Pennsylvania offers a unique blend of historical significance, thriving industries and potential opportunities for marketing professionals. From the bustling urban centers of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to the picturesque landscapes of the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania provides a ground for individuals seeking to carve out their niche in the dynamic world of marketing.
In this article, we'll explore what makes Pennsylvania a prime destination for marketing talent, discuss median annual salaries for key marketing roles, delve into specialized marketing niches specific to the state's industries and spotlight top employers using the power of marketing to drive success.
There are roughly 10,400 people employed as marketing managers in Pennsylvania, says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This means that for every 1,000 people in the state, 1.7 are marketing managers. The median wage per hour is $63 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 6.6%.
Pennsylvania boasts a rich array of industries, ranging from healthcare and technology to manufacturing and energy, making it an ideal setting for marketing professionals looking to make an impact. The state's diverse economy, strategic location and strong business infrastructure create ample opportunities for marketers to thrive in their careers.
Whether you're passionate about promoting innovative healthcare solutions, driving consumer engagement in the technology sector or supporting traditional industries like coal and propane, Pennsylvania offers several avenues to showcase your marketing prowess.
Some of the largest employers for marketing professionals in Pennsylvania include:
Comcast Corporation:
Philadelphia, PA. Comcast employs marketing professionals to develop and implement marketing strategies for its telecommunications, cable and media services, to drive customer acquisition and retention and enhance brand awareness through advertising and promotional campaigns.
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC):
Pittsburgh, PA. UPMC relies on marketing expertise to promote its healthcare services, attract patients and engage with the community through targeted marketing campaigns, digital marketing initiatives and public relations efforts.
PNC Financial Services Group:
Pittsburgh, PA. PNC utilizes marketing professionals to support its banking and financial services, develop marketing strategies for customer acquisition and retention and enhance brand visibility through advertising, sponsorships and digital marketing channels.
Erie Insurance Group:
Erie, PA. Erie Insurance employs marketing experts to promote its insurance products and services, develop marketing campaigns targeting consumers and businesses and strengthen brand recognition through advertising, digital marketing and community outreach efforts.
The Hershey Company:
Hershey, PA. The Hershey Company relies on marketing professionals to develop and execute marketing strategies for its iconic chocolate and confectionery brands, drive product innovation and engage consumers through advertising, social media and experiential marketing initiatives.
Specialties in marketing specific to Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's diverse industries offer specialized marketing niches tailored to the state's economic landscape. Marketers in the state may find unique opportunities to leverage their skills in industries such as propane, vaccine development and coal, among others:
Propane industry marketing: Pennsylvania is a significant player in the propane industry, with companies involved in propane production, distribution and usage. Marketers in this niche may focus on promoting propane as a clean, efficient and environmentally friendly energy source for residential, commercial and industrial applications.
Vaccine development marketing: Pennsylvania is home to leading pharmaceutical companies and research institutions engaged in vaccine development and manufacturing. Marketers in this niche may work on raising awareness of new vaccines, educating healthcare professionals and the public and promoting vaccination campaigns to combat infectious diseases.
Coal industry marketing: Although the coal industry has faced challenges in recent years, Pennsylvania remains a major coal-producing state. Marketers in this niche may focus on advocating for the coal industry, promoting coal-related products and services and addressing environmental and regulatory issues affecting the coal sector.
Marketing salaries in Pennsylvania: Quick statistics
While the national median salary for marketing management professionals—a category that loosely includes careers in traditional marketing, 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, which would likely be at least a bachelor's degree.
Salaries for different marketing roles in Pennsylvania
Marketing manager:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual wage for marketing managers in Pennsylvania is $131,890, depending on experience and industry.
Digital marketing manager:
Digital marketing managers in Pennsylvania earn a median annual wage of approximately $99,630 or more based on expertise and company size says the BLS.
Public relations specialist:
The median annual wage for public relations specialists in Pennsylvania is about $61,660 says the BLS, which is below the national median of $66,750.
Market research analyst and marketing specialist
Market research analysts and marketing specialists in PA earned a median annual wage of around $61,210, also below the national median of $74,680.
Median marketing manager salary in PA
The median annual salary for marketing managers in Pennsylvania is $131,890, which is below the national median for the job. But, because Pennsylvania has a lower than average cost of living, the salary may level out or actually be better when it comes to housing, healthcare, food and utility costs. Here are median, lowest and highest 10% salary figures for the state and several metro areas.
Marketing Managers
10%$73,430
25%$97,640
50%$131,890Median
75%$173,920
90%$222,630
Median Hourly Wage$63
Job growth6.6%
Total Employment10,400
Metro area
Median Salary
Bottom 10%
Top 10%
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
$142,330
$82,120
N/A
State College, PA
$139,030
$84,930
N/A
Chambersburg-Waynesboro, PA
$131,750
$58,120
$192,200
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
$129,690
$61,640
$214,800
Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA
$128,790
$75,680
$209,460
Bloomsburg-Berwick, PA
$126,160
$76,150
$200,260
Pittsburgh, PA
$125,580
$73,610
$210,680
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA
$121,010
$66,640
$202,840
Altoona, PA
$115,230
$46,670
$189,040
Reading, PA
$114,280
$68,190
$218,030
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 a marketing management career in PA
The salary range for marketing managers in Pennsylvania typically spans from $73,430 for the lowest 10% to well over $222,630for the upper 10% of people in the field per year. When considering job offers in Pennsylvania, try to evaluate the entire compensation package, not just salary. Does the offer include healthcare insurance or a pension plan, for example. Also consider other factors such as your experience, education and time in the position when you negotiate pay.
Pay by metro area within Pennsylvania
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. Geographic locations within Pennsylvania strongly affects salary levels, with urban areas that have a higher cost of living typically offering higher salaries to compensate.
Higher cost of living areas that are industry hubs, such as Philadelphia or Allentown may offer higher marketing salaries to compensate for the living expenses.
Marketing professionals might find lower salaries in cities with lower living costs such as Erie or Pittsburgh—and these cities also have industry hubs.
From a purely informational perspective, here are the top 10 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 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 PA
Several factors influence marketing salaries in Pennsylvania, including:
Experience:
The level of experience plays a significant role in determining marketing salaries. Professionals with extensive experience and a proven track record of success may negotiate higher salaries than those with less experience.
Industry and company size:
Salaries can vary based on the industry and size of the company. Industries with high demand for marketing services or higher profit margins may offer more competitive salaries. Similarly, larger companies may have more resources available for marketing budgets and may offer higher salaries.
Education:
Individuals with higher levels of education, such as a bachelor's or master's degree, often command higher salaries in the marketing field. Specialized degrees in marketing, business administration, communications or related fields may lead to increased earning potential.
Location:
Salaries can vary depending on the geographic location within Pennsylvania. Urban areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh may offer higher salaries to offset the higher cost of living, while salaries in rural areas may be lower.
Skills and specializations:
Marketing professionals with specialized skills or expertise in areas such as digital marketing, data analytics or specific industries may command higher salaries due to the increased demand for their skills.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly as a marketer in Pennsylvania?
To determine if you are being paid fairly in Pennsylvania based on age, ethnicity and gender, it's essential to compare your salary to industry benchmarks and salary surveys. Additionally, Pennsylvania has laws in place to protect employees from discrimination based on these or other protected characteristics. If you suspect unfair compensation practices, you can file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission or seek legal counsel for guidance. But first, consider these steps:
Research salary benchmarks: Use online salary surveys and industry reports to compare your compensation with market standards.
Talk to your HR department: HR personnel are equipped to explain the nuances and federal laws around salary, your location and its local laws and the salary levels for your job title.
Get informed: Familiarize yourself with state labor laws and network with others who are performing the same duties.
Education and training for Pennsylvania
Specific degree requirements for marketing jobs in Pennsylvania may vary depending on the role and industry. However, common degree requirements include:
Marketing Manager:Bachelor's or master's / MBA degree in marketing, business administration or a related field is the standard. Advanced degrees may be preferred for senior-level positions.
Digital Marketing Manager: Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, digital media or a related field. Additional certifications in SEO or other specialized training in digital marketing may be beneficial.
Public Relations Specialist: Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, journalism or a related field. Strong writing and communication skills are essential in this role.
Market Research Analyst: Bachelor's degree in marketing, statistics, economics or a related field. Proficiency in data analysis and statistical software is typically required.
Pennsylvania offers ample opportunities for career advancement in the marketing field and for those with the right combination of experience and education. Advancement opportunities may include moving into managerial or executive roles, specializing in a specific area of marketing, or pursuing further education or certifications.
Cost of living considerations for PA
Pennsylvania's cost of living is, on average 4% lower than the national average—with a blend of major cities that have both a higher and lower cost of living than the national average. However, Pennsylvania's housing industry is 17% lower and healthcare for the state is 7% lower, says RentCafe.
RentCafe lists the cost of living for many major cities in Pennsylvania, some of which are industry hubs for marketers. Take a look:
Pennsylvania city
Cost of living % compared to national average
Allentown
5% higher
Pittsburgh
2% lower
Philadelphia
2% higher
Erie
12% lower
Scranton
8% lower
Harrisburg
1% lower
York
3% lower
PA professional associations and networking
Joining groups is a great way for industry professionals to stay up to date on the latest trends and best practices in marketing, which is mandatory for this competitive and ever-changing career field. Some professional marketing groups in Pennsylvania include:
American Marketing Association (AMA)–Philadelphia Chapter: Prepares Philadelphia area marketers for tomorrow's opportunities by providing connections, empowerment and education.
Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)-Pittsburg Chapter: Empowers the diverse Pittsburgh area of PR professionals with tools, networking and resources for success.
Philadelphia Direct Marketing Association (PDMA): Prepares marketers in the Philadelphia area for tomorrow's successes.
American Advertising Federation (AAF)-Pittsburgh Chapter: AAF Pittsburgh is a thriving community within the American Advertising Federation. The AAF is the only organization that includes members across all disciplines and career levels in advertising.
Pennsylvania offers a dynamic and rewarding environment for marketing professionals to thrive and grow in their careers. With competitive salaries, diverse industries opportunities for advancement, Pennsylvania remains a promising destination for individuals passionate about making an impact 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 Pennsylvania'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.
