Tennessee, known for its vibrant music industry and burgeoning tech scene, offers a unique landscape for marketing professionals. From the bustling city of Nashville—the heart of country music—to the emerging tech hubs in cities like Memphis and Chattanooga, the state presents a wealth of opportunities for those looking to carve a career path in marketing.
In this article, we delve into several diverse marketing career prospects and their salaries, key employers and factors that may influence your compensation in the Tennessee marketing sector.
There are roughly 7,760 people employed as marketing managers in Tennessee, meaning out of every 1,000 residents of the state, 2.4 have chosen to work as marketing managers, says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median wage per hour is $63 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 6.6%.
Marketing careers in Tennessee span various specialties, including traditional marketing, digital marketing, public relations and market research. Given its status as a music industry hub, there are also niche opportunities tailored to the entertainment sector. Roles such as music marketing specialist or entertainment marketing manager may involve promoting artists, concerts or music festivals.
Here are just five of the biggest employers of marketing professionals in the state of Tennessee:
Amazon:
Nashville and Memphis, TN. With a significant presence in Nashville and Memphis, Amazon offers opportunities in digital marketing and e-commerce.
FedEx:
Memphis, TN. Headquartered in Memphis, FedEx provides marketing roles in logistics and transportation services.
Warner Music Group:
Nashville, TN. Nashville serves as a major hub for Warner Music Group, offering positions in music marketing and artist promotion.
HCA Healthcare:
Nashville, TN. Based in Nashville, HCA Healthcare provides marketing opportunities in the healthcare sector.
Dell:
Nashville, TN. Dell's presence in Nashville and other cities offers roles in tech marketing and digital innovation.
Several other national brands leverage Tennessee's vibrant culture and diverse consumer base for marketing campaigns. Examples include Coca-Cola, which has historically featured music-themed advertisements, and Nissan, which has a significant manufacturing presence in the state and often showcases Tennessee in its marketing materials.
Statistics for marketing salaries in Tennessee
While the median salary for marketing management professionals—a category that loosely includes upper-level careers in social media/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.
Salaries for different marketing roles in Tennessee
Marketing manager:
Marketing managers oversee marketing campaigns, develop strategies and manage teams. A bachelor's degree in marketing or a related field is typically required. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for marketing managers in Tennessee is $130,310.
Digital marketing manager:
Digital marketing managers focus on online strategies, including social media, email marketing and SEO. A bachelor's degree in marketing or digital marketing is common. The median annual salary for digital marketing managers in Tennessee is $87,030.
Public relations specialist:
Public relations specialists cultivate a positive public image for their clients or organizations through media relations and strategic communication. A degree in public relations, communications, or journalism is often required. The median annual salary for PR specialists in Tennessee is $53,740.
Market research analyst and marketing specialist
These professionals analyze market trends, conduct research and help companies understand consumer preferences. A bachelor's degree in market research or a related field is typical. The median annual salary for market research analysts in Tennessee is $63,580.
Median marketing manager salary in Tennessee
The median annual salary for marketing managers in Tennessee is $130,310. Even with its unique music industry slant, Tennessee doesn't rank in the top five or 10 of the highest-paying states for marketing managers. However, it's important to note that salaries may also be based on experience, education and geographic location within Tennessee.
Marketing Managers
10%$73,730
25%$96,850
50%$130,310Median
75%$169,720
90%$222,040
Median Hourly Wage$63
Job growth6.6%
Total Employment7,760
Metro area
Median Salary
Bottom 10%
Top 10%
Memphis, TN-MS-AR
$132,720
$77,030
$219,540
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
$130,460
$75,960
$222,580
Knoxville, TN
$128,020
$72,580
$219,400
Chattanooga, TN-GA
$127,190
$72,060
$186,380
Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA
$122,240
$69,990
$215,300
Cleveland, TN
$120,350
$59,290
$200,160
Jackson, TN
$119,610
$73,380
$183,680
Johnson City, TN
$118,700
$66,150
$206,690
Morristown, TN
$107,980
$71,600
$208,670
Clarksville, TN-KY
$97,240
$60,810
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 management career in Tennessee
The salary range for marketing managers in Tennessee typically spans from $73,730 for the lowest 10% to well over $222,040for 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 Tennessee
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 Nashville, pay may be higher. In fact, the BLS reports that Nashville marketing managers have the highest annual pay in the state, at $130,590 median for the Nashville-Murfreesboro-Franklin-Davidson area. The Knoxville metro area averages $124,050; Chattanooga median is $124,920 and Memphis median pay is $112,430.
That said, here are the 10 top-paying metro areas in the U.S. for marketing managers, according to the BLS:
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 Tennessee
Several factors influence marketing salaries in Tennessee, including experience, education, industry and location. While Tennessee boasts a lower cost of living compared to some major metropolitan areas, factors such as housing costs and regional economic trends can impact overall compensation.
How to advance in marketing careers in Tennessee
Tennessee offers ample opportunities for career advancement in marketing, with its diverse industry sectors and vibrant business environment. Networking, continuing education and staying updated on industry trends are key to advancing in marketing careers in the state.
While Tennessee may not rival marketing meccas like New York or Los Angeles, its unique blend of industries, including music, healthcare, and technology, makes it an attractive destination for marketing professionals seeking dynamic career paths. In fact, with its lower presence than marketing centers such as L.A., NYC and Chicago, it may be a solid choice to enter the field and start a marketing career path.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly as a marketing manager in Tennessee?
To ensure you are being paid correctly in Tennessee or any state, here are a few ways to help you gauge whether your compensation aligns with industry standards:
Research salary benchmarks: Utilize salary surveys and industry reports, such as those available through the BLS and marketing professional agencies, to compare your compensation with market standards.
Know your worth: Evaluate your years of experience, skills, education and certifications and contributions to your company to justify fair compensation.
Consider where you live: As we've determined, salaries can vary by geographic location. If you work in a large metro area, your pay may be more competitive and based on what you bring to the table, while a smaller city may pay less, but be more willing to give your skillset a chance.
Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with Tennessee's labor laws and regulations, including gender pay parity, minimum wage requirements and overtime pay. Tennessee labor laws state that an employer may not discriminate against any employee on the basis of the employee's race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin or disability.
Education and training for Tennessee 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.
Public relations specialist: A bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, journalism or a related field is typically required.
Market research analyst and marketing specialist: A bachelor's degree in marketing, market research, statistics or a related field is common. You should possess analytical skills and proficiency with data analysis tools.
Cost of living considerations for Tennessee
Tennessee is blessed with a lower cost of living than the national average. In fact, RentCafe says Tennessee's overall cost of living is 10% lower than the national average, with housing 18% lower, food at 4% lower and the cost of healthcare around 13% lower than the national average. Though salaries for marketing roles are also somewhat lower than larger hubs such as Los Angeles, the cost of living compensates for the lower median pay.
Cities that are home to companies that employ marketing managers and other professionals also all come in under the national average, making Tennessee an attractive place to work and live. Take a look at some of the marketing hubs in the state and their cost of living:
Tennessee City
Cost of living vs. national average
Memphis
10% lower
Nashville
1% lower
Murfreesboro
9% lower
Chattanooga
9% lower
Knoxville
13% lower
Professional associations and networking in TN
Professional associations may provide networking opportunities, resources for classes or professional certifications and a social outlet for industry professionals to stay up to date on the latest trends and best practices in marketing, which is essential for this career field.
In an industry where who you know is a valuable commodity, taking the time to join a professional group of like-minded peers may pay off in more than wages.
American Marketing Association (AMA)–Nashville Chapter: Provides networking opportunities, professional development resources and events for marketers in the Nashville metro area.
Digital Marketing Association (DMA)–Tennessee Chapter: Focuses on digital marketing trends, strategies and best practices for professionals in Tennessee, nationally and internationally.
Data and Marketing Association/ANA: Connects analysts and marketers to the knowledge and resources you need to become a smarter, more capable marketer.
Tennessee offers opportunities for marketing professionals, with its unique blend of industries, including music, healthcare and technology. By understanding salary trends, key employers and industry nuances, marketers with the right education and determination may navigate their careers successfully by tapping into Tennessee's rich cultural heritage and dynamic business landscape.
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.
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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.
