If you’re considering a career in digital marketing, you’re likely wondering what the average digital marketer’s salary is.

That’s understandable.

As you explore this path, keep a few things in mind. First, digital marketing consists of many elements, resulting in a variety of job titles that can differ significantly.

Secondly, the role of a digital marketing specialist is among the top ten most in-demand jobs, with over 1 million job openings globally in 2024, according to LinkedIn. There is a shortage of approximately 350,000 digital marketing professionals, particularly in metro areas like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago (LinkedIn, 2024).

While there are numerous openings for marketing coordinators, there aren’t enough qualified professionals to fill them. Your job prospects will be highly favorable with the right digital marketing certificates.

Let’s dive into the role and average digital marketing salary.

What is a Digital Marketer?

Today, most interactions between consumers and businesses happen online. To increase brand awareness, loyalty, and sales, companies promote their products through social media, email, paid search, organic search, and other digital channels.

This is where digital marketers come in. They design and implement strategies to promote businesses and their products online. Since digital marketing is constantly evolving, successful digital marketers continuously monitor trends to stay ahead.

There are two common career paths for digital marketers aiming to earn above the average salary. You can either become a generalist familiar with most marketing channels or specialize in one or two areas.

The most in-demand marketers possess “T-shaped” skills: they specialize in one or two channels while maintaining a strong understanding of others.

How Much Does the Average Digital Marketer Make?

Aside from passion, salary is often a key factor in choosing a career path.

According to recent data from Glassdoor, the average salary for a digital marketer in the U.S. ranges between $92,500 and $135,000 annually in 2024, depending on experience and location. Entry-level professionals can expect to start around $68,000, while top-tier marketers in cities like San Francisco or New York can earn upwards of $155,000 (Glassdoor, 2024).

The average digital marketing salary in the United States is around $112,000 per year.

Factors That Impact a Digital Marketer’s Salary

There are various job titles within digital marketing, each with its own salary range. However, several factors influence how much you can earn as a digital marketer. These include:

1. Education

Your educational background can affect your earning potential. A bachelor’s degree in advertising, communications, business, or journalism provides a strong foundation for most marketing positions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals with a degree in marketing or a related field earn an average of 15% more than their counterparts without formal education (BLS, 2024).

However, digital marketing doesn’t necessarily require traditional education. Specialized certifications in areas like SEO, Google Ads, or Data Analytics can significantly boost your earnings.

2. Certifications

Digital marketing requires a range of hard and soft skills. In 2024, the most in-demand skills include social media management, SEO, data analytics, and content strategy (LinkedIn, 2024). Certifications from platforms like Google, HubSpot, and Meta Blueprint are highly valuable and can enhance your credibility and earning potential.

3. Years of Experience

Experience is a critical factor in salary growth. Digital marketers with 5+ years of experience typically earn 20% more than those with fewer years (Glassdoor, 2024). Specializing in high-demand areas like data analysis or AI-driven marketing can further increase your salary.

4. Industry

Digital marketing skills are highly sought after across various industries. In 2024, healthcare, finance, and tech sectors offer higher salaries due to their need for digital transformation. For example, digital marketers in the finance industry earn an average of 18% more than those in retail or hospitality (LinkedIn Insights, 2024).

5. Location

Location still plays a significant role in determining salary. Marketers working in major tech hubs like San Francisco, New York, or Austin can expect salaries up to 30% higher than the national average due to the cost of living and demand for talent (BLS, 2024).

6. The Company You Work For

Large companies with a strong focus on data and technology, such as Google, Amazon, and Meta, offer some of the highest salaries in digital marketing. Entry-level marketers at these organizations often earn higher starting salaries than small businesses or non-profits (Forbes, 2024).

Digital Marketing Job Titles You Should Know About

Digital marketing offers numerous opportunities for qualified professionals. Here are a few prominent roles to consider:

1. Digital Marketing Specialist

Digital marketing specialists develop, manage, and oversee campaigns across various channels. In 2024, the average salary for this role ranges between $80,000 and $110,000, depending on location and experience (Glassdoor, 2024).

2. Social Media Strategist

Social media strategists drive brand awareness through creative content. They earn between $65,000 and $90,000 annually (LinkedIn, 2024).

3. Content Strategist

Content strategists are in high demand due to the rise of content marketing. Their salaries range from $75,000 to $105,000 annually (Glassdoor, 2024).

4. Email Marketing Specialist

Email marketing specialists play a key role in digital strategy. In 2024, their salaries range between $70,000 and $95,000, with top earners making over $110,000 in major cities (Indeed, 2024).

Start Your Career on the Right Foot

Digital marketing is a rewarding career path with vast opportunities and competitive salaries. Gaining the necessary training and certifications is crucial to success.

Pathstream offers programs designed to equip you with in-demand digital skills. Whether you aim to become a project manager or a marketing specialist, our courses can help you achieve your goals. Contact us today to learn more about our offerings.