Ohio offers different types of opportunities for aspiring marketing professionals to thrive and excel. From its diverse manufacturing, biotech, healthcare and agriculture industries to its vibrant economy, Ohio provides an ideal environment for those seeking to carve out a rewarding career path in marketing.
We'll explore why Ohio stands out as an exceptional destination for marketing careers, along with salary insights, unique specialties, top employers and considerations regarding the cost of living.
There are roughly 8,070 people employed as marketing managers in Ohio, says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That amounts to 1.5 people in marketing for every 1,000 people in the state. The median wage per hour is $63 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 6.6%.
Ohio boasts a robust economy characterized by a diverse range of industries. Additionally, Ohio's central location offers access to major markets and business hubs, making it an attractive destination for companies seeking strategic marketing talent.
Marketing specialties unique to Ohio
Ohio's industry landscape gives rise to several marketing specialties that are specific to the state:
Manufacturing marketing: With Ohio being a manufacturing powerhouse, marketers specializing in industrial and manufacturing sectors find ample opportunities to promote products and services related to automotive, aerospace, machinery and other manufacturing industries.
Healthcare marketing: Ohio is home to numerous healthcare institutions, including hospitals, research facilities and medical device companies. Marketers in Ohio have the opportunity to specialize in healthcare marketing, promoting medical services, pharmaceuticals and healthcare technologies.
Several prominent companies drive the marketing outlook in Ohio. Some of the largest employers for marketing professionals include:
Proctor & Gamble:
Cincinnati, OH. Procter & Gamble, a multinational consumer goods corporation, employs marketing professionals to develop and promote leading brands in categories such as personal care, household products and grooming.
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company:
Columbus, OH. Nationwide is one of the largest insurance and financial services companies in the United States, offering opportunities for marketers to drive brand awareness, customer engagement and product marketing initiatives.
Cleveland Clinic:
Cleveland, OH. Cleveland Clinic, a renowned healthcare organization, hires marketing professionals to promote its medical services, research initiatives and patient care programs.
The Kroger Company:
Cincinnati, OH. Kroger, one of the largest supermarket chains in the United States, employs marketers to drive sales, customer loyalty and brand positioning in the highly competitive retail industry.
Cardinal Health:
Dublin, OH. Cardinal Health, a global healthcare solutions company, offers opportunities for marketers to promote pharmaceuticals, medical products and supply chain services to healthcare providers worldwide.
Also consider these OH companies
Battelle Memorial Institute: Columbus, OH. A nonprofit research and development organization specializing in technology and innovation whose HQ is in Ohio.
Marathon Petroleum Corporation: Findlay, OH. One of the largest petroleum refining companies in the U.S., with marketing opportunities in the energy sector.
Bob Evans Farms: New Albany, OH. A leading producer and distributor of pork sausage and convenience food products, offering marketing roles in the food industry.
Median annual salary of $112,960 in Ohio according to the BLS.
Public relations specialist:
The median annual wage for public relations specialists in Ohio is $68,380 says the BLS.
Market research analyst and marketing specialist
Market research analysts and marketing specialists in Ohio earn a median annual wage of around $65,340.
Median marketing manager salary in Ohio
The median annual salary for marketing managers in Ohio is $132,000. This falls below the national median for the career. Even with its dominant manufacturing industry, Ohio does not rank in the top five highest-paying states listed by the BLS. Here are median, lowest and highest salary figures for the state and several of its major metro areas.
Marketing Managers
10%$74,850
25%$98,700
50%$132,000Median
75%$171,950
90%$214,860
Median Hourly Wage$63
Job growth6.6%
Total Employment8,070
Metro area
Median Salary
Bottom 10%
Top 10%
Columbus, OH
$136,120
$84,730
$212,960
Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN
$134,930
$78,280
$216,960
Toledo, OH
$130,380
$73,400
$206,870
Cleveland-Elyria, OH
$128,350
$72,280
$218,510
Akron, OH
$127,230
$70,290
$215,630
Dayton, OH
$123,390
$72,630
$213,060
Mansfield, OH
$115,980
$76,100
$177,540
Lima, OH
$115,180
$62,250
$180,910
Canton-Massillon, OH
$113,540
$65,920
$184,540
Springfield, OH
$111,320
$61,680
$199,160
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 ranges for marketing manager careers in Ohio
The salary range for marketing managers in Ohio typically spans from $74,850 for the lowest 10% of earners to well over $214,860for the upper 10% of people in the field per year. When considering job offers in Ohio, it's crucial to understand and evaluate the entire compensation package such as benefits and not just the salary, and remember salaries take into consideration other factors such as experience, education and time in the position.
Pay by metro area within Ohio
Your earning level may depend upon where you work within a state. For example, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus and Dublin all are home to major industries and are all large metro areas, so you can expect the cost of living to be higher. This also may necessitate higher marketing salaries to compensate for the living expenses.
The BLS does not include any Ohio metro areas in its top rankings for pay or employment of marketing managers, though it does rank the nonmetropolitan west-northwest area of the state as having the fifth highest employment in marketing managers in the U.S.
Here are the top metro areas in the country for pay:
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 in the U.S. for the employment of marketing managers, according to the BLS:
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 Ohio
Several factors influence what your marketing salary may be in Ohio:
Experience:
Extensive experience in the marketing field, particularly in leadership or specialized roles, often correlates with higher salaries in Ohio.
Education:
Higher levels of education, such as a master's degree or MBA, can lead to higher salaries for marketing professionals in Ohio, especially for senior-level positions.
State economy:
Ohio's economy, influenced by industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, finance and technology, impacts salary levels for marketing professionals. Demand for marketing talent in thriving sectors may lead to competitive compensation packages.
How do I know if I am being paid fairly as a marketer in Ohio?
To gauge whether you're being paid fairly in Ohio:
Research salary data from reputable sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) or industry-specific salary surveys.
Compare your salary to the average for your position and level of experience in Ohio.
Seek insights from professional networks, mentors or industry associations about typical salary ranges for your role in the state.
Meet with HR and discuss your concerns. HR is skilled in knowing the nuances of pay scales, job titles and industry norms for your area and company size.
While specific degree requirements may vary by employer and position, common degrees for marketing roles in Ohio include:
Marketing manager or digital marketing manager:Bachelor's degree in marketing, business administration or a related field. Advanced degrees like an MBA may be preferred for senior roles.
Public relations specialist: Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, journalism or a related field.
Market research analyst and marketing specialists: Bachelor's degree in market research, statistics, business administration or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in data analytics can be advantageous.
To advance in marketing in Ohio:
Develop strong leadership, strategic planning and project management skills.
Stay updated on emerging marketing trends, technologies and best practices.
Pursue relevant certifications such as Google Analytics, HubSpot or Facebook Blueprint.
Network actively within the local marketing community and seek mentorship opportunities.
Gain experience in cross-functional collaboration and data-driven decision-making.
Cost of living in Ohio
Ohio's cost of living varies depending on the city and region, with urban areas like Columbus and Cincinnati having higher living expenses compared to rural areas. While the cost of living in Ohio is generally lower than in some coastal states, it can still impact salary negotiations. Employers may adjust salaries accordingly to accommodate the cost of living in specific regions.
RentCafe says the cost of living in Ohio is 8% below the national average, and lists the cost of living for many major cities in Ohio, including Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland, which are major industry hubs for marketers. Take a look:
Ohio city
Cost of living % compared to national average
Cleveland
8% lower
Cincinnati
3% lower
Columbus
8% lower
Wooster
6% lower
Akron
10% lower
Dayton
5% lower
Ohio based professional associations for marketers
Ohio has their own chapters of national marketing groups and associations, providing networking opportunities, professional development resources and mentorship programs. Here are just a few:
American Marketing Association (AMA)–Cincinnati Chapter: Cincinnati's professional marketing organization that aims to connect, grow and inspire marketers in the region for business, work, innovation, advancement and fun.
Public Relations Association–Central Ohio Chapter: Founded in 1950 as the first society chapter in Ohio, PRSA Central Ohio serves more than 250 members in the region in the agency, corporate, government and non-profit sectors.
American Marketing Association (AMA)–Columbus: The chapter provides access to hundreds of marketing job postings, career tips and strategies, as well as conferences, training and tools.
Cleveland American Advertising Federation (AAF): The Cleveland chapter of the AAF provides opportunities for education, networking and recognition at every career stage.
Ohio offers an array of industries, a central location and competitive salaries for the cost of living, making it an attractive destination for marketing professionals. While it may not be considered a traditional marketing mecca like some coastal cities, Ohio provides ample opportunities for growth, innovation and career advancement in the field of marketing.
By understanding industry standards, conducting research and staying informed about relevant professional associations, individuals can navigate their career paths and ensure fair compensation in Ohio'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.
