This Job Earns 6 Figures and Is Projected to Grow 6% in the Next Decade — And No, It's Not in Tech Marketing managers are among the highest-growing careers in the U.S., with some freelancers charging enviable hourly rates.

By Madeline Garfinkle

Key Takeaways

  • Marketing managers can earn a median income of $135,030, with top earners making up to $192,520 annually.
  • The role is one of the top 25 growing industries in the U.S.

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

High-paying salaries in some industries — like tech, for example — usually come as no surprise, with software engineers, IT managers, and data scientists all taking home salaries well into six figures. But there's one career that quietly sits among the six-figure ranks: marketing manager.

According to U.S. News, marketing manager is the 15th best-paying job in 2023, with a median salary of $135,030 and the top 25% of earners making $192,520 annually.

Marketing managers oversee and execute a company's marketing strategies, including research, campaigning, and budgeting to promote business goals. In a report earlier this year, job networking platform LinkedIn ranked "growth marketing manager" and "customer marketing manager" among its list of the Top 25 growing industries in the U.S. for 2023, both of which have salary ranges over $100,000.

Related: These Are the 25 Highest-Paying Jobs in the U.S. Right Now, Including Pilots and IT Managers, Who Average More Than $130K a Year

However, what sets this role apart is that marketing doesn't require a full-time job to rake in the big bucks. Freelance marketplace Fiverr found that, between April and September of this year, searches for "digital marketing manager" rose by 640%, per CNBC.

Users that offer verified "pro services" — a Fiverr badge that indicates one has been vetted for their skills and quality of service — charge anywhere from $100 to over $3,000 (monthly, hourly, or project-based) for their digital marketing manager expertise.

CNBC also reported that some marketing managers on Freelancer.com charge as much as $250 per hour.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for marketing managers are projected to grow by 6.6% in the next 10 years.

Related: Here Are the Best High-Paying and Fast-Growing Jobs for the Next Decade

Madeline Garfinkle

News Writer

Madeline Garfinkle is a News Writer at Entrepreneur.com. She is a graduate from Syracuse University, and received an MFA from Columbia University. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

She Quit Her Job at Trader Joe's After Starting a Side Hustle With $800 — Then She and Her Brother Grew the Business to $20 Million

Jaime Holm and Matt Hannula teamed up to build a business in an industry that "didn't exist" yet.

Buying / Investing in Business

Former Zillow Execs Target $1.3T Market

Co-ownership is creating big opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

Nissan Is Doubling Its Initial Layoff Announcement, Cutting 20,000 Jobs: 'A Wake-Up Call'

The automaker is dealing with slowing sales and a recent failed merger with Honda.

Growing a Business

This Local Bakery Has Lines Out the Door. Here Are the Secrets to Its Success.

Known for its viral flat croissants and innovative desserts, Alexander's Patisserie also excels in hands-on leadership and team culture.

Business News

Microsoft Is Laying Off Over 6,000 Employees, About 3% of Its Workforce. Here's Why.

The company said the cuts will affect all divisions and locations, with a focus on managers.