VPs of marketing typically earn six-figure salaries.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics' "Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition," marketing executive jobs are some of the most highly coveted and highest-paying jobs. Marketing directors, marketing vice presidents and chief marketing officers not only direct their companies' overall marketing and sales strategy, but also oversee the various communications activities that generate leads and positive publicity for their businesses. Typically, professionals with 10 years of experience or more occupy marketing executive roles.
Marketing Director
Marketing directors are responsible for developing and executing their company's marketing plan as well as tracking industry trends and competition. Directors may work independently, report to a vice president, or oversee an entire marketing department. The median expected salary for marketing directors working in the United States was $132,881 as of an April 2011 Salary.com report. However, average salaries for workers vary based on factors such as location. For example, an April 2011 SalaryExpert report stated that the average salary for marketing directors in Chicago was $94,666 annually. The average salary for marketing directors employed in Houston was slightly higher at $105,054. Phoenix and Charlotte workers averaged similar salaries at $107,129 and $107,570, respectively. Professionals in New York City's Manhattan borough made the highest salaries at $190,142 per year.
Vice President of Marketing
Vice presidents of marketing have similar roles as marketing directors, since they also oversee the implementation of company marketing activities. However, these roles may collaborate directly with chief executives in departments such as technology and head entire business units or geographic regions. SalaryExpert reported that vice presidents of marketing earned an average salary of $111,061 in Chicago, $117,015 in Houston and $104,066 in Atlanta in April 2011. Vice presidents working in Miami reported an average annual wage of $97,733. Workers in Dallas averaged $113,973 per year. Vice presidents of marketing working in Phoenix reported the lowest salaries, earning only $80,149. Professionals working in vice president of marketing roles in New York City averaged the highest wages at $141,148 annually.
Chief Marketing Officer
Whereas marketing directors and vice presidents typically lead marketing initiatives at a departmental or business unit level, chief marketing officers are responsible for their entire companies' brand images and sales performance. Their responsibilities fall under all aspects of marketing -- pricing, promotions, distribution and product development -- as well as all geographic and functional areas within their organizations. An April 2011 SalaryExpert report stated that chief marketing and sales officers earned an average salary of $281,267 in Chicago. Houston employees reported an average salary of $284,667 annually. Charlotte chief marketing and sales officers averaged $308,671 yearly. Workers in Boston and Orland reported average salaries of $284,122 and $221,107, respectively. Similar to marketing directors and vice presidents, chief marketing officers in New York City averaged the highest wages at $372,510 annually.
Potential
Marketing management roles will be in demand from 2008 to 2018, according to the BLS. Moreover, professionals with advanced degrees, extensive technology skills and high levels of creativity will have the best promotional opportunities. Average salaries are also affected by professionals' certifications, experience level and professional track records from previous jobs. The industry also affects average salaries for marketing executives. For example, the BLS reported that annual wages for marketing managers working in the financial investment sector were $153,150. In comparison, marketing management professionals in the insurance sector only averaged $118,860 per year.
Tags: average salary, April 2011, chief marketing, chief marketing officers, marketing directors