Michigan, known for its automotive industry and burgeoning tech sector, offers a dynamic landscape for marketing professionals across various specialties. From traditional marketing roles to digital and public relations, this article delves into the diverse array of marketing careers and salaries in the Great Lakes State.
Marketing professionals in Michigan play a vital role in promoting businesses, driving consumer engagement and fostering economic growth. With its diverse industry landscape, Michigan presents abundant opportunities for marketers seeking to make their mark in the field.
There are roughly 6,090 people employed as marketing managers in Michigan, making it fairly low as far as employment of marketing manager professionals says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The data suggests that for every 1,000 people, around one is in the marketing management field. The median wage per hour is $65 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 automotive sector. Take a look at the top five:
General Motors:
Detroit, MI. As a major player in the automotive industry, General Motors provides numerous marketing opportunities, including digital and social media roles.
Ford Motor Company:
Dearborn, MI. Another automotive giant, Ford Motor Company's global HQ is in Michigan and offers marketing positions focused on branding, advertising and product promotions.
Quicken Loans:
Detroit, MI. Based in Detroit, Quicken Loans is a leading mortgage lender that hires marketers specializing in digital marketing and customer acquisition.
Dow Chemical:
Midland, MI. A multinational chemical corporation headquartered in Midland, Michigan, Dow provides marketing roles in areas such as corporate communications and brand management.
Meijer, Inc.:
Walker, MI. A regional supermarket chain, Meijer hires marketers to oversee advertising campaigns, customer engagement and loyalty programs.
Brands that use national marketing campaigns in Michigan:
Ford Motor Company: Known for its iconic advertising campaigns, Ford often launches national marketing initiatives from its headquarters in Dearborn.
Kellogg Company: Based in Battle Creek, Michigan, Kellogg's is known for its extensive national marketing campaigns promoting cereals and snack brands.
Salaries for different marketing roles in Michigan
Marketing manager/director:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for marketing managers in Michigan is approximately $134,200, based on experience and industry.
Digital marketing manager:
Digital marketing managers in Michigan earn a median annual wage of around $121,450, with salaries spanning from $56,470 to $208,000 or more depending on expertise and company size.
Public relations specialist:
The median annual wage for public relations specialists in Michigan is about $58,150, with salaries ranging from $34,320 to $104,790 or higher, influenced by experience and employer.
Market research analyst and marketing specialist
Market research analysts and marketing specialists in Michigan earn a median annual wage of approximately $64,940.
Median marketing manager salary in MI
The median salary for marketing managers in Michigan is $134,200. Even with a strong automotive industry, Michigan doesn't rank in the top 10 for pay in the marketing management profession. The highest salaries tend to be in states such as California and New York where there is heavy tech and healthcare industry dominance.
Marketing Managers
10%$70,590
25%$101,790
50%$134,200Median
75%$170,700
90%$215,930
Median Hourly Wage$65
Job growth6.6%
Total Employment6,090
Metro area
Median Salary
Bottom 10%
Top 10%
Midland, MI
$162,380
$66,000
$234,770
Battle Creek, MI
$157,360
$86,040
$225,180
Jackson, MI
$153,450
$88,960
$218,910
Ann Arbor, MI
$138,770
$85,750
$215,390
Bay City, MI
$136,920
$62,220
$193,970
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
$135,720
$79,450
$218,170
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
$131,680
$69,020
$208,310
Monroe, MI
$130,650
$77,660
$204,600
Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
$123,340
$68,370
$203,140
Niles-Benton Harbor, MI
$120,420
$66,030
$201,490
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 Michigan
The salary range for marketing managers in Michigan typically spans from $70,590 for the lowest 10% to well over $215,930for the upper 90% of people in the field per year. 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 Michigan
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. Understandably, cities tend to pay better than small towns or less populated areas. If your city is an industry hub, say you work in automotive and you live in Detroit or Dearborn, pay may be more competitive. However, the BLS reports that the majority of marketers are paid the most as managers of marketing divisions in companies or enterprises and in scientific and technical consulting services. Though no cities in MI make the top 10 highest paying metro areas, the BLS does say that Ann Arbor pays the highest, followed by Detroit and Dearborn.
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 manager salaries in Michigan
Several factors influence salary no matter what career field you're in. Some that impact pay for marketing managers may include:
Experience and expertise:
Marketers with extensive experience and specialized skills may be able to negotiate higher salaries. Those with previous management experience may also be able to negotiate for higher pay.
Industry and company size:
Salaries vary based on the industry, with automotive, manufacturing and tech sectors offering competitive compensation packages.
Location:
Salaries may differ between metro areas like Detroit and Grand Rapids compared to other regions of the state, such as the Upper Peninsula.
To advance in marketing careers in Michigan:
Education: Stay updated on industry trends, emerging and changing technologies and best practices through ongoing professional development and education.
Networking: Build a strong professional network by attending industry events, conferences and networking gatherings. You never know when someone you meet has a tip or suggestion that may be of benefit.
Results: Showcase your achievements and contributions to your organization through measurable results and successful marketing campaigns. Marketing is highly competitive so you'll continually need to evolve and show outcomes.
How do I know if I am being paid fairly as a marketing manager in Michigan?
To ensure you are being paid your worth in Michigan, here are some ways to assess whether your compensation aligns with industry standards:
Research salary benchmarks: Utilize salary surveys and industry reports from sources such as Indeed, the BLS and LinkedIn to compare your compensation with market standards.
Know your worth: Evaluate your experience, negotiating skills and contributions to your company to justify fair compensation.
Consider where you live: As we've discussed, salaries can vary based on the cost of living and key industries in different regions. If you work in a small town, even if you commute from a city residence your pay may be less than what you'd earn in the city.
Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with Michigan's labor laws and regulations. The Michigan Wage and Hour Division promotes "fair, effective and efficient administration of laws that protect the wages and fringe benefits of Michigan workers."
Ask you HR department for help: HR managers are skilled in the subtleties of salary scales and job titles. Don't be afraid to have them explain where your job fits in the equation.
Education and training for MI
While you may be able to find an entry-level position with an associate degree, most marketing careers require a bachelor's degree, and many marketing managers and those in related areas pursue advanced degrees such as an MBA or master's degree for career advancement. Consider these degrees for the following marketing careers:
Digital marketing manager: A bachelor's degree in marketing, digital marketing or a related field is common. Proficiency in digital marketing tools and platforms is essential.
Public relations specialist: A bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, journalism or a related field is typically required. Strong writing and communication skills are crucial.
Market research analyst and marketing specialist: A bachelor's degree in marketing, market research, statistics or a related field is common.
Cost of living considerations for Michigan
While Michigan has seen economic growth in recent years, the state still faces challenges, particularly in areas like urban revitalization and workforce development. However, the diversification of industries and the emergence of the tech sector provide opportunities for marketers to contribute to the state's economic resilience.
Michigan's cost of living is, on average 3% lower than the national average—with housing around 13% lower than the national average, says RentCafe.
RentCafe lists cities in Michigan with a higher cost of living than the national average as Detroit and Ann Arbor (who also pay more, salary-wise), and lower than average cost of living cities as Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing and Marquette.
MI professional associations and networking
Professional associations may provide networking opportunities, continuing education resources and a resource for industry professionals to stay up to date on the latest trends and best practices in marketing, which is essential for this career field. You should consider attending annual industry events or tech meet-ups to learn about changes and products that may impact your job.
American Marketing Association (AMA)–Detroit Chapter: Provides networking opportunities, professional development resources and events for marketers in the Detroit area.
Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)–Detroit Chapter: Offers networking events, workshops and resources for public relations professionals in the Detroit area.
Direct Marketing Association of Detroit: Provides value to members by being Michigan's premier interactive marketing resource for news, education, career development, recognition and networking.
Marketing careers in Michigan offer not only competitive salaries but also a diverse and dynamic professional landscape. With opportunities spanning traditional marketing, digital media and public relations, marketers in MI have the chance to contribute to the success of iconic brands and innovative ventures.
By understanding industry standards, conducting research and staying informed about relevant professional associations, individuals can navigate their career paths and ensure fair compensation in Michigan's competitive job market. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiating 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.
