Are you seeking a dynamic and rewarding career path that allows you to blend creativity with strategy? Look no further than Washington State. Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Washington offers a vibrant landscape for marketing professionals to thrive.
From its bustling tech scene to its diverse industries, the state presents any number of opportunities for marketers to make their mark. We'll explore why Washington is an ideal destination for aspiring marketing professionals and delve into the salaries and unique specialties that set it apart.
Washington's thriving tech sector, led by giants like Amazon, Microsoft and countless startups, forms the backbone of its economy. This high-tech profile requires a constant demand for innovative strategies to drive growth and engagement. Additionally, Washington's diverse industries, including aerospace, healthcare and tourism, provide ample opportunities for marketers to specialize and expand their horizons.
As of 2023 there were roughly 9,450 people employed as marketing managers in Washington State says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This means that for every 1,000 people who live in the state, 2.7 are marketing managers. The median wage per hour is $78 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 retail. Take a look at five major employers of marketing professionals in Washington:
Amazon:
Seattle, WA. Amazon, one of the world's largest e-commerce and technology companies, employs marketing professionals across various domains, including retail, cloud computing and entertainment.
Microsoft:
Redmond, WA. Microsoft offers extensive opportunities for marketers to work on cutting-edge products and services across its software, hardware and cloud computing divisions.
Starbucks Corporation:
Seattle, WA. Starbucks, a global leader in the coffee industry, hires marketing professionals to drive brand awareness, customer engagement and product innovation.
Boeing:
Chicago, IL, but major operations in Seattle, WA. Boeing, a prominent aerospace company, employs marketers to promote its commercial and defense products and services, with a significant presence in Washington.
Nordstrom:
Seattle, WA. Nordstrom, a leading fashion retailer and e-tailer, hires marketing professionals to drive sales, brand positioning, and customer experience initiatives.
While Washington's tech sector dominates the landscape, marketers can also explore opportunities in other industries such as healthcare—think Providence/Swedish Health & Services, tourism like Visit Seattle and retail, such as REI Co-op and Costco.
Marketing salaries in Washington statistics
The national 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 in Washington 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 Washington
Given Washington's high-tech profile, there are a couple of trending marketing specialties that are unique to the state. These include:
Tech Marketing: With Seattle serving as a tech hub, marketers specializing in technology-driven products and services thrive in Washington. From cloud computing to artificial intelligence, tech marketers play a crucial role in shaping the industry's narrative and driving adoption.
Sustainability Marketing: Washington's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship creates opportunities for marketers to promote eco-friendly initiatives and products. Brands focused on sustainability can leverage Washington's eco-conscious consumer base to drive engagement and loyalty.
Here are the median salaries from the BLS for more traditional marketing roles:
Marketing manager:
Marketing managers earn a median salary of $162,590 per year in Washington.
Digital marketing manager:
Digital marketing managers in Washington earn a median annual wage of approximately $136,470 says the BLS.
Public relations specialist:
The median annual wage for public relations specialists in Washington is about $82,650, influenced by experience and employer.
Market research analyst and marketing specialist:
Market research analysts and marketing specialists in Washington earn a median annual wage of around $96,960, says the BLS.
Median marketing manager salary in Washington
The median annual salary for marketing managers in Washington is $162,590.
The BLS says Washington State doesn't rank in the top 10 of highest paying states for marketing managers, and with Washington's high cost of living, while this is a healthy wage, people may choose to live outside of industry hubs and commute, or if possible, work remotely.
Marketing Managers
10%$61,380
25%$104,630
50%$162,590Median
75%$217,510
90%N/A
Median Hourly Wage$78
Job growth6.6%
Total Employment9,450
Metro area
Median Salary
Bottom 10%
Top 10%
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
$169,500
$53,360
N/A
Olympia-Tumwater, WA
$137,690
$78,290
N/A
Bremerton-Silverdale, WA
$130,940
$63,670
N/A
Kennewick-Richland, WA
$123,780
$75,980
$214,230
Longview, WA
$122,590
$84,140
$230,820
Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA
$122,010
$72,080
$214,530
Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA
$117,110
$65,130
$205,090
Yakima, WA
$116,260
$68,260
$191,260
Bellingham, WA
$111,330
$62,360
$195,910
Wenatchee, WA
$108,640
$62,680
$219,810
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 Washington
The salary range for marketing managers in Washington typically spans from $61,380 for the lowest 10% and entry-level roles to well over $217,510for the upper 25% 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 Washington
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 Seattle, Redmond, Tacoma or Bellevue pay may be more competitive.
The BLS does state that the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metro area ranks 10th in the country for areas with the highest employment level 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 Washington
Salaries in Washington 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, and in the competitive tech sector, may be required to even have a foot in the door.
Experience:
Extensive experience in the marketing field, particularly in managerial or executive positions, can command higher salaries in Washington.
Cost of living:
The cost of living in cities like Seattle can impact salary negotiations. Employers may offer higher salaries to offset the higher living expenses in the region.
State economy:
Washington's robust economy, driven by industries like technology, aerospace and retail, influences salary levels for marketing professionals. Demand for marketing talent in thriving sectors often leads to competitive compensation packages.
Education:
Higher levels of education, such as a master's degree or MBA, may result in higher salaries for marketing professionals in Washington, especially for leadership roles.
How to advance in marketing careers in Washington
To advance in marketing careers in Washington, consider:
Gaining expertise in emerging marketing technologies and platforms such as data analytics, AI and marketing automation.
Obtaining relevant certifications like Google Analytics, HubSpot or Salesforce Marketing Cloud.
Developing strong leadership and strategic planning skills.
Networking actively within the local marketing community and seeking mentorship opportunities.
How do I know if I am being paid fairly as a marketing manager in Washington?
To assess whether you're being paid fairly in Washington, consider factors such as:
Researching salary data from reliable sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) or industry-specific salary surveys.
Comparing your salary to the average for your position and level of experience in Washington.
Seeking insights from professional networks, mentors or industry associations about typical salary ranges for your role in the state.
Keeping 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. Use the Washington State Labor & Industries Workers' Rights page to read up on benefits and wage laws.
Education and training for WA marketers
While specific degree requirements may vary depending on the employer and the position, common degrees for marketing roles in Washington include:
Marketing Manager/Digital Marketing Manager: Bachelor's degree in marketing, business administration or a related field. Advanced degrees like an MBA may be preferred for senior-level positions.
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 may be beneficial.
Cost of living considerations for Washington
Washington's high cost of living, particularly in cities like Seattle, may impact salaries for marketers in the state. Employers often offer competitive compensation packages to attract and retain top talent, considering factors such as housing costs, transportation and other living expenses.
RentCafe says Washington is 17% higher than the national average for overall cost of living, with housing at 29% higher and healthcare at 20% higher. For those considering commuting, transportation and gas are on average, 27% higher than the national average.
Cost of living averages for some of the major cities are:
Washington city
Cost of living % compared to national average
Seattle
45% higher
Tacoma
20% higher
Olympia
16% higher
Spokane
1% higher
Everett
28% higher
Bellingham
23% higher
Vancouver
4% higher
Washington marketer professional associations
By joining and participating in professional associations and meetups, marketing professionals in Washington can expand their knowledge, grow their professional network and stay updated on the latest trends, changes and best practices in their fields.
American Marketing Association (AMA)–Puget Sound Chapter: The leading resource for marketing professionals in the local community, covering Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, Everett and surrounding areas.
Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)–Puget Sound Chapter: One of the largest PRSA chapters in the country, the Puget Sound chapter offer opportunities to advance careers through networking and access to professional development resources across Western Washington.
Seattle Interactive Conference (SIC): Event-based and host of the annual conference that is a celebration of the work happening at the intersection of technology, creativity and digital marketing.
Northwest Marketing Promotional Association (NWPMA): A regional trade association representing promotional marketing professionals in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska.
Washington's tech sector, innovative companies and diverse industries make it a marketing mecca for professionals seeking dynamic career opportunities. Brands like Microsoft, Amazon, and Starbucks have originated big national marketing campaigns from Washington, showcasing the state's influence on the marketing landscape. With competitive salaries, abundant networking opportunities and a culture of innovation, Washington offers an exciting environment for marketers to thrive and grow.
By understanding industry standards, conducting research and staying informed about relevant professional associations, individuals can navigate their career paths and ensure fair compensation in Washington'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.
