Illinois, a state teeming with bustling cities and prolific industries, offers endless opportunities for marketing professionals. From the iconic skyline of Chicago to the manufacturing hub of Peoria, Illinois offers a diverse landscape for individuals seeking to embark on or advance their careers in marketing.
In this article, we'll uncover why Illinois is a prime destination for marketing talent, delve into salary insights, explore specialized marketing niches, highlight top employers and showcase the integral role marketing professionals play in shaping the state's economy.
There are roughly 24,910 people employed as marketing managers in Illinois, says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That makes it the 4th largest employer of marketing managers in the U.S., with around four people in the field for every 1,000 people residing in the state. The median wage per hour is $74 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 8.2%.
Marketing specialties unique to Illinois
Illinois's thriving advertising and manufacturing industries give rise to specialized marketing niches tailored to the state's economic landscape. Marketers in Illinois often find themselves immersed in campaigns targeting diverse audiences, from consumers of cutting-edge technology to stakeholders in traditional manufacturing sectors. Additionally, with Chicago serving as a major transportation and logistics hub, marketers have unique opportunities to leverage supply chain expertise in their strategic initiatives.
Several prominent companies drive the marketing outlook in Illinois. Some of the largest employers for marketing professionals include:
McDonald's Corporation:
Chicago, IL. McDonald's leverages marketing professionals to drive brand awareness, develop advertising campaigns and enhance customer engagement across various platforms.
Abbott Laboratories:
North Chicago, IL. Abbott Laboratories relies on marketing experts to promote its diverse portfolio of healthcare products, develop marketing strategies and cultivate relationships with healthcare providers and consumers.
The Kraft Heinz Company:
Chicago, IL. The Kraft Heinz Company employs marketers to develop and execute marketing campaigns for its iconic food brands, drive product innovation and analyze market trends to inform strategic decision-making.
Caterpillar Inc.:
Peoria, IL. Caterpillar Inc. utilizes marketing professionals to support its global marketing efforts, develop targeted marketing campaigns for its heavy machinery products and strengthen brand positioning in the manufacturing sector.
Walgreens Boots Alliance:
Chicago/Deerfield, IL. Walgreens Boots Alliance relies on marketing expertise to drive pharmacy and retail sales, enhance customer loyalty through targeted promotions and loyalty programs and elevate the company's digital marketing initiatives.
These industry leaders offer diverse career paths and opportunities for marketing professionals to make meaningful contributions to their respective organizations while shaping the marketing landscape of Illinois.
Also consider these IL companies
Several other renowned brands deploy big national marketing campaigns in Illinois to engage with consumers and drive brand awareness. Some notable examples include Boeing, Allstate, State Farm and United Airlines, which leverage strategic marketing initiatives to connect with audiences in the state and beyond.
Salaries for different marketing roles in Illinois
These competitive salary figures underscore Illinois's reputation as a destination for marketing professionals, offering robust compensation packages along with potential opportunities for career advancement.
Marketing manager:
Marketing managers earn a median salary of $154,480 per year said the BLS.
Digital marketing manager:
Social media and digital marketing managers earn a median annual salary of $72,840 in Illinois according to the BLS.
Public relations specialist:
The median annual wage for public relations specialists in Illinois is $63,590 said the BLS.
Advertising and promotions manager:
Advertising and promotions managers in Illinois earn a median annual wage of around $113,120, according to the BLS.
Median marketing manager salary in Illinois
The median annual salary for marketing managers is $154,480 in Illinois. This falls below the national median for the career listed by the BLS. Even with its dominant manufacturing and electronics industries, Illinois does not feature in the top five highest-paying states ranked by the BLS. Here are median, lowest and highest salary figures for the state and several of its major metro areas.
Marketing Managers
10%$85,430
25%$107,300
50%$154,480Median
75%$200,620
90%$231,580
Median Hourly Wage$74
Job growth8.2%
Total Employment21,670
Metro area
Median Salary
Bottom 10%
Top 10%
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
$158,800
$88,000
$234,600
Peoria, IL
$134,630
$77,110
$225,590
Decatur, IL
$130,110
$74,870
$218,180
Springfield, IL
$123,660
$57,850
$219,520
Rockford, IL
$117,580
$67,530
$202,150
Champaign-Urbana, IL
$102,330
$64,900
N/A
Kankakee, IL
$97,490
$51,570
$198,870
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2033. 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.
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Salary ranges for marketing managers in Illinois
The salary range for marketing managers in Illinois typically spans from $85,430 for the lowest 10% of earners to well over $231,580 for the upper 10% of people in marketing per year. When considering job offers in Illinois, you should evaluate the entire compensation package such as healthcare benefits, time off and pension and 401k packages and not just the salary. Remember too, that the salary you earn may take into consideration other factors such as experience, education and time in the position.
Pay by metro area within Illinois
Your earning level may depend upon where you work within a state. For example, Chicago, Peoria and Deerfield 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 your expenses.
The BLS does not include any Illinois metro areas in its top rankings for the pay of marketing managers, though it does rank the Chicago metro area (along with Naperville, IN, and Elfin, WI) as the fifth-highest metro area with the highest concentration of jobs and location quotients in marketing managers.
Here are the top metro areas in the country for pay:
Metro Area
Median Annual Salary
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
$228,580
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
$212,520
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
$200,010
Trenton-Princeton, NJ
$199,950
Worcester, MA
$176,500
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
$176,240
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ
$175,560
Niles, MI
$174,740
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
$173,880
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
$171,590
And here are the top 10 metro areas in the U.S. for employment of marketing managers, according to the BLS. you can see the Chicago metro area ranks third for employment.
Marketing professionals with extensive experience and a proven track record of success may negotiate higher salaries in Illinois. Employers often value candidates with hands-on experience in specific marketing roles or industries, leading to increased earning potential.
Education:
Individuals with advanced degrees or specialized certifications often command higher salaries in the marketing field. Employers in Illinois may offer competitive compensation packages to candidates with relevant educational backgrounds, such as a bachelor's or master's/ MBA degree in marketing, business administration, communications or a related field.
State economy:
The overall economic health of Illinois can impact marketing salaries, with factors such as job market conditions, industry trends and business competitiveness influencing compensation levels. A thriving economy may lead to increased demand for marketing services and higher salaries for skilled professionals.
Industry demand:
Salary levels in Illinois may vary depending on the demand for marketing professionals within specific industries. Sectors such as technology, healthcare, finance and manufacturing may offer higher salaries to attract top marketing talent, reflecting the industry's economic landscape and growth potential.
Cost of living:
The cost of living in Illinois, particularly in metropolitan areas like Chicago, can affect marketing salaries. Employers may adjust compensation packages to align with the local cost of living, ensuring that employees can afford housing, utilities, transportation and other essential expenses.
How do I know if I am being paid fairly as a marketer in Illinois?
To determine if you're being paid fairly in Illinois, it's essential to research industry benchmarks, salary surveys and comparable job listings to assess the market rate for your role and experience level. Additionally, Illinois has labor and fair pay laws in place to protect employees' rights:
The Illinois Equal Pay Act prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on sex by paying wages less than the rate paid to employees of the opposite sex for substantially similar work.
Employees who believe they are being unfairly compensated can file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Labor's Equal Pay Act Division. Complaints can be submitted online or by contacting the department directly.
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Degree requirements for marketing jobs
While the specific degree requirements for marketing jobs in Illinois align with national standards, having a relevant bachelor's or master's degree is typically preferred by employers. The degree requirements may vary depending on the specific role and industry, but common degrees 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.
Factoring the cost of living in Illinois
The cost of living in Illinois varies depending on factors such as location, housing, transportation, healthcare and other expenses. Generally, the cost of living in Illinois is slightly lower than the national average but can vary significantly between urban and rural areas within the state.
RentCafe says the cost of living in Illinois is 8% lower than the national average, and lists the cost of living for many major cities in Illinois, including Chicago and Peoria, which are major industry hubs for marketers. Take a look:
Illinois city
Cost of living % compared to national average
Chicago
14% higher
Bloomington
2% lower
Peoria
12% lower
Springfield
10% lower
Champaign
10% lower
Decatur
22% lower
Illinois professional associations for marketers
Several professional marketing groups and associations cater to professionals in Illinois, providing networking opportunities, professional development resources and industry insights. Some notable organizations include:
American Marketing Association (AMA)–Chicago Chapter: AMA Chicago's mission is to provide opportunities for Chicago marketers to expand their knowledge, improve their skills and grow in their careers.
Public Relations Association–Chicago Chapter:PRSA Chicago is one of the largest chapters in the country representing a cross-section of industries.
Chicago Interactive Marketing Association: CIMA's purpose is to equitably serve, empower and amplify the voices and careers of every member of the organization and the digital marketing community.
Chicago Advertising Federation: Strive to deliver experiences that build a strong community across the many facets of the marketing industry: Brand, Media, Creative, Design, Digital, AdTech, Production, Public Relations, Promotions, Shopper, Research, Events, Sponsorships, User Experience.
Illinois stands out as a dynamic and rewarding destination for marketing professionals seeking to excel in their careers. With competitive salaries, specialized marketing niches and a robust network of top employers, Illinois offers opportunities for individuals passionate about making an impact in the ever-evolving field of marketing. Click the find schools button to explore more about marketing careers and salaries in Illinois and take the first step toward unlocking your potential
By understanding industry standards, conducting research and staying informed about relevant professional associations, individuals can navigate their career paths and ensure fair compensation in Illinois' 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.
