Marketing assistants play a vital role in helping companies promote products, services, and brands. Their duties commonly include conducting market research, managing social media, supporting campaigns, performing administrative tasks, and assisting the marketing team. So how much does this important position pay?
Typical marketing assistant salary range
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual pay for marketing assistants in 2021 was $39,830, or $19.15 per hour. However, salaries can vary significantly based on factors like location, experience, industry, and company size. Here is a look at the typical marketing assistant salary range:
Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
---|---|---|
10th percentile | $27,080 | $13.02 |
25th percentile | $33,150 | $15.94 |
50th percentile (median) | $39,830 | $19.15 |
75th percentile | $49,100 | $23.61 |
90th percentile | $60,960 | $29.31 |
As shown in the table, the median annual salary for marketing assistants is $39,830. However, the salary range spans from $27,080 at the 10th percentile to $60,960 at the 90th percentile. This indicates there is significant earning potential for experienced marketing assistants working at higher levels or in certain metropolitan regions.
Factors impacting marketing assistant pay
Many different factors can impact how much a marketing assistant makes. Some of the key influences include:
Location
Salaries for marketing assistants can vary significantly depending on geographical location. Assistants working in major metropolitan markets like New York City and San Francisco typically earn higher salaries than those in smaller cities due to the higher cost of living. According to BLS data, the states with the highest average salaries for marketing assistants are:
- California – $52,030
- Washington – $47,960
- New York – $46,990
- Massachusetts – $46,340
- Connecticut – $45,750
Experience and education
More experienced marketing assistants who have been in the field longer tend to command higher salaries. Education can also impact earning potential, with assistants who have bachelor’s degrees in marketing, communications, or business earning more than those without degrees. Many employers prefer to hire assistants who have formal education in a relevant area.
Industry
The industry a marketing assistant works in can significantly sway salaries. Assistants in high-paying industries like technology, finance, and pharmaceuticals tend to earn more. According to BLS, the industries with the highest average marketing assistant pay are:
- Computer systems design services – $59,900
- Software publishers – $51,670
- Insurance carriers – $48,190
- Pharmaceutical/medicine manufacturing – $47,440
- Financial investment services – $47,130
Company size
Larger companies tend to have bigger marketing budgets, allowing them to pay higher salaries to marketing assistants. Data from PayScale shows assistants at companies with over 1,000 employees earn significantly more than those at companies with less than 100 employees.
Company Size | Average Salary |
---|---|
Less than 100 employees | $35,813 |
100-499 employees | $38,794 |
500-999 employees | $41,389 |
1,000-4,999 employees | $45,063 |
5,000-9,999 employees | $48,899 |
Over 10,000 employees | $52,987 |
Job duties and responsibilities
Marketing assistants who take on higher level responsibilities like managing projects, supervising junior staff, and leading campaigns typically earn more than those in purely administrative roles. Advanced skills in areas like data analytics, Adobe Creative Suite, and CRM platforms can also boost pay.
Job outlook for marketing assistants
The BLS projects employment for marketing assistants will grow much faster than average over the next decade at a rate of 10% between 2020-2030, compared to just 7% average growth for all occupations. Companies are expected to increase their marketing efforts to promote products and services and better understand customer data and needs. This will likely drive demand and salaries for skilled marketing assistants.
However, the field is also becoming more competitive. Employers often prefer assistants who are tech-savvy with experience executing digital marketing campaigns across platforms like email, paid search, and social media. Assistants who stay up-to-date on the latest marketing tools and strategies will be in the best position for earning higher pay.
How to increase your salary as a marketing assistant
Here are some tips to boost your earning potential as a marketing assistant:
- Get a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field like marketing, communications, advertising, or business.
- Obtain certifications in areas like digital marketing and social media.
- Build experience managing paid advertising campaigns on platforms like Google Ads and Facebook Ads.
- Develop proficiency in marketing and design tools like HubSpot, Adobe Creative Suite, MailChimp, and Canva.
- Gain skills in data analytics using Google Analytics, Tableau, and CRM systems.
- Take on more responsibilities like supervising junior staff, managing projects, and leading campaigns.
- Keep up with the latest marketing trends and software programs.
- Consider relocating to a larger metropolitan area with more opportunities.
- Network and apply for jobs at larger companies and corporations.
Conclusion
In summary, marketing assistant salaries can vary significantly based on location, experience, education, industry, company size, job responsibilities, and skills. While the BLS reports an average salary of $39,830, pay ranges from around $27,000 for entry-level assistants up to over $60,000 for experienced assistants in leadership roles at major corporations. The field provides strong earning potential, especially for marketing assistants who continue building in-demand skills and experience.