median salary varies between position types. Take the following three jobs, for example.
- Public relations specialists: $73,250
- Technical writers: $81,470
- Market research analyst: $76,080
Popular Online Degrees for Digital Marketers
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Highest-Paying Digital Marketing Jobs
The following high-paying digital marketing jobs usually require a combination of on-the-job experience and advanced degrees.
| Digital Marketer Job | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Marketing Managers | $153,440 as of May 2021 |
| Public Relations Managers | $138,000 as of May 2021 |
| Art Directors | $115,430 as of May 2021 |
| Director of Digital Marketing | $105,190 as of June 2022 |
| Vice President of Marketing with Digital Marketing Skills | $151,700 as of July 2022 |
Data from the BLS and Payscale
How Much Digital Marketers Make in Your State
Employers in states with higher living expenses tend to pay digital marketing professionals more. Take a look at how the median salaries vary between the states. Note how the top paying states vary between each position. Keep in mind marketing professionals do not need a license to start practicing in a new state.
Median Salary for Digital Marketers by State 2021
Data sourced from the BLS
| Marketing Manager | Public Relations Managers | Technical Writers |
|---|---|---|
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Data sourced from the BLS
Job Growth for Digital Marketers
The BLS projects the need for marketing managers to increase by 10% between 2020 and 2030. This is about as fast as the average for all occupations, which is at about 8%. However, the organization projects certain marketing-related jobs to grow even more at the same time. For example, the BLS projects the need for market research analysts to increase by 22%. This is at a rate much faster than average for all other occupations. The organization attributes the growth to a retiring workforce.
Fortunately, it is possible to switch between marketing-related careers to follow growth and salary trends. Pursuing an entry-level job that requires a variety of digital marketing job responsibilities may qualify individuals for more specialized positions with higher job growth.
What Field of Marketing Pays the Most?
The BLS tracks salary information for how marketing manager pay varies between industries. The professional, scientific, and technical services field offers the highest median annual wage for marketing managers, with a median income of $155,470.
Other top-paying industries for marketing managers include:
- Management of companies and enterprises: $155,030
- Finance and insurance: $151,870
- Manufacturing: $136,150
- Wholesale trade: $132,450
The job responsibilities and availability of marketing positions in these industries are similar. To earn a job in these fields, learners should pursue internships that align with these industries. Earning a certificate also allows professionals to specialize.
More Education Leads to a Higher Digital Marketer Salary
Bachelor's in Marketing Salary
A bachelor's in marketing prepares learners for roles as coordinators and specialists in the marketing, advertising, and public relations fields. When marketing students approach their final year of studies, they can start to put together a digital portfolio and apply for jobs. This list highlights three jobs that only require a bachelor's degree in this field.
Social Media Coordinator
These coordinators oversee campaigns on social media platforms. They create content and work with social media influencers. Social media coordinators must have strategic thinking skills. They implement campaigns and evaluate them for effectiveness. Most positions require basic photography and copywriting skills.
$41,780
Digital Marketing Specialist
Digital marketing specialists assist with online content creation and strategy. They must know best practices for search engine optimization (SEO). Most digital marketing jobs require basic SEO copywriting skills and foundational knowledge of coding. They often conduct basic competitor research and report their findings to directors.
Public Relations Specialists
These specialists assist public relations directors with event planning, writing, and creating communication plans. They write press releases and generate ideas for media events. They also support a public relations director during a company crisis. Public relations specialists who work for nonprofits often specialize in fundraising.
$62,800
Master's in Marketing Salary
A master's in marketing prepares graduates to work in management roles. Common degrees include an MBA in marketing and a master's in digital marketing. The curriculum covers a combination of theories and practical applications. During their studies, learners engage in class discussions and complete a thesis. People who want to advance their studies without a full degree can earn a graduate certificate in marketing.
Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers
These managers provide direction to a team of photographers, designers, copywriters, and web developers. They create the strategy and design the campaigns other marketing professionals implement. They often set benchmark goals and evaluate marketing efforts based on these goals.
$133,380
Public Relations and Fundraising Managers
These professionals often coach top executives on best practices for media interviews. They work as the main communication contact during a public relations crisis. They use industry research to construct campaigns that persuade, inform, or inspire.
$119,860
Digital Marketing Director
Digital marketing directors oversee marketing efforts on websites and social media. These professionals work closely with web designers, photographers, and writers to reach target audiences online. They provide these employees with feedback to enhance their marketing efforts.
$99,090
Doctorate or Ph.D. in Marketing Salary
A doctorate is the terminal degree for the marketing industry. This degree often requires a dissertation, which is a project that aims to fill in industry knowledge gaps through research. In fact, a doctorate in marketing mainly emphasizes research.
People who want to work in academia or research may benefit from this degree. After earning this degree, marketers can continue pursuing education through sabbaticals and self-led research.
Professor of Marketing
Marketing professors educate the next generation of professionals. They lead classroom discussions and provide feedback on essays and projects. Marketing professors also provide career advice to students and connect them with career opportunities. Some professors conduct research in their spare time.
$94,360
CEO/Top Executives
Top executives include CEOs, CFOs, operations managers, and, in academic settings, university presidents. These professionals often hold doctorate degrees as well as many years of experience in the field. Executives oversee organization budgets and manage department heads for corporations, nonprofits, and schools. They implement organization-wide operations policies and delegate responsibilities to ensure things run smoothly.
$98,980
Market Researchers
Market researchers design studies focused on target audiences. Some market researchers conduct focus groups. They gather information about consumer habits and report their findings to marketing professionals. Marketers tailor their techniques based on these findings.
$59,590
Frequently Asked Questions About Digital Marketing Salary
What is digital marketing?
Digital marketing encompasses all online marketing efforts. This includes websites, search engine optimization, advertisements, and social media. Digital marketing directors collaborate with professionals like public relations and advertising directors. Together, they create cohesive messaging and brand identity.
Digital marketers may focus on one niche. For example, professionals who enjoy working with visuals and writing may consider a job as a content creator. Those who find more interest in SEO may work as a copywriter. Marketing directors typically have a passion for strategic thinking.
What state pays digital marketers the most?
Digital marketing salary earning potential depends on the type of digital marketing position. According to the BLS, New York paid marketing managers the most, with a median income of $169,130 in May 2021. Public relations managers earned the most in Virginia, with a median income of $162,720 in May 2021.
Generally, cities and states with higher living expenses pay digital marketers the most. For example, in the U.S., cities on the coasts may pay more than rural towns. People who work in remote positions for employers in larger cities may benefit from living in an area with lower living expenses.
How do you become a digital marketer?
Becoming a digital marketer starts with earning a degree in marketing or a related field. During their studies, learners can complete internships and projects for local companies. They can use these campaigns for portfolio material. Aspiring marketers should consider creating an online portfolio site to display their online content creation skills.
To look for jobs, graduates can look for open positions on professional organizations' job boards. After working in an entry-level position for a few years, marketers can apply for management roles or pursue a master's degree.
How much does a digital marketing degree cost?
Undergraduate students at four-year institutions spent an average of $19,020 in tuition and fees 2020-21. Aside from tuition, room and board marked one of the most major expenses, which added up to an average of about $11,737 at public institutions in the same year.
The National Center for Education Statistics found that during the 2019-20 school year, graduate students spent an average of about 19,790 on tuition and fees. Learners at public schools spent less, with an average cost of $12,410 in tuition and fees.
What jobs can I get with a digital marketing degree?
A digital marketing degree prepares graduates for multiple roles within the marketing field. Graduates often work as social media managers, SEO strategists, and digital marketing directors. Many employers also hire professionals with digital marketing degrees for public relations and advertising jobs.
Digital marketing professionals often work for one employer and provide in-house services. Some digital marketers work as self-employed individuals. Others work for advertising agencies and serve multiple clients. Digital marketing jobs often translate well to remote or partial work-from-home positions.
