Are you fascinated by the dynamic world of marketing? Look no further than North Carolina. Nestled in the heart of the southeastern U.S., North Carolina offers a fertile ground for marketing professionals to thrive. From bustling urban hubs to picturesque landscapes, the state provides a diverse canvas for marketers to present their talents.
North Carolina's marketing landscape is enriched by specialties specific to the state. With a burgeoning tech sector and a rich cultural heritage, specialties like destination marketing and tech-based marketing solutions have seen remarkable growth in the region.
There are roughly 10,400 people employed as marketing managers in North Carolina says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This means that for every 1,000 people who live in the state, around two are marketing managers. The median wage per hour is $69 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 technology and energy. Take a look at five major employers of marketing roles:
SAS Institute Inc.:
Cary, NC. SAS Institute employs marketing professionals across various domains including analytics, software and AI-driven solutions.
Bank of America:
Charlotte, NC. A financial giant, Bank of America offers extensive opportunities for marketing professionals in areas such as consumer banking and investment services.
Lowe's Companies, Inc.:
Mooresville, NC. Lowe's is a retail powerhouse, providing avenues for marketers to innovate in the realm of home improvement and retail marketing.
Red Hat, Inc.:
Raleigh, NC. Red Hat, a subsidiary of IBM, specializes in open-source software solutions and offers diverse marketing roles within the tech industry.
Duke Energy Corporation:
Charlotte, NC. Duke Energy provides opportunities for marketing professionals in the energy sector, focusing on sustainable solutions and community engagement.
These companies often recruit through traditional job portals, industry-specific platforms and online portals and professional networks.
Marketing salaries in North Carolina statistics
While the median salary for marketing management professionals—a category that loosely includes careers in social media, SEO and digital marketing, public relations and advertising—rests 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 NC
North Carolina boasts a vibrant economy with a robust presence of industries ranging from technology and healthcare to manufacturing and finance. This diverse landscape presents a myriad of opportunities for marketing professionals to explore and excel in various niches.
One of the key draws of North Carolina is its competitive salaries across different marketing roles. Here are median salaries from the BLS for some prominent marketing positions:
Marketing manager:
Marketing managers earn a median salary of $143,800 per year in North Carolina.
Digital marketing manager:
Digital marketing managers in North Carolina earn a median annual wage of approximately $132,320 says the BLS.
Public relations specialist:
The median annual wage for public relations specialists in North Carolina is about $62,090, influenced by experience and employer.
Market research analyst and marketing specialist:
Market research analysts and marketing specialists in North Carolina earn a median annual wage of around $74,910, depending on qualifications and industry focus.
Median marketing manager salary in NC
The median annual salary for marketing managers in North Carolina is $143,800.
The BLS reports that North Carolina doesn't rank in the top 10 of highest paying states for marketing managers. However, it's important to factor in the cost of living in the state, which is lower than the national average. A slightly lower cost of living may compensate for a slightly lower salary.
Marketing Managers
10%$82,030
25%$107,680
50%$143,800Median
75%$182,630
90%$233,400
Median Hourly Wage$69
Job growth6.6%
Total Employment10,400
Metro area
Median Salary
Bottom 10%
Top 10%
Greenville, NC
$165,070
$80,480
N/A
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
$162,770
$95,250
N/A
Raleigh, NC
$153,470
$81,110
$231,730
Winston-Salem, NC
$145,980
$87,650
$235,440
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
$143,800
$84,860
$229,590
Greensboro-High Point, NC
$141,550
$81,640
N/A
Wilmington, NC
$138,770
$76,130
N/A
Rocky Mount, NC
$136,840
$79,880
$196,400
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
$135,970
$76,970
$232,820
Burlington, NC
$131,230
$82,120
$206,800
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 North Carolina
The salary range for marketing managers in North Carolina typically spans from $82,030 for the lowest 10% to well over $233,400for the upper 10% 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 areas within North Carolina
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 such as Charlotte, Raleigh or Durham, pay may be more competitive.
The BLS does state that the Durham-Chapel Hill metro area ranks 7th in the country for areas with the highest concentration of jobs and location quotients in marketing managers.
Here are top metro areas in the U.S. by salary:
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
And here are the top 10 metro areas by employment of marketing managers in the U.S.:
Metropolitan Areas
Employment
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA
46,610
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
20,690
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
20,570
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
14,520
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX
13,790
Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH
11,840
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
9,180
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
7,890
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
7,800
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA
7,720
Factors affecting marketing salaries in North Carolina
Salaries in North Carolina are influenced by various factors including education, experience and the state's economy. Advancing in your marketing career often entails acquiring specialized skills and certifications. Professional marketing groups such as the American Marketing Association (AMA) and the Triangle Marketing Club offer networking opportunities and resources for career development.
Experience:
Marketers with extensive experience and specialized skills often command higher salaries.
Industry:
Salaries vary based on the industry, with tech companies typically offering competitive compensation packages. Larger corporations may also provide higher salaries for marketing roles.
Location:
Salaries may differ between metropolitan areas compared to other regions of the state.
Education:
Earning a degree may be a factor in your pay, and earning an MBA or master's degree in marketing may help with career advancement.
How to advance in marketing careers in North Carolina
Advancing in marketing careers in North Carolina, much like anywhere else, requires a combination of strategic planning, continuous learning, networking and demonstrating value in your current role. Here's a guide on how to advance in marketing careers specifically tailored to North Carolina:
Continuous learning: Stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in marketing. Attend workshops, webinars, and seminars and consider pursuing advanced certifications in areas relevant to your field, such as data analytics, SEO, content marketing or social media management.
Networking: Build and maintain professional relationships within the marketing community in North Carolina. Attend industry events, join local marketing associations and participate in online forums and LinkedIn groups. Networking can provide valuable insights, job opportunities and mentorship.
Seek growth opportunities: Be proactive in seeking opportunities for growth within your current organization. Express your interest in taking on additional responsibilities, leading projects or exploring new roles. Seek feedback from supervisors and actively work on areas for improvement.
Higher education: Consider pursuing advanced degrees such as an MBA with a marketing concentration or specialized master's programs in marketing research, digital marketing or brand management. Higher education can deepen your knowledge, expand your skill set and enhance your credibility as a marketing professional.
Develop leadership skills: As you progress in your career, focus on developing leadership skills such as strategic thinking, team management and decision-making. Volunteer for leadership roles in professional organizations or lead cross-functional initiatives within your company to demonstrate your ability to lead and influence.
Stay flexible and adapt: The marketing landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies, platforms and consumer behaviors emerging regularly. Stay flexible and adaptable to change and be willing to embrace new approaches and strategies to stay ahead of the curve.
Build a strong personal brand: Establish yourself as a thought leader in your niche by sharing insights, publishing articles and speaking at industry events. Cultivate a strong online presence through platforms like LinkedIn, showcasing your expertise and achievements.
Mentorship and coaching: Seek out mentors within your organization or industry who can provide guidance, advice and support as you navigate your career path.
Demonstrate results and ROI: Focus on delivering tangible results and demonstrating the return on investment (ROI) of your marketing efforts. Use data and analytics to track the performance of your campaigns, and communicate your achievements effectively to stakeholders.
Stay ahead of industry trends: Keep a pulse on industry trends, market dynamics and competitor activities. Subscribe to industry publications, follow influential marketing blogs and participate in online discussions to stay informed and proactive in your approach.
How do I know if I am being paid fairly as a marketing manager in North Carolina?
Ensuring that you're being paid fairly is essential for your professional and financial well-being. In North Carolina, there are several ways to gauge whether your compensation aligns with industry standards and to seek assistance if you believe you're being underpaid. Here's how to determine if you're being compensated fairly and the governmental resources available in North Carolina:
Research comparable salaries: Utilize online resources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Glassdoor, Payscale or Indeed to research the average salaries for your position in North Carolina. Compare your salary, taking into account factors such as your level of experience, education and the specific industry or sector you work in.
Consult professional associations: Joining professional marketing associations like the American Marketing Association (AMA) or local chapters in North Carolina can provide valuable salary benchmarking data and resources to help you assess whether your compensation is competitive.
Use state government resources: North Carolina's Department of Labor provides resources and guidance on wage and hour laws, including minimum wage requirements, overtime pay and employee rights. You can access information on prevailing wage rates for different occupations and industries in the state.
Seek legal assistance: If you suspect that you're being paid unfairly or experiencing wage discrimination, you may consider consulting with an employment lawyer who specializes in wage and hour laws. They can provide legal advice and representation to help you address any issues related to your compensation.
Utilize the employee rights hotline: North Carolina has an employee rights hotline operated by the Department of Labor where workers can report wage violations, seek assistance with wage disputes and obtain information about their rights under state labor laws. The hotline provides a confidential platform for employees to voice their concerns and seek assistance.
As a last resort, consider wage complaints and investigations: If you believe your employer is not paying you fairly, you have the right to file a wage complaint with the North Carolina Department of Labor. They will investigate your claim and take appropriate action if your employer is found to be in violation of state wage laws.
Stay informed: Keep yourself informed about changes in labor laws, regulations and industry standards related to compensation. This can empower you to advocate for fair pay and take appropriate action if you believe your rights are being violated.
Education and training for NC marketers
While some entry-level positions may require at least an associate degree, a bachelor's degree in marketing or a related field is often the entry point for marketing roles. Advanced degrees such as MBAs or specialized master's programs can enhance career prospects. Certifications in areas like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Adobe Creative Suite can also bolster your skill set and marketability.
Cost of living considerations for North Carolina
North Carolina's cost of living is, on average 5% lower than the national average—with housing around 14% lower than the national average but healthcare around 6% higher says RentCafe.
Besides the state as a whole being lower than the national average for cost of living, the majority of major metro areas are also lower, making North Carolina an attractive prospect for marketers. Cost of living averages for some of the major cities are:
NC city
Cost of living % compared to national average
Charlotte
3% lower
Durham
0%
Chapel Hill
4% higher
Raleigh
2% lower
Asheville
2% lower
Winston - Salem
6% lower
Wilmington
4% lower
NC professional associations
By actively participating in these professional associations and networking groups, marketing professionals in North Carolina can expand their knowledge, grow their professional network and stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in their respective fields.
American Marketing Association (AMA)–Triangle Chapter: The Triangle Chapter of the American Marketing Association serves marketing professionals in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area. It offers a range of events, workshops and networking opportunities focused on marketing trends, best practices and industry insights.
Triangle Interactive Marketing Association (TIMA): TIMA is a community of digital marketing professionals in the Triangle region of North Carolina. It hosts monthly events featuring guest speakers, panel discussions and networking sessions covering topics such as SEO, social media marketing and data analytics.
Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)–North Carolina Chapter: PRSA's North Carolina Chapter provides resources and support for public relations professionals across the state. It offers professional development workshops, networking events and access to industry publications and research.
Triangle AdFed: Triangle AdFed is a local chapter of the American Advertising Federation, serving advertising and creative professionals in the Triangle region. It organizes events, award programs and professional development opportunities to foster collaboration and innovation within the advertising community.
Embarking on a marketing career in North Carolina opens doors to a world of opportunities, creativity and growth. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or a budding enthusiast, the Tar Heel State is a promising choice with its vibrant economy, competitive salaries and diverse industries.
By understanding industry standards, conducting research and staying informed about relevant professional associations, individuals can navigate their career paths and ensure fair compensation in North Carolina'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.
