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Job outlook for marketing and sales associates in the United States
Marketing and sales associate job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected marketing and sales associate job growth rate is 19% from 2018-2028.
About 150,300 new jobs for marketing and sales associates are projected over the next decade.
Marketing and sales associate salaries have increased 5% for marketing and sales associates in the last 5 years.
There are over 353,917 marketing and sales associates currently employed in the United States.
There are 300,744 active marketing and sales associate job openings in the US.
The average marketing and sales associate salary is $45,665.
Are marketing and sales associate jobs in demand?
Marketing and sales associate job and salary trends over time
Marketing and sales associate jobs over time
Marketing and sales associate job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 353,917 | 0.11% |
| 2020 | 338,600 | 0.10% |
| 2019 | 336,338 | 0.10% |
| 2018 | 319,312 | 0.10% |
| 2017 | 303,294 | 0.09% |
Average marketing and sales associate salary over time
Marketing and sales associate salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $45,665 | $21.95 | +3.2% |
| 2025 | $44,263 | $21.28 | +1.1% |
| 2024 | $43,798 | $21.06 | --0.2% |
| 2023 | $43,874 | $21.09 | +1.1% |
| 2022 | $43,409 | $20.87 | +0.7% |
Marketing and sales associate jobs by state
Most common states for marketing and sales associates
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 693 | 52% |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 686 | 51% |
| 3 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 335 | 48% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 450 | 47% |
| 5 | Vermont | 623,657 | 263 | 42% |
| 6 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 2,170 | 39% |
| 7 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 291 | 39% |
| 8 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 225 | 39% |
| 9 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 394 | 38% |
| 10 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 3,792 | 37% |
| 11 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 387 | 37% |
| 12 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,474 | 36% |
| 13 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 2,003 | 36% |
| 14 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 2,485 | 34% |
| 15 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 2,060 | 34% |
| 16 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 1,082 | 34% |
| 17 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,831 | 33% |
| 18 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 1,454 | 33% |
| 19 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 286 | 33% |
| 20 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 1,147 | 32% |
Most common cities for marketing and sales associates
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bethesda | 2 | 3% | $43,846 |
| 2 | Evanston | 2 | 3% | $54,754 |
| 3 | Annapolis | 1 | 3% | $44,148 |
| 4 | Dover | 1 | 3% | $60,693 |
| 5 | Des Plaines | 1 | 2% | $54,725 |
| 6 | Atlanta | 3 | 1% | $40,688 |
| 7 | Jersey City | 2 | 1% | $63,521 |
| 8 | Alexandria | 1 | 1% | $49,333 |
| 9 | Indianapolis | 2 | 0% | $39,388 |
| 10 | Albuquerque | 1 | 0% | $40,675 |
| 11 | Anaheim | 1 | 0% | $49,664 |
| 12 | Baton Rouge | 1 | 0% | $38,681 |
| 13 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $57,585 |
| 14 | Columbus | 1 | 0% | $46,963 |
| 15 | Dallas | 1 | 0% | $45,784 |
| 16 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $54,662 |
| 17 | Des Moines | 1 | 0% | $45,614 |
Marketing And Sales Associate job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of marketing and sales associate experts
Weber State University
University of Maryland - College Park
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
University of Maryland - College Park
North Dakota State University
University of Akron
Xavier University
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Western Connecticut State University
North Dakota State University
Coastal Carolina University
Siena College
University of North Georgia
North Carolina A&T State University
The University of Tampa
Webster University
Ryan McKeehan
Weber State University
General Sales, Merchandising And Related Marketing Operations
What Marketing And Sales Associate skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ryan McKeehan: At the start of one’s career, there are numerous ways to maximize one’s salary potential. One way is to change jobs every few years. The traditional stigma around job hopping has diminished, and each job change can bring new opportunities for salary upgrades and skill acquisition. By demonstrating a willingness to work hard and continuously upgrade skills, one can develop rare and valuable expertise that will be in high demand, opening doors to better opportunities and higher earnings.
What will help Marketing And Sales Associates increase their earning potential?
Ryan McKeehan: With the rapid advancement of AI and other technologies, the role of salespeople is evolving. In this changing landscape, superior soft skills will be in high demand. The ability to communicate effectively, provide exceptional customer service, and sell ethically will be more crucial than ever. By honing these skills, one can stay ahead in the job market.
What Marketing And Sales Associate skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Kathleen Kelly: Maximizing your salary potential requires research, flexibility, and being your best advocate.
Dr. Joseph Harasta Jr
Associate ProfessorKutztown University of Pennsylvania
Radio, Television, And Digital Communication
What general advice would you give to a Marketing And Sales Associate?
Dr. Joseph Harasta Jr: Digital Media Specialists essentially develop campaigns that further an organization’s mission or purpose, aligned with its brand. Being digital in nature, these campaigns encompass social media and online content. In many ways digital media specialists are public relations practitioners who concentrate in online content and development.
What Marketing And Sales Associate skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Gulay Guzel PhD: Maximizing salary potential at the outset of one's marketing career requires strategic considerations. Marketing is inherently interdisciplinary, drawing from fields such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, and data science. Graduates should first identify their specialization within the marketing realm, whether it's in market research, product design, pricing strategy, or another area. Next, they should articulate what sets them apart from other candidates and highlight additional value they bring to the table. Realism is key when setting salary expectations; candidates should conduct thorough industry research to inform negotiations. Additionally, leveraging diverse experiences gained from internships and coursework to bolster their applications can significantly enhance their bargaining power.
E. Duff Wrobbel Ph.D.
ChairSouthern Illinois University Edwardsville
Communication And Media Studies
What Marketing And Sales Associate skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
E. Duff Wrobbel Ph.D.: All things social media are important, and so writing skills still matter.
What will help Marketing And Sales Associates increase their earning potential?
E. Duff Wrobbel Ph.D.: With this major, probably the best salaries are from sales jobs, which many people shy away from because they think only of hustling used cars, but sales can be very good work.
What general advice would you give to a Marketing And Sales Associate?
Dr. Stefanie Boyer: In the next 3-5 years, job skills will require more technical knowledge, as well as the ability to think critically about the appropriate use of AI, such as prompts, strategy, effectiveness, efficiency, ethics, and safety. Because of the AI tools we have available, you will be expected to do more in less time, and your job role will expand. Your ability to connect with others, communicate, and converse effectively will be extremely valuable because these are skills that AI can't replace.
What Marketing And Sales Associate skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Hank Boyd: With the looming prospects of AI, soft skills will reign supreme in sales. While at
first blush it might seem counterintuitive in that product knowledge used to be cardinal
skill, today's salesforce relies heavily on networking. Numerous academic papers lend
credence to this idea. Great people skills often trump wonkish knowledge about the
product line.
As we wade further into the 21st Century, environmental scanning (or better yet
the innate ability to read prospects) will remain pivotal. Exceptional salespeople
instinctively scan a prospective client's office noticing all the trappings. They are trying to find something they can comment upon, by doing so they can establish common
ground. Once a connection is forged, salespeople move out of the box of being pesky
interlopers into becoming valued associates.
Lastly, if you decide to embark on a career in sales never forget the tried-and-
true axiom of ABC - always be closing. This phrase means having the gumption to ask
for the business. While sales recruits might have congenial and bubbly personalities, if
they cannot look the prospect in the eye and ask for the business, they ought to find
another profession.
What will help Marketing And Sales Associates increase their earning potential?
Hank Boyd: Nothing provides greater leverage in salary negotiations than having
documented sales experience. My advice would be to garner as much experience as you
can while in college. For example, you could fundraise for a nonprofit cause or a local
political campaign. If you have affiliation with a fraternity or sorority, volunteer to
serve on its recruitment committee. The bottom line is that you must convince any
potential employer that you naturally relate to people from all walks of life.
Eric Gjerdevig
Lecturer in Marketing, Director for the Center for Professional Selling and Sales TechnologyNorth Dakota State University
Marketing
What general advice would you give to a Marketing And Sales Associate?
Eric Gjerdevig: First, remember that what you get out of your first job is so much more than compensation. A great manager mentoring you is priceless: it will pay you back dividends for the rest of your career. That said, in sales our compensation is typically tied to our performance. That means we need to put yourself out there, pay attention to the actions of the most successful salesperson in the company, learn everything you can, and manage your time well.
What will help Marketing And Sales Associates increase their earning potential?
Eric Gjerdevig: Learning doesn't stop when you graduate. How jobs are done will continue to evolve more quickly with advancing technology. To excel you need to continue to learn, develop new skills, and be adaptive.
Director Dave Payne M.S.
Associate Professor of Practice / SalesUniversity of Akron
Specialized Sales, Merchandising And Marketing Operations
What general advice would you give to a Marketing And Sales Associate?
Director Dave Payne M.S.: Planning, practice, and skills are the keys to a successful career launch. Practice and coaching feedback will build competence, which builds confidence and sales performance success.
What will help Marketing And Sales Associates increase their earning potential?
Director Dave Payne M.S.: As Director of the Fisher Institute, sales education professor and sales coach for the UA sales competition team, I look for three basic characteristics in our sales students. I look for "likability", "coachability" and "hunger for success". Here at U Akron, we are on the cutting edge of pioneering sales research and next level sales education utilizing AI, infrared technology, and biometrics/ physiological responses to sales stress. Skills are king... creating a new system for sales practice, AI feedback and repetition will be the game changer. Advancing skills to make a 21-year-old sales graduate to exhibit the skills and talent to appear ten years more experienced will be very attractive to hiring companies. This is happening at Akron next semester.
KATHERINE (KATE) Katherine Loveland Ph.D.
Chair & Associate ProfessorXavier University
Marketing
What will help Marketing And Sales Associates increase their earning potential?
KATHERINE (KATE) Katherine Loveland Ph.D.: I would probably give this advice to any graduate, but it is particularly important in marketing: work on building your personal connections. By this, I don't just mean building your online professional network, although this is important, I mean put in the actual face time. Pick up the phone, walk down the hall, go into the office, schedule the lunch (or coffee or drink), attend the networking event and then follow-up. We are social beings and I hear from managers all the time that the new hires who stand out are those who take the time to build relationships. Also, marketing is fundamentally about building connections between customer needs and organizational offerings. The best way to spot opportunities is to be actively engaged with a broad spectrum of people both within and outside the organization.
Purvi Shah
Associate Professor of Marketing, The Business School at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Marketing
What Marketing And Sales Associate skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Purvi Shah: With technology advancements and the fast growth of AI applications in marketing, content
strategy, marketing and data analytics, metaverse community management, storytelling,
customer relationship management, influencer marketing, performance marketing, growth
marketing, and continuous learning are going to be sought after skills for different marketing
roles in the future.
Having said that, a marketer's core competencies are here to stay even in the future. These
include knowledge of marketing concepts/frameworks, market research, communication skills,
presentation skills, creativity, and strategic, lateral and analytical thinking.
Then, there are a set of skills specific to the marketing role an individual chooses as a career
option. These will also be in-demand specific to the role. For e.g., Digital and social media
marketers must be proficient in at least one or few of the following skills: content marketing,
email marketing, search engine optimization and management, video marketing, data-driven
decision making, social media marketing, storytelling, influencer marketing, ability to self-learn
and adapt, web designing, user experience, branding, and ethics. They should also be tech
savvy and persuasive.
What general advice would you give to a Marketing And Sales Associate?
Jennifer D'Angelo Ph.D.: Brands across many product categories are facing an increasing level of competition. Brands may struggle with rising brand parity, where brands and their competitors are seen as similar to one another. Therefore, to stand out from competitors, it has become increasingly important for brands to have marketing managers that create value for consumers and communicate that value to consumers.
What will help Marketing And Sales Associates increase their earning potential?
Jennifer D'Angelo Ph.D.: Brands across many product categories are facing an increasing level of competition. Brands may struggle with rising brand parity, where brands and their competitors are seen as similar to one another. Therefore, to stand out from competitors, it has become increasingly important for brands to have marketing managers that create value for consumers and communicate that value to consumers.
JC Barone Ph.D.
ProfessorWestern Connecticut State University
Communication And Media Studies
What will help Marketing And Sales Associates increase their earning potential?
JC Barone Ph.D.: Research areas that match your skills and are realistic. Pursue additional training in person and online. Follow and seek advice from pros and continue to network. When meeting new people, have 1-2 sentences summarizing who you are and what interests you. Before contacting professional organizations, learn all you can about them, their mission, goals, reputation, personnel, and products or services. Show prospective employers your potential and value. Embrace feedback and grow from it. Don’t be afraid to be proactive. Remember to balance work, life, and play.
Ahmad Asady
Assistant Professor of Management Faculty Scholar, Challey Institute for Global Innovation and GrowthNorth Dakota State University
Marketing
What general advice would you give to a Marketing And Sales Associate?
Ahmad Asady: The role of a Marketing professional is as rewarding as it is demanding. On one hand, it offers the chance to unleash creativity, see the direct impact of your work, and enjoy a variety of experiences across different projects and industries. On the other hand, it comes with its fair share of challenges, such as the pressure to perform under tight deadlines and budgets, the constant need to stay ahead in a fast-evolving field, and the stress of quantifying the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. Despite these challenges, the role remains appealing for those drawn to a career that demands both strategic thinking and creative innovation, underscored by the powerful tool of persuasion to shape consumer behavior and drive business success.
What will help Marketing And Sales Associates increase their earning potential?
Matthew Gilbert: Fueled by the emergence of artificial intelligence and virtual reality, Marketing is at an exciting intersection of creativity and technology. Over the next 3-5 years, digital literacy and data analysis skills will become paramount as these technologies become more embedded in marketing strategies. Adapting and thinking critically will be invaluable skills for navigating dynamic market changes. Don't overlook the human side: emotional intelligence will also grow in importance, facilitating better customer engagement in a digital-first world. Lastly, sustainability knowledge will increase demand, reflecting consumer preference for environmentally conscious brands.
Soyoung Joo
Assistant Professor of MarketingSiena College
Marketing Department
What skills stand out on Marketing And Sales Associate resumes?
Soyoung Joo: Communication and time management skills are valuable skills for marketing managers.
What skills stand out on Marketing And Sales Associate resumes?
Mary Norman: As a Marketing Assistant often provides important support to the broader marketing department staff, the following skills and competencies are desired and often prioritized in the hiring process:
-Strong communication skills - written and verbal
-Strong time management and organization skills to meet deadlines
-Attention to detail
-Multi-tasking
-Problem solving and strong motivation to drive positive results
-Being comfortable in an ever-changing environment/adaptable and flexible
-Understanding of key marketing concepts
-Customer-centric attitude (internal and external)
-Social Media content development and analysis
-Listening
What soft skills should all Marketing And Sales Associates possess?
Mary Norman: -Communication - written and verbal
-Teamwork
-Problem solving
-Adaptability
-Creativity
-Positive attitude
-Motivation / Assertiveness
-Honesty
What hard/technical skills are most important for Marketing And Sales Associates?
Mary Norman: -Project management skills
-Knowledge of key marketing tools and analytics:
-Social media tools like Hootsuite, Google analytics, etc.
-Design tools like Canva, Photoshop, Illustrator
-Email and Survey tools like Mailchimp and Survey Monkey
-SEO Tools like Google Ads
-Digital/Social Media Marketing Skills in the following areas:
-Email marketing
-Search Engine Marketing and Search Engine Optimization (SEM/SEO)
-Email marketing
-Content marketing - ability to create content for social media and additional formats like blogs, etc.
-Social Media marketing through top platforms: i.e., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, etc.
-Data Analysis - mining insights into customer behavior based on website and social media analytics
-Trendwatching / Consumer insights
What skills will help Marketing And Sales Associates earn the most?
Mary Norman: While knowledge of the "hard skills" is very important in getting hired and excelling in a marketing career, soft skills (people skills) often support career progression the most. The following skills are important for career success today:
-Decision making
-Communication
-Adaptablility / Time management
-Teamwork
-Project management / Attention to Detail
-Problem Solving
-Analytical Thinking
-Creativity
-Confidence
-Customer knowledge
Roland Leak Ph.D.
Associate Professor of MarketingNorth Carolina A&T State University
Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management
What soft skills should all Marketing And Sales Associates possess?
Roland Leak Ph.D.: By far, the ability to communicate is the most important soft skill. This goes from communicating recommendations to communicating with customers to understand their desires. Also, this communication has to be layered on top of code-switching - speaking in the tone and tenor your audience understands.
Jennifer Burton Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Marketing, Vice President of the Faculty SenateThe University of Tampa
Marketing Department
What soft skills should all Marketing And Sales Associates possess?
Jennifer Burton Ph.D.: The soft skills that are most important are the same as in any business profession - communication, teamwork, and leadership. In a job like marketing, communication is probably the number one thing as you are often in charge of communicating to colleagues and large numbers of customers. Creativity is also especially important in marketing because there are a lot of people who have the technical skills, but those that are able to implement them with a flare of creativity will be the most successful.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Marketing And Sales Associates?
Jennifer Burton Ph.D.: The hard skills required for a successful career as a marketing specialist are those involved with building a marketing plan. A candidate needs to be able to: 1) use marketing segmentation to select the target audience, 2) develop a strong positioning strategy and execute it, 3) establish good objectives that align with business goals, 4) execute strategies regarding products, channels, pricing, and promotion. To do these things, you need to have a good understanding of marketing research and be able to use the results to identify the right business strategies to move the company ahead.
Sung Eun Park
Assistant Professor, Advertising and Marketing CommunicationsWebster University
Communications & Journalism
What skills stand out on Marketing And Sales Associate resumes?
Sung Eun Park: Companies hiring marketing consultants look for someone with strong communication and leadership skills that can translate to great candidates. In addition, a strong background in data analysis will definitely stand out from other candidates. Unlike many beliefs, people who get jobs as marketing consultant comes from various education backgrounds including advertising and English major. It is an indication that companies are open to people with diverse perspectives that can bring fresh eyes to the team. The resumes showcasing a person with various experiences highlighting strong leadership skills (not just strictly marketing) in a team environment will get noticed.
What soft skills should all Marketing And Sales Associates possess?
Sung Eun Park: In a marketing team, time management and communication will still be valued a lot, given that a lot of projects are contingent on timeliness. These skills are also tied to social skills within a team that ultimately helps the team's performance. Team members spend a lot of time together working on a project, so it is essential that they work in a team that offers support while encouraged to voice their opinion without prejudice. In sum, strong interpersonal skills are critical.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Marketing And Sales Associates?
Sung Eun Park: It depends on the type of work the company does but usually marketing department will benefit from having someone with excellent data analysis skills. Understanding where and how to get the data, analyzing the given data, and understanding the significance of the findings will be crucial in marketing. For example, spotting outliers from data and how the outliers should be interpreted regarding the market situation could play a role for the consultant. Any certificates demonstrating their skills in data and trend analysis would help.
What skills will help Marketing And Sales Associates earn the most?
Sung Eun Park: Although marketing is often viewed as a discipline with hard data, those successful in the field get most of their success by being creative and strategic thinkers. Even with the help of data available, your marketing plan may not generate great success. Often you need to have different and novel perspectives to make things more niche. Those who have a good understanding of data analysis with a creative and strategic approach to the problem will make the most of their career in marketing.