7 Highest Paying Marketing Degree Jobs

Did you know that many of the most lucrative marketing degree jobs are currently in high demand? These fascinating careers allow you to probe issues such as consumer behavior, global economics, and digital advertising while simultaneously padding your wallet. In the following article, we explore the eight highest paying marketing degree jobs worth your consideration.

For tips on how to tailor your marketing degree to suit your career goals, check out 5 Ways to Specialize a Marketing Degree here.  

Marketing Managers

high paying jobs with a marketing degree

Median Annual Wage: $134,290

Salary Potential: $208,000

One of the most well-known marketing degree jobs is that of a marketing manager. These business professionals are responsible for executing the successful marketing of a product or service on behalf of a company or organization. This process begins with conducting research to estimate the demand for a particular commodity and then developing a successful marketing plan for promoting sales of that product/service. Marketing managers usually head a team of people to develop a multi-faceted marketing approach. They may also be required to meet with company executives to discuss the details of the plan and seek approval for the implementation of certain marketing strategies.

The demand for marketing managers is currently very high. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that jobs for these professionals are growing faster than the average occupation. Because of the lucrative nature of these jobs, though, the competition for positions will be strong. Candidates with proficiency in digital marketing will have the best chances for secure employment.

A bachelor’s degree in marketing is typically required for a position as a marketing manager. The BLS reports that the successful completion of an internship may give applicants a competitive edge during the hiring process. Check out our ranking of the most affordable bachelor’s in marketing here.

Penn State University World Campus offers a convenient online Bachelor of Science in Marketing program for those interested in pursuing a career as a marketing manager. This 120-credit hour, AACSB-accredited program features prescribed courses such as Marketing Research, Consumer Behavior, and Introduction to Business Information Systems, for instance.

For students who prefer an on-campus degree plan, California State University- Fullerton offers a BA in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. Core courses required for this degree include Principles of Marketing, Business Analytics, and Organizational Behavior. In addition, students will take classes in the marketing concentration, including Consumer Behavior, Marketing Research Methods, and Marketing Information Technology.

Sales Managers

Median Annual Wage: $124,220

Salary Potential: $208,000

Another popular option in terms of marketing degree jobs is the role of a sales manager. A sales manager is tasked with overseeing and directing an organization’s overall sales strategy. This could include developing sales techniques, training and supervising sales staff, and setting sales goals, for instance. Other responsibilities may include hiring new salespeople, handling customer complaints, and discussing sales statistics with company executives.

Demand for sales managers is steady, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). With the growing prevalence of online shopping, retail shops will need sales managers proficient in providing excellent customer service in-store. Those sales managers with experience in online sales will also be particularly attractive to businesses with a strong virtual presence.

Most positions for sales managers will require a bachelor’s degree in marketing or a closely related field such as management or economics, for instance. In addition, many employers prefer candidates with several years of work experience in sales.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a BS in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing Management & Sales. Enrolled students will take core courses such as Management and Corporate Communication, Financial Accounting and Analysis, and Legal and Ethical Environment of Business. The program is fully AACSB-accredited.

Arizona State University also offers a similar online option: the school’s Bachelor of Science in Marketing. Offered through the W.P. Carey School of Business, the program is comprised of courses such as Business Statistics, Organization and Management Leadership, Consumer Behavior, and Business Law and Ethics for Managers.

Advertising and Promotions Managers

Median Annual Wage: $117,130

Salary Potential: $208,000

Another of the highest paying marketing degree jobs currently available is the occupation of advertising and promotions managers. Advertising and promotions managers specialize in using various media as well as financial incentives to increase consumer interest in a product or service. Depending on their exact role, these marketing professionals may create print advertisements, television and radio commercials, or digital campaigns on behalf of a company or brand. They may also develop promotional campaigns featuring coupons and discounts, sponsorships, social media giveaways, and special events, for instance.

In order to qualify for jobs as advertising and promotions managers, you’ll most likely need a bachelor’s degree in marketing or advertising. Since employment opportunities in this field are competitive, though, you may need to supplement your academic background with additional courses in online marketing, social media marketing, and web advertising, for instance.

For students interested in this career path, Grand Canyon University offers a Bachelor of Science in Advertising and Marketing that can be completed either online or on campus. Offered through the university’s Colangelo College of Business, the program features core classes such as Buyer and Consumer Behavior, Fundamentals of Business Finance, and Promotion and Advertising.

Another promising option is Indiana Wesleyan University’s online marketing bachelor’s program with an emphasis in Digital Advertising, Promotions, and Branding. The program is accredited by the AACSB and features timely course titles such as Digital Branding, Information Technology for Marketing, and Advertising to Generations, for example.

Real Estate Brokers

Median Annual Wage: $58,210

Salary Potential: $163,540

The job of a real estate broker may not immediately come to mind when you think of marketing degree jobs. However, these occupations are associated with the potential for large paychecks and are ideal for individuals with a background in the marketing field. The duties of a real estate broker are multi-faceted and may include promoting real estate properties, negotiating contracts, and preparing the legal documents necessary for the sale of a residential or commercial property.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that job opportunities for real estate brokers are currently growing faster than average and will continue to grow so long as the real estate market is healthy.

Wichita State University offers a highly targeted marketing bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in real estate. Ideal for prospective brokers, this program features courses such as Principles of Real Estate, Promotion Management, and Marketing Research.  

For students considering an online real estate program, Clarion University offers a BS in Business Administration in Real Estate that features a real estate brokerage certificate. This track includes classes such as Real Estate Law, Organizational Theory and Behavior, and Real Estate Marketing and Brokerage, for example.

Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representatives

Median Annual Wage: $58,510

Salary Potential: $122,770

Among some of the best marketing degree jobs are those of wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives. As their titles imply, these business professionals act as corporate sales agents for wholesalers and manufacturers. They’re responsible for brokering bulk sales and managing large accounts. Their individual tasks may include identifying new clients, making sales presentations, negotiating prices, and preparing contracts and sales agreements.

Although not always required, a bachelor’s degree in marketing or a related field can position prospective wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives for some of the top jobs in the field. Many new sales representatives will also be required to participate in on-the-job training programs.

Individuals interested in this career path have many promising options available to them. For example, the bachelor’s in marketing program from the University of South Florida features a concentration in Sales. Offered through the university’s Muma College of Business, the program requires courses such as Professional Selling and Promotion Management.

A similar online program is offered from Point Park University. This Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Sales program includes an optional concentration in Professional Sales. Courses in the concentration include Advanced Selling, Sales Management, and Electronic Commerce, for instance.

Market Research Analysts

Median Annual Wage: $63,120

Salary Potential: $121,080

Another of the most popular marketing degree jobs, the occupation of a market research analyst is often associated with a handsome salary. Market research analysts conduct research on behalf of a company to predict sales for a particular product or service. These marketing professionals often rely on sophisticated software to analyze market data and form conclusions about the potential success of a commodity.

Jobs for market research analysts are increasing at a rapid rate, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In the age of big data, businesses are continually looking for professionals who can help them make sense of the numbers. Although a bachelor’s degree in marketing is all that is required for an entry-level position, those individuals with advanced degrees will have the best chances for secure and lucrative employment.

Students interested in this career path should consider the University of Florida’s BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. Offered through UF’s renowned Warrington College of Business, this program provides specific occupational preparation for prospective market research analysts. Required course titles for the major include The Legal Environment of Business, Consumer Behavior, and Marketing Management, for instance.

A popular online option for those considering the occupation of a market research analyst is the University of Alabama- Birmingham’s BS in Marketing. This AACSB-accredited program features course titles such as Integrated Marketing Communications, Marketing Research, and International Marketing. Students enrolled in this program will also participate in a capstone course in Strategic Marketing prior to graduation.

Advertising Sales Agents

Median Annual Wage: 51,740

Salary Potential: $114,810

Another of the marketing degree jobs associated with six-figure salaries is that of an advertising sales agent. These business professionals work on behalf of advertising agencies to sell their services to potential clients. Their specific tasks may include soliciting accounts from new customers, developing effective sales presentations, and negotiating costs of advertising space.

Although some employers will hire advertising sales agents with no formal education in the field, many prefer a bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, or communication. In addition, the majority of newly hired agents will undergo some on-the-job training.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that competition for jobs in advertising sales is currently quite strong. Still, applicants with knowledge of digital advertising concepts and techniques may have a better chance of securing employment.

For students interested in a convenient pathway to a career as an advertising sales agent, Southern New Hampshire University offers an online BS in Marketing that features specific courses in advertising. The school also offers an accelerated BS to MS option for those individuals who desire an advanced degree in the field.

Tennessee Tech also offers an on-campus bachelor’s degree in marketing with specific career preparation for prospective advertising sales agents. Courses comprising the program’s core curriculum include Principles of Marketing, Business Analytics: Data-Driven Decision Making, and Marketing Research, for example.

Frequently-Asked Questions About Marketing Degree Jobs

Before you embark on the journey to secure one of these excellent marketing degree jobs, it’s a good idea to gather as much information as possible. Below, we address some of the most common questions prospective marketing students have about the field.

Q: Are marketing degree jobs in demand?

A: Yes. Many of them are! In fact, some of the marketing degree jobs highlighted in this ranking are growing faster than average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Q: What kind of degree do I need to work in marketing?

A: The majority of entry-level jobs in marketing require only a bachelor’s degree, and many advanced positions are also open to applicants with a baccalaureate credential plus several years of experience in the field. A master’s degree in marketing can position you for some of the top roles in the industry as well as the best pay, however.

Q: Can I complete a marketing degree online?

A: Yes! There are many credible online bachelor’s in marketing programs currently available. A small sampling of these is featured in this ranking.


Q: What can I expect to earn with a marketing degree?

A: Your wages upon graduating from a marketing degree program will vary based on a number of different factors. Some of these include your specific employer, the kind of marketing degree you hold, and your prior work experience in the field.

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