New Jersey, known for its bustling cities and vibrant economy, provides an exciting landscape for marketing professionals across various specialties. From traditional marketing roles to digital and public relations, this article delves into the dynamic world of marketing careers and salaries in the Garden State.
Marketing professionals in New Jersey play a pivotal role in shaping brand narratives, driving consumer engagement and fostering business growth. With its diverse industries and proximity to major metropolitan areas like New York City and Philadelphia, New Jersey offers a wealth of opportunities for marketers seeking to make an impact.
There are roughly 12,260 people employed as marketing managers in New Jersey, meaning that out of every 1,000 people who live in the state, nearly three work as marketing managers says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median wage per hour is $83 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 New Jersey are, not surprisingly, in the pharmaceutical, financial and technology and telecommunications sectors. Take a look at the top five:
Johnson & Johnson:
New Brunswick, NJ. A global healthcare company headquartered in New Jersey, Johnson & Johnson offers various marketing opportunities across its consumer health, pharmaceuticals and medical devices divisions.
Prudential Financial:
Newark, NJ. As one of the largest financial services companies in the world, Prudential Financial provides marketing roles in insurance, retirement and investment management.
Amazon:
Jersey City, NJ. Amazon has a significant presence in New Jersey, with a huge cargo facility at Newark Airport and corporate offices in Jersey City and Bellmawr, where it offers marketing positions in e-commerce, advertising and digital media.
Verizon:
Basking Ridge, NJ. A leading telecommunications company, Verizon hires marketers to drive brand awareness, customer acquisition and digital engagement.
Bristol Myers Squibb:
Princeton, NJ. Another major pharmaceutical company based in New Jersey, Bristol Myers Squibb offers marketing opportunities in oncology, immunology and cardiovascular therapies.
Salaries for different marketing roles in New Jersey
Marketing manager/director:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for marketing managers in New Jersey is around $173,460.
Digital marketing manager:
Digital marketing managers in New Jersey earn a median annual wage of approximately $148,780 or more based on expertise and company size.
Public relations specialist:
The median annual wage for public relations specialists in New Jersey is about $75,590, influenced by experience and employer.
Market research analyst and marketing specialist
Market research analysts and marketing specialists in New Jersey earn a median annual wage of around $83,490 or more, depending on qualifications and industry focus.
Median marketing manager salary in New Jersey
The median annual salary for marketing managers in New Jersey is $173,460. The BLS ranks New Jersey third for highest mean annual wage which is usually more than the median we record here. NJ follows New York and California in highest mean wages. However, it's important to note that salaries may be based on experience, education and location within the state.
Marketing Managers
10%$113,650
25%$136,070
50%$173,460Median
75%$218,750
90%N/A
Median Hourly Wage$83
Job growth6.6%
Total Employment12,260
Metro area
Median Salary
Bottom 10%
Top 10%
Trenton, NJ
$202,000
$125,960
N/A
Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ
$159,050
$103,290
N/A
Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ
$140,200
$83,200
N/A
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 manager in New Jersey
The salary range for marketing managers in New Jersey typically spans from $113,650 for the lowest 10% to over $218,750for the upper 10% of marketers 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 New Jersey
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 an industry hub, say you work in marketing in Newark or Jersey City, which has several high profile corporate giants, pay may be more competitive. The BLS reports that the majority of marketing managers who are paid the most work in companies or enterprises and in scientific and technical consulting services. The BLS also says the New York-Newark-Jersey City area is the highest employer of marketing managers in the U.S., as well as the fourth highest paying metro area in the country, making it a very desirable state for marketing professionals.
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 NJ
Several factors influence what your marketing salary may be in New Jersey. These primary factors may include:
Experience and expertise:
Marketers with extensive experience and specialized skills often command higher salaries.
Industry and company size:
Salaries vary based on the industry, with pharmaceutical, finance and technology sectors offering competitive compensation packages.
Location:
Salaries may differ between metropolitan areas like Jersey City and Newark compared to other regions of the state.
With a concentration of Fortune 500 companies, leading tech firms and other high-profile industries, New Jersey offers unparalleled opportunities for marketers to thrive and make a meaningful impact on brands and businesses.
Some national brands that originated in New Jersey include:
Campbell Soup Company: Known for iconic brands like Campbell's Soup and Pepperidge Farm, Campbell Soup Company often launches national marketing campaigns from its headquarters in Camden, New Jersey.
Toys "R" Us: Although no longer operational, Toys "R" Us, formerly headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey, was known for its extensive national marketing campaigns targeting families and children.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly as a marketing manager in New Jersey?
To ensure you are being paid adequately for the marketing work you are performing in NJ, here are some guidelines to assess whether your compensation aligns with industry standards:
Research salary benchmarks: Utilize salary surveys and industry reports to compare your compensation with market standards.
Know your worth: You should evaluate your experience, skills and contributions to justify fair compensation, against other workers.
Consider where you live: Salaries can vary within New Jersey based on the cost of living and dominant industries in different regions.
Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with New Jersey's labor laws and regulations, including gender pay parity and overtime pay. The state's Allen Equal Pay Act prohibits employers from paying less for doing the same job to employees who are in a protected classification. Some examples of protected classification include gender, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation and gender identity, among other characteristics.
Education and training for NJ marketers
While most entry-level positions may require at least an associate degree, and preferably a bachelor's degree, 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, SEO, social media and its many 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. Analytical skills and an understanding of data science and data analysis tools may be beneficial when seeking employment.
Cost of living considerations for New Jersey
New Jersey's cost of living is higher than the national average, particularly in areas close to major cities like New York City. Potential marketers should consider housing, transportation, healthcare costs and other living expenses when negotiating salaries.
RentCafe says New Jersey is, on average, 13% higher than the national average as far as cost of living, with housing around 31% higher, though healthcare in the state averages 5% lower.
RentCafe lists the cost of living compared to the national average for a few cities inNew Jersey:
NJ City
Cost of living %
Newark
20% higher
Middlesex
14% higher
Morristown
11% higher
Vineland
4% lower
Professional associations and networking
Professional associations may be valuable resources, providing networking opportunities, CEUs and information on the latest trends and best practices in marketing, which is essential for this dynamic career field.
AMA New Jersey: Provides networking opportunities, professional development resources and events for marketers in New Jersey.
New Jersey Public Relations Society of America (New Jersey PRSA): Offers networking events, workshops and resources for public relations professionals in the state.
Data and Marketing Association/ANA: Connects you to the knowledge and resources you need to become a smarter, more capable marketer.
In conclusion, marketing careers in New Jersey offer not only competitive salaries but also a vibrant and dynamic professional landscape. Whether in traditional marketing roles or emerging digital specialties, marketers in the Garden State have the opportunity to contribute to the success of iconic brands and innovative ventures in one of the nation's most dynamic economies.
By understanding industry standards, conducting research and staying informed about relevant professional associations, individuals can navigate their career paths and ensure fair compensation in New Jersey'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.
