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CAREER GUIDE Marketing Bachelor of Science, Business Administration
Start on your path today.
Career guide: marketing manager.
Jump to: Career Opportunities Work Environment Salary Stats Go to: Marketing - B.S. Business Administration
The marketing profession attracts creative, ambitious people who thrive on competition, work well with others, and enjoy taking on a variety of tasks and projects. In most organizations, marketing managers are responsible for creating strategies and programs that drive demand for an organization’s products or services. This often includes conducting research, developing pricing strategies, and creating detailed plans for reaching a specific target audience. Marketing managers also frequently participate in packaging design, advertising campaigns, and media selection, and they’re responsible for planning and executing a wide range of different marketing activities—from email and social media campaigns to celebrity endorsements and live events. Most marketing manager positions require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
Job listing growth 2016–2026.
Career opportunities.
Most marketing careers offer excellent salaries, good opportunities for advancement, and interesting and varied work, which translates into heavy competition for most available positions. Successful marketing managers combine strong analytical and business skills with creative flair and the ability to manage many different projects and tasks simultaneously. A bachelor’s degree in marketing meets the minimum requirements for most entry-level positions, although some marketing professionals choose to pursue an advanced degree—such as a master’s degree in marketing or advertising or, more broadly, an MBA or master’s in management and leadership—to open up additional career options.
Marketing Manager tops U.S. News and World Report’s list of Best Sales and Marketing Jobs:
#1: Marketing Manager
#2: Sales Manager
#3: Insurance Sales Agent
#4: Real Estate Agent
Positions in the field.
- Advertising manager
- Promotions manager
- Public relations manager
- Brand manager
- Sales manager
- Market research analyst
“At WGU Texas, I am able to accelerate my courses, and the cost of my degree is solely in my hands. The faster I accelerate, the more affordable my education becomes.” Mary Fredette,
BS Marketing Management
Job market forecast.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects solid demand for marketing manager positions through 2026, with a 10% growth rate that slightly outpaces the 7% average for other occupations. However, good marketing positions are attractive and highly sought after, so you should generally expect stiff competition for available openings.
Job growth 2016–2026.
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Work environment.
In 2014, there were approximately 194,300 marketing managers employed in the United States across a wide range of different industries. Most marketing professionals work in traditional office environments, but the job often requires travel for research, trade shows, local promotions, and other events. Some marketing positions also allow for some work-from-home flexibility. Marketing professionals are generally responsible for multiple activities and projects, so the work can be stressful and may involve long hours—especially near product launches or other major activities. In 2014, about two in five marketing managers reported working an average of more than 40 hours per week.
Professional organizations.
There are dozens of different marketing and advertising professional associations and organizations that can help give you a better sense for the profession. Here are a few that might be useful as you decide whether a bachelor’s degree in marketing management is right for you.
Job search resources.
Wondering what today’s marketing job market looks like? Check out these resources for more information about current openings, opportunities, and salaries.
Salary stats.
According to the BLS, in May 2017, marketing managers in the United States earned a median annual salary of approximate $106,130. The best-paid people in the field brought home more than $208,000. Many of the highest-paying marketing positions are located in San Jose, San Francisco, and New York City. With additional experience, training, and education, marketing professionals can also move into a variety of related executive roles, including director of marketing and chief marketing officer.
Average salary of jobs with related titles.
Summary.
Marketing professionals play an essential role in helping thousands of companies generate demand for their products and meet their sales and revenue goals. With solid growth, excellent salaries, and good opportunities for advancement, marketing can offer ambitious, motivated people with strong creative skills and an aptitude for business an interesting and rewarding career. To pursue a successful career as a marketing manager, you should start by earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing from a respected, accredited institution.
Your career’s next step: Earn a degree.
Ready to jump-start your career in marketing? The next step could be earning your B.S. in Marketing. Accredited, competency-based WGU offers this degree online for at a surprisingly affordable flat-rate tuition. Flexible enough for a working adult’s schedule with the option to accelerate, your degree may be closer than you think!