Marketing careers in Massachusetts offer a diverse range of opportunities across various industries, from technology and healthcare to finance and education.
In this article, we delve into the landscape of marketing salaries in the Bay State, including salary insights, top employers, educational requirements, factors influencing salaries, cost of living considerations, professional associations, career advancement strategies and the unique positioning of Massachusetts in the marketing realm.
There are roughly 13,510 people employed as marketing managers in Massachusetts, making it the fourth-highest state for the highest concentration of jobs and location quotients in the U.S. says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). It also means that out of every 1,000 people in the state, around four are marketing managers, which is a significant number. The median wage per hour is $82 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 6.6%.
Some of the biggest employers of marketing managers, digital marketing managers, PR specialists and market research analysts in the state are, not surprisingly, in the tech and education sectors. Take a look at the top five:
HubSpot:
Cambridge, MA. A leading provider of inbound marketing and sales software.
Wayfair:
Boston, MA. An e-commerce company specializing in home goods and furnishings.
Harvard University:
Cambridge, MA. Known for its marketing efforts in higher education and research.
Biogen:
Cambridge, MA. A biotechnology company focusing on treatments for neurological diseases.
TripAdvisor:
Needham, MA. A travel platform offering reviews, recommendations and booking services.
Is Massachusetts a marketing mecca?
Massachusetts offers a thriving marketing ecosystem, with proximity to major industries and access to top talent from renowned universities.
While New York City remains a prominent marketing hub, Massachusetts stands out for its innovation, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors.
Brands such as Dunkin' (formerly Dunkin' Donuts), General Electric and Gillette have launched notable national marketing campaigns in Massachusetts, leveraging the state's diverse consumer base and strategic location.
Marketing salary in Massachusetts statistics
While the median salary for marketing management professionals—a category that loosely includes upper-level careers in social media/digital marketing, public relations 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 Massachusetts
Marketing manager/director:
Marketing managers oversee marketing strategies, campaigns and teams to achieve organizational goals. The median annual salary for marketing managers in Massachusetts is approximately $169,990 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Digital marketing manager:
Digital marketing managers specialize in online marketing channels, including SEO, PPC, social media and email marketing. The median annual salary for digital marketing managers in Massachusetts is around $127,250 (BLS).
Public relations specialist:
Public relations specialists manage communication between organizations and the public, including media relations and crisis management. The median annual salary for public relations specialists in Massachusetts is approximately $75,490 (BLS).
Market research analyst and marketing specialist
Market research analysts analyze market conditions, consumer behavior and competitive landscapes to inform business decisions, while marketing specialists assist in executing marketing campaigns, conducting market research and analyzing marketing data. The median annual salary for market research analysts and marketing specialists in Massachusetts is around $82,040.
Median marketing manager salary in Massachusetts
The median annual salary for marketing managers in Massachusetts is $169,990. Even with its impressive tech, education and finance presence, Massachusetts does not rank in the top five states for pay of marketing managers, says the BLS. However, it's important to note that salaries may be based on experience, education and location within the state.
Marketing Managers
10%$91,660
25%$131,420
50%$169,990Median
75%$214,510
90%N/A
Median Hourly Wage$82
Job growth6.6%
Total Employment13,510
Metro area
Median Salary
Bottom 10%
Top 10%
Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH
$171,080
$99,640
N/A
Worcester, MA-CT
$158,130
$83,730
N/A
Springfield, MA-CT
$146,990
$78,750
$221,570
New Bedford, MA
$133,350
$62,730
$210,510
Leominster-Gardner, MA
$128,610
$77,380
$234,840
Barnstable Town, MA
$126,280
$71,890
$210,190
Pittsfield, MA
$123,160
$66,600
$203,640
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 Massachusetts
The salary range for marketing managers in Massachusetts typically spans from $91,660 for the lowest 10% to over $214,510for the upper 25% of people in the field per year. This accounts for entry-level management positions to senior-level roles and takes into consideration other factors such as experience, education and time in the position.
Pay by metro area within Massachusetts
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. From looking at the list of top employers for marketers in Massachusetts above, you can see that a large number of jobs are located in Cambridge, thus pay may be more competitive in that area.
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 Massachusetts
Several factors influence what your marketing salary may be in Massachusetts. These primary factors may include:
Salaries vary across industries, with technology and healthcare often offering competitive compensation.
Location:
Salaries may differ based on proximity to metropolitan areas like Boston.
Education:
Advanced degrees or specialized certifications may lead to higher-paying roles.
To advance in marketing careers in Massachusetts:
Seek mentorship, leadership opportunities and advanced certifications to advance in your career.
Network with industry professionals, attend conferences and stay updated on emerging trends to remain competitive.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly as a marketing manager in MA?
To ensure you are being paid correctly in Massachusetts, here are a few things to consider to find out if your compensation aligns with industry standards:
Do research: Compare your salary with industry benchmarks and data from reputable sources like BLS or salary surveys.
Ask recruiters: Sites like Indeed and ZipRecruiter specialize in aggregating salaries from all over the country.
Network: Engage with professionals in your field to gain insights into salary trends and negotiation strategies.
Negotiate: Advocate for fair compensation based on your skills, experience and market value.
Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with Massachusetts labor laws and regulations, such as the Massachusetts Equal Pay Act, which says that employers cannot discriminate against employees because of their gender when deciding and paying wages. A new revision of this law went into effect in 2018.
Education and training for Massachusetts
Two ways to keep abreast of changes within the marketing field in Massachusetts are:
Pursue relevant degrees, certifications and training programs to enhance your skills and marketability.
Stay updated on industry trends, tools and technologies through continuous learning and professional development opportunities.
That said, the typical degree required for careers in marketing may include:
Digital marketing manager: A bachelor's degree in marketing, digital marketing or a related field is the standard; specialty certifications in digital marketing tools and platforms are beneficial.
Public relations specialist: A bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, journalism or a related field may be required.
Market research analyst and marketing specialist: Market research analysts should earn a bachelor's degree in market research, statistics, economics or a related field; strong analytical skills are essential. Marketing specialists, on the other hand, may be able to enter the field with an associate degree in marketing, but a bachelor's degree in marketing, business administration or a related field as well as internships or relevant experience may be advantageous.
Cost of living considerations for Massachusetts
Massachusetts has a relatively high cost of living, particularly in metropolitan areas like Boston.
Massachusetts' cost of living is, on average 50% higher than the national average—with housing around 112% higher than the national average, says RentCafe. Utilities are 16% higher and healthcare runs approximately 29% higher than the national average.
RentCafe lists the highest cost of living cities in Massachusetts as Boston and by proximity, Cambridge; Framingham, Leominster and Nantucket.
Professional associations and networking in Massachusetts
Professional associations provide valuable networking opportunities, continuing education resources and a platform for industry professionals to stay up to date on the latest trends and best practices in marketing, which is essential for this career field. Here are just a couple notable associations:
American Marketing Association (AMA) Boston Chapter: Provides networking opportunities, professional development resources and events for marketers in the Boston area.
Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Boston Chapter: Offers networking events, workshops and resources for public relations professionals in the Boston and the nearby areas.
Digital Marketing Association (DMA) New England: Focuses on digital marketing trends, strategies and best practices for professionals in the New England States.
Marketing careers in Massachusetts present exciting opportunities for professionals seeking dynamic roles in diverse industries. By staying informed about salary trends, investing in education and professional development and leveraging the vibrant marketing community in Massachusetts, individuals can navigate their salaries and careers effectively and contribute to the success of leading brands in their line of specialty.
By understanding industry standards, conducting research and staying informed about relevant professional associations, individuals can navigate their career paths and ensure fair compensation in Massachusett's competitive job market. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiate salaries and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.
Find marketing salaries for other states
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.
