Marketing careers in New York offer a dynamic landscape with diverse opportunities across various sectors. From traditional advertising agencies to cutting-edge tech firms, professionals in marketing, public relations, digital marketing and market research play integral roles in driving business growth and brand visibility.
This article explores the nuances of different marketing careers in New York, including salary ranges, top employers, educational requirements, factors influencing salaries, cost of living considerations, professional associations, career advancement and the evolving marketing landscape in the city.
There are roughly 45,000 people employed as marketing managers in New York, says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That makes the state the second-highest employer of marketing managers in the U.S. after California. It also means out of every 1,000 people in New York nearly five are marketing managers. The median wage per hour is $83 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 8.2%.
Some of the biggest employers of marketing managers, digital marketing managers, PR specialists and market research analysts in New York are, not surprisingly, in the tech and advertising sectors. Take a look at five key employers:
Google:
New York City, NY. Google's second-largest office has two campuses in NYC, and is known for its innovative digital marketing strategies and advertising solutions.
Facebook:
New York City, NY. With its huge office on the West Side of the city, Facebook offers diverse opportunities in social media marketing and advertising.
Ogilvy:
New York City, NY. A longtime resident company in NYC, Ogilvy is a leading advertising agency renowned for its creative campaigns and marketing expertise.
IBM:
New York City, NY. This Madison Avenue corporation provides opportunities in technology-driven marketing solutions and data analytics.
Amazon:
New York City, NY. Opening in 2023 and employing over 2,000 people, Amazon offers opportunities in e-commerce marketing, advertising and data-driven marketing strategies.
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Marketing salary in New York statistics
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 $161,030 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 New York
Marketing manager/director:
Marketing managers oversee marketing strategies, campaigns and team members to achieve business objectives. • Pay: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for marketing managers in New York is around $172,590. • Educational Requirement: Bachelor's degree in marketing or related field; some positions may require a master's degree.
Digital marketing manager:
Digital marketing managers develop and implement online marketing strategies, including SEO, PPC, social media and content marketing. • Pay: The median annual salary for digital marketing managers in New York is approximately $91,840 (BLS). • Educational Requirement: Bachelor's degree in marketing, digital marketing or a related field; certifications in digital marketing tools and platforms are advantageous.
Public relations specialist:
Public relations specialists manage communication between an organization and the public, including media relations, crisis management and brand reputation. • Pay: The median annual salary for public relations specialists in New York is around $172,590 (BLS). • Educational Requirement: Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, journalism or a related field.
Marketing specialist:
Marketing specialists assist in developing and executing marketing campaigns, conducting market research and analyzing marketing data. • Pay: The median annual salary for marketing specialists in New York is approximately $91,840(BLS). • Educational Requirement: Bachelor's degree in marketing, business administration or a related field.
New York as a marketer's mecca
New York City offers unparalleled opportunities for marketing professionals due to its vibrant business ecosystem, diverse industries and global presence.
Advertising agencies continue to play a significant role in New York, but the landscape has evolved with the rise of digital and tech-focused firms.
Brands such as Coca-Cola, Nike and Apple frequently launch large-scale marketing campaigns in New York to capitalize on its diverse consumer base and media exposure.
Median marketing manager salary in New York
The median annual salary for marketing managers in New York is $172,590. With it's thriving tech and advertising industries and as an international hub, New York takes first place for salaries for marketing managers says the BLS. However, the high coat of living in New York City and surrounding boroughs should be considered to justify the high salary.
Marketing Managers
10%$94,780
25%$130,120
50%$172,590Median
75%$224,950
90%N/A
Median Hourly Wage$83
Job growth8.2%
Total Employment49,480
Metro area
Median Salary
Bottom 10%
Top 10%
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ
$175,560
$102,270
N/A
Rochester, NY
$159,750
$86,360
N/A
Ithaca, NY
$150,940
$59,350
N/A
Binghamton, NY
$147,880
$66,600
N/A
Syracuse, NY
$141,660
$77,840
N/A
Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY
$140,770
$60,280
N/A
Glens Falls, NY
$140,030
$85,780
N/A
Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
$138,480
$72,440
N/A
Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY
$138,470
$73,560
N/A
Utica-Rome, NY
$128,610
$66,020
N/A
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 range for a marketing management career in New York
The median salary range for marketing managers in New York spans from $94,780 for the lowest 10% to well over $224,950for 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 on the job.
Pay by metro area within New York state
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. Everyone knows New York's cost of living is much higher than the national average, so for those working in New York City or surrounding boroughs, your high salary offsets a high cost of living, including housing, food and utilities.
While the BLS reports that New York City is the highest metro area employer of marketing managers in the country—and the state is the second highest employer in total in the U.S., you can see that though people gravitate to where the jobs are, they are also compensated well for their skills and abilities.
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
Factors affecting marketing salaries in New York
Several factors influence what your marketing salary may be in New York. These primary factors may include:
Experience and expertise:
Senior-level positions command higher salaries.
Industry and company size:
Salaries vary across industries, with technology and finance often offering higher compensation.
Location:
Salaries may differ based on the borough within New York City and proximity to metropolitan areas.
Competition:
As the highest employer of marketing managers in the country, the prestige and pressure of working in marketing in New York City and elsewhere in the state, presents opportunity but also a highly competitive environment for these jobs.
Education:
Advanced degrees or specialized certifications may lead to higher-paying roles.
To advance in marketing careers in New York:
Seek mentorship, leadership opportunities and advanced certifications to advance in your career.
Network with industry professionals, attend conferences and stay updated on emerging trends to remain competitive.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly as a marketing manager in New York?
To ensure you are being paid correctly in California, here are some steps you can take to assess whether your compensation aligns with industry standards:
Research: Compare your salary with industry benchmarks and data from reputable sources like BLS or salary survey sites, such as Payscale, Indeed and Glassdoor.
Network: Engage with professionals in your field to gain insights into salary trends and negotiation strategies.
Negotiation: Advocate for fair compensation based on your skills, experience and market value.
Read: Learn about NY state wage laws so you are informed about your rights. The Fair Labor Standards Act and Living Wage Law are just two laws in place in the state. You can also read up on labor standards on the NY State Department of Labor website.
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Education and training in NY
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. Also consider:
Pursue higher degrees, professional certifications and training programs to enhance your skills and marketability.
Stay updated on industry trends, tools and technologies through continuous learning and professional development opportunities.
Cost of living considerations for New York
While everyone knows New York City has a high cost of living, the state as a whole is on average 30% higher than the national average. New York City is 37% higher than the state average, and 78% higher than the national average, says RentCafe. You should also factor in housing costs, taxes, healthcare expenses and other essentials when assessing salary offers and budgeting.
In its survey for the state, RentCafesays every major city in NY is higher than the national average for cost of living. However, many people live in more affordable cities and commute to NYC. Here are just a few of the cities represented:
NY city
% Cost of living
New York City
78% higher
Manhattan
127% higher
Albany
5% higher
Syracuse
3% higher
Brooklyn
66% higher
New York professional associations and networking
Professional associations provide valuable networking opportunities, continuing education resources and a platform for industry professionals to stay up to date on the latest trends and best practices in marketing, which is mandatory for this career field.
American Marketing Association (AMA)–New York Chapter: Operates in the world's most influential business city, raising the profile of marketing, providing professional development and marketing networking opportunities and serving as a resource for New York City marketing industry events and news.
Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New York Chapter: The oldest, largest and most prominent public relations chapter offering top-level development, networking, mentoring and awards.
Digital Marketing Association (DMA): Focuses on digital marketing trends, strategies and best practices for professionals in New york state and nationally.
Navigating marketing careers and salaries in New York requires a combination of skill, strategy and adaptability. By understanding industry trends, leveraging educational resources and networking effectively, marketing professionals can thrive in this dynamic market and contribute to the success of leading brands and organizations.
Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiate salaries and to set 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.
