As far as marketing careers go, Georgia boasts a burgeoning economy, a dynamic business landscape and a rich cultural tapestry, making it an ideal destination for aspiring marketing professionals. We'll explore salaries across various marketing specialties and examine the factors that influence compensation in this dynamic field.
As a testament to its vibrancy, Georgia plays host to big national marketing campaigns by brands such as The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines and Home Depot, underscoring its significance as a strategic hub for marketing efforts. Whether you're a seasoned marketing veteran or a budding enthusiast, Georgia offers a fertile ground for growth, innovation and success in the field of marketing.
There are roughly 9,930 people employed as marketing managers in Georgia, meaning that out of every 1,000 people, two have chosen to work as marketing managers in Georgia, says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median wage per hour is $75 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 6.6%.
Georgia's allure as a haven for marketing careers stems from its diverse economy, robust infrastructure and strategic location. Home to industries ranging from technology and finance to entertainment and hospitality, Georgia provides a rich ground for marketers to thrive and innovate. With Atlanta, its capital city, serving as a bustling economic epicenter, professionals in marketing can tap into a wealth of opportunities offered by Fortune 500 companies, startups and everything in between.
Among the notable employers in Georgia's marketing arena are:
The Coca-Cola Company:
Atlanta, GA. As one of the world's leading beverage companies, The Coca-Cola Company relies on marketers to develop and execute strategic marketing campaigns, manage brand portfolios, conduct market research and drive consumer engagement. Marketers play a pivotal role in promoting Coca-Cola's iconic brands across various channels, leveraging innovative tactics to connect with consumers and drive brand loyalty.
Delta Airlines:
Atlanta, GA. Delta Air Lines employs marketers to craft and implement comprehensive marketing strategies aimed at enhancing the airline's brand image, attracting customers and driving revenue growth. Marketers play a crucial role in managing Delta's advertising, branding, digital marketing efforts, customer experience initiatives and loyalty programs, ensuring a satisfactory journey for passengers.
Home Depot:
Atlanta, GA. Home Depot leverages marketers to develop and execute strategic marketing campaigns aimed at driving sales, enhancing brand visibility and fostering customer loyalty in the competitive home improvement retail industry. Marketers collaborate with various departments to create targeted promotions, manage digital marketing channels, analyze consumer insights and drive innovation to meet the evolving needs of DIY enthusiasts and professional contractors.
UPS:
Atlanta, GA. UPS relies on marketers to develop and execute integrated marketing campaigns that showcase the company's logistics and supply chain solutions, differentiate its services in the global marketplace and drive customer acquisition and retention. Marketers play a key role in communicating UPS's value proposition, managing brand reputation and leveraging data-driven insights to optimize marketing initiatives across traditional and digital channels.
Georgia-Pacific:
Atlanta, GA. Georgia-Pacific utilizes marketers to promote its diverse portfolio of products in the building products, paper, packaging and cellulose industries. Marketers collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop marketing strategies, launch new products, conduct market research and engage with customers to drive demand and grow market share. Marketers also play a critical role in communicating Georgia-Pacific's sustainability initiatives and commitment to innovation to stakeholders and consumers alike.
Georgia's marketing landscape is not only defined by traditional roles but also by unique specialties tailored to its distinct industries. With a burgeoning film industry, entertainment marketing holds significant promise, while sectors like logistics and healthcare offer avenues for specialized marketing expertise.
Statistics for marketing salaries in Georgia
While the median salary for marketing management professionals—a category that loosely includes upper level careers in digital marketing, public relations, market research analysis and advertising fields—lands at $157,620 a year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pay may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work and live and the cost of living, how much experience you have, what certifications you have earned and your level of education.
Salaries for different marketing roles in Georgia
Let's examine the median annual salaries for key marketing roles in Georgia, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
Marketing manager:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for marketing managers in Georgia is $156,680.
Digital marketing manager:
Digital marketing managers focus on online strategies, including social media, email marketing and SEO. The median annual salary for digital marketing managers in Georgia is $116,710.
Public relations specialist:
Public relations specialists promote a positive public image for their clients through media relations and strategic communication. The median annual salary for PR specialists in Georgia is $69,990.
Market research analyst and marketing specialist
These professionals analyze market trends, conduct research and help companies understand consumer preferences. The median annual salary for market research analysts in Georgia is $67,970.
Median marketing manager salary in Georgia
The median annual salary for marketing managers in Georgia is $156,680 says the BLS. Even though marketing managers earn a healthy salary, Georgia doesn't rank in the top five for the highest paying states for marketing managers in the U.S. Despite Atlanta being a hub for airlines and other industries, highest marketing salaries are still dominated by advertising, tech and agency hub states such as California, New York and New Jersey.
Marketing Managers
10%$90,370
25%$120,630
50%$156,680Median
75%$197,500
90%N/A
Median Hourly Wage$75
Job growth6.6%
Total Employment9,930
Metro area
Median Salary
Bottom 10%
Top 10%
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA
$161,870
$98,230
N/A
Brunswick, GA
$149,910
$72,860
$211,240
Dalton, GA
$149,510
$78,390
N/A
Albany, GA
$140,580
$87,940
$230,810
Columbus, GA-AL
$133,190
$75,650
$223,430
Savannah, GA
$129,940
$74,730
$219,540
Gainesville, GA
$128,320
$77,820
$213,600
Macon, GA
$121,550
$57,360
$206,430
Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC
$120,150
$69,820
$237,920
Athens-Clarke County, GA
$107,570
$76,630
$190,240
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary range for a marketing management career in Georgia
The salary range for marketing managers in Georgia typically spans from $90,370 for the lowest 10% to well over $197,500for the upper 25% of people in the field per year says the BLS. This accounts for entry-level management positions to senior-level roles and takes into consideration the other factors such as experience, education and time in the position.
Pay by metro area within Georgia
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. For example, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is a multi-industry hub, such as Atlanta, pay may be higher. In fact, the BLS reports that not surprisingly, Atlanta marketing managers have the highest annual pay in the state, at $143,150 median for the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell metro area. The Augusta area averages $114,920; Savannah's median is $122,600 and Columbus has a median pay of $129,130.
That said, here are the 10 top paying metro areas in the U.S. for marketing managers, according to the BLS:
Metro Area
Median Annual Salary
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
$217,300
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
$209,170
Trenton, NJ
$202,000
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA
$176,530
Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT
$174,820
Fort Collins, CO
$174,230
Boulder, CO
$173,210
Dover, DE
$172,140
Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH
$171,080
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
$170,110
Factors affecting marketing salaries in Georgia
Several factors influence marketing salaries in Georgia, including education, experience, industry demand and the state's economy. Advanced degrees and specialized certifications often command higher compensation, while economic fluctuations and industry trends can impact salary scales.
How to advance in a marketing career in Georgia
A bachelor's degree in marketing, business administration or a related field is typically the minimum requirement for entry-level marketing positions in Georgia. However, advanced degrees and professional certifications can enhance career prospects and unlock higher earning potentials. Continuous learning, networking and staying abreast of industry trends are essential for career advancement in Georgia's dynamic marketing landscape.
How do I know I am being paid fairly as a marketer in Georgia?
Determining whether you are being paid fairly in Georgia involves understanding the state's labor laws, industry standards and available resources for compensation information. By leveraging these resources and strategies, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of prevailing wage rates and ensure that you are being fairly compensated for your contributions in the state of Georgia.
Here are some key steps and resources you can utilize:
Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with Georgia's labor laws regarding minimum wage, overtime pay and equal pay for equal work. The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) oversees labor regulations in the state and provides valuable information on employee rights and protections.
Research industry standards: Conduct research on salaries and compensation packages for your job title and industry in Georgia. Websites such as Glassdoor, Salary.com and Payscale offer salary data specific to the state, allowing you to compare your compensation to industry benchmarks.
Consult wage data sources: Utilize reputable wage data sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook and Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) programs to access comprehensive salary information for various occupations in Georgia. These resources offer reliable data based on surveys and government reports.
Seek guidance from professional associations: Reach out to professional associations related to your field, such as the American Marketing Association (AMA)–Atlanta Chapter or the Georgia Association of Public Relations Professionals (GAPRP), to network with peers and access resources on compensation trends and best practices.
Talk with colleagues and mentors: Engage in open conversations with colleagues, mentors or industry professionals to gain insights into typical salary ranges and negotiation strategies in your field. Networking events, professional gatherings and mentorship programs can provide valuable firsthand experiences and perspectives.
Weigh the benefits and perks: Consider the overall value of your compensation package, including benefits, bonuses, stock options and other perks offered by your employer. Evaluate how these components contribute to your total compensation and compare them to industry norms.
Seek legal advice if necessary: If you suspect that you are being unfairly compensated or discriminated against based on factors such as age, race, gender or disability, consult with an employment lawyer or contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for guidance and assistance.
Education and training for Georgia
A bachelor's degree in marketing, business administration or a related field is typically the minimum requirement for entry-level marketing positions in Georgia. However, advanced degrees, such as an MBA in marketing or a master's degree in marketing and professional certifications can enhance career prospects and unlock higher earning potentials. Continuous learning, networking and staying abreast of industry trends are essential for career advancement in Georgia's dynamic marketing landscape.
Cost of living considerations for Georgia
Georgia's relatively high salaries go a long way in a state that is 10% below the national cost of living average. RentCafe says beside this overall lower cost of living, housing is 23% lower, food is 4% lower and the cost of healthcare is around 3% lower than the national average.
Cities that are home to companies that employ marketing managers and other professionals—such as Atlanta— also all come in under the national average, making Georgia an attractive prospect. Take a look at some of the largest cities in the state and their cost of living:
Georgia City
Cost of living vs. national average
Atlanta
1% lower
Athens
6% lower
Columbus
8% lower
Savannah
8% lower
Augusta
16% lower
Professional associations and networking in Georgia
Professional associations may provide networking opportunities, resources for classes or professional certifications and a social outlet for industry professionals to stay up to date on the latest trends and best practices in marketing, which is essential for this career field.
Marketing professionals in Georgia can benefit from joining professional associations such as:
American Marketing Association (AMA)–Atlanta Chapter: A community where marketers find inspiration and connections to drive creative aspirations. A go-to source for marketing knowledge, events and resources in the Atlanta area.
Digital Marketing Association (DMA): Focuses on digital marketing trends, strategies and best practices for professionals in Georgia, nationally and internationally.
Georgia stands out as a marketing mecca teeming with opportunities for professionals seeking rewarding careers in a dynamic environment. With competitive salaries, diverse industries and a supportive ecosystem, Georgia invites marketers to unlock their potential and make their mark in the ever-evolving world of marketing.
Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path in the state of Georgia. We aim to help you understand how negotiating salaries and setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future can pave the way to a rewarding marketing career.
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Learn what you may be able to earn in your state, how the cost of living and other factors could impact your pay, why education matters—especially in competitive marketing roles—and much more.
