Marketing Manager Job Description and Salary

As the number of digital channels continues to expand, marketing managers are playing a central role in guiding how organizations reach and engage with their audiences, making the role a good fit for individuals who enjoy solving business challenges, working with people and organizing projects.  

Most marketing manager roles require candidates to have at least a bachelor’s degree in marketing management or a related field. By pursuing a relevant degree, individuals learn about all the marketing functions that are generally included in a marketing manager job description, as well as the skills, knowledge and experience needed to succeed in the role.  

What Does a Marketing Manager Do? 

A marketing manager job description typically centers on the tasks and responsibilities involved in developing and executing strategies that promote an organization’s products or services. Marketing managers identify target audiences, shape messaging, and oversee campaigns designed to attract and retain customers.  

Marketing managers also analyze market trends, monitor the performance of marketing campaigns, and adjust certain strategies when needed to improve their results. Many marketing managers collaborate closely with other members of cross-functional teams, which can include professionals in sales, product development and creative functions, to ensure their marketing efforts align with the organization’s broader business goals. 

Day-to-Day Duties 

Marketing managers’ specific duties vary by industry and company, but they are often responsible for both strategic planning and hands-on plan execution. Marketing managers’ common daily duties include: 

• Analyzing consumers’ behavior and market trends 

• Developing and adjusting pricing strategies 

• Monitoring the performance of campaigns 

• Coordinating with content, design, and advertising teams 

• Organizing promotional events  

• Recruiting, training, and managing marketing team members 

• Collaborating with leadership 

Key Marketing Manager Skills 

A marketing manager job description usually includes a list of skills that candidates must have to qualify for the job, which generally are made up of creative, analytical and leadership skills.  

Professionals in this role must be able to communicate ideas clearly, interpret data and use it to guide their decision-making, and adapt strategies based on their performance and on changing priorities. Marketing managers also need to have organization and project management skills, as many roles involve overseeing multiple campaigns and collaborating across teams.  

Marketing managers need skills in the following key areas:  

• Communication and presentation 

• Analytical thinking and data interpretation 

• Creativity and strategic thinking 

• Organization and project management 

• Leadership and team coordination 

• Digital marketing tools and basic design principles 

Common Work Environments  

Marketing managers work in virtually every industry, including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, technology, entertainment, and consumer goods, which reflects the broad applicability of marketing expertise. Many marketing managers work in office settings, while others operate remotely or in a combination of the two. They may need to travel to meet with clients, attend conferences, or supervise campaigns.  

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were approximately 407,000 marketing managers employed in 2024. The largest share work in the professional, scientific and technical services sector. Other major employers of marketing managers are in the following industries:  

• Management of companies and enterprises 

• Wholesale 

• Finance and insurance  

• Manufacturing  

Education and Experience Requirements for Marketing Managers 

A bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, advertising or business administration is the most common education requirement for marketing manager roles. According to the American Advertising Federation, about 60 percent of marketing manager jobs require a bachelor’s degree, while 28% require a master’s degree. Employers typically look for candidates with at least three years of relevant experience when hiring managerial positions. 

Many marketing professionals build experience through entry-level roles such as marketing assistant, brand ambassador, or marketing specialist positions. An internship can provide aspiring marketing managers with valuable practical experience and often can be completed as part of a bachelor’s degree program or shortly after graduation.  

While not required, holding a professional certification can strengthen a candidate’s qualifications and help them stand out in the job market. For example, the American Marketing Association offers a marketing management certification that can be earned through a 16-hour self-paced course.  

Salary and Job Outlook for Marketing Managers 

Marketing managers’ salaries vary based on their responsibilities, employer, location, and level of experience. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for marketing managers was $161,030 as of May 2024. The lowest 10 percent of earners made less than $81,900, while the highest 10 percent made more than $239,200.  

Employment of marketing managers is projected to grow 7 percent between 2024 and 2034, per the BLS. This growth is expected to be driven by the increasing need for managers to oversee marketing campaigns and organizations’ expansion of their e-commerce and digital marketing initiatives. 

Start Building a Career as a Marketing Manager 

Understanding the marketing manager job description is an important first step for anyone considering a career in marketing. Because marketing managers are responsible for everything from developing marketing strategies to leading campaigns, the role requires business, analytical, and creative skills.  

SEMO Online’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Marketing Management program can prepare students to take on those responsibilities. As a concentration option for the business administration bachelor’s program, the fully online program covers both business and marketing principles, with courses in retail marketing, business research, accounting, logistics, public relations and business law. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles in marketing management, digital marketing, brand strategy, sales, and market research.  

SEMO also offers an accelerated pathway that allows students to earn undergraduate and graduate credits simultaneously, helping them complete a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program in less time. 

Learn how SEMO Online can prepare you for a career as a marketing manager.  

Recommended Readings 

Sources: 

American Advertising Federation, Marketing Manager Overview  
American Marketing Association, Marketing Management Certification 
Indeed, “21 Marketing Job Titles” 
Indeed, “Marketing Manager: Duties, Requirements, and How to Become One” 
Indeed, “Marketing Manager Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications” 
Indeed, “Top Marketing Manager Skills to Have (and How to Improve Yours)” 
Indeed, “What Does a Marketing Manager Do? (With Job Requirements)” 
MyFuture, Marketing Managers 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers