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What is a marketing manager/project manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
Linda Goulet,
Sachin Tuli
introduction image

A marketing manager/project manager oversees the planning and execution of marketing campaigns and projects. They work in various industries to promote products, services, and brands to a company’s target audience. These professionals conduct market research, develop marketing strategies, manage budgets, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and measure the effectiveness of campaigns. They also supervise project timelines, set objectives and goals, and delegate tasks to team members.

What general advice would you give to a marketing manager/project manager?

Linda GouletLinda Goulet LinkedIn profile

Interim Associate Dean/Department Chair, Marketing, Davenport University

Stay as updated as you can. If you are looking for a job, join your local AMA chapter to network. Find a mentor who works in marketing and meet regularly (virtual now). There are also dozens of free certifications out there that you may take to hone your skills or create awareness around the content you don't have a lot of knowledge about (Hub Spot and Google both offer many free certification opportunities).
ScoreMarketing Manager/Project ManagerUS Average
Salary
6.1

Avg. Salary $78,368

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.5

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.23%

Asian 8.15%

Black or African American 3.04%

Hispanic or Latino 8.67%

Unknown 5.32%

White 74.58%

Gender

female 61.86%

male 38.14%

Age - 38
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 38
Stress level
7.5

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
9.0

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.5

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a marketing manager/project manager?

Pros

  • Opportunities for career growth and advancement

  • Ability to work in a variety of industries

  • Collaboration with diverse teams and individuals

  • Potential for high salary and bonuses

  • Flexibility in work schedule and location

Cons

  • High stress environment with tight deadlines

  • Pressure to meet sales targets and ROI expectations

  • Long hours, including evenings and weekends

  • Dealing with difficult clients or stakeholders

  • Budget constraints can limit creativity and effectiveness

Marketing manager/project manager career paths

Key steps to become a marketing manager/project manager

  1. Explore marketing manager/project manager education requirements

    Most common marketing manager/project manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    76.7 %

    Master's

    15.0 %

    Associate

    6.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific marketing manager/project manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Project Management17.26%
    Digital Marketing11.75%
    Marketing Campaigns7.21%
    PowerPoint4.72%
    Email Campaigns3.07%
  3. Complete relevant marketing manager/project manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New marketing manager/project managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a marketing manager/project manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real marketing manager/project manager resumes.
  4. Research marketing manager/project manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage client's $120K SEM budget; make allocations toward competitor analysis, keyword research and linking strategies.
    • Manage SEO and SEM programs including optimization of landing pages and A/B campaign testing with PPC and social media ads.
    • Define and program manage nurture campaigns utilizing CRM database.
    • Manage sensitive digital and print archives of value historic and current photography.
  5. Prepare your marketing manager/project manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your marketing manager/project manager resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a marketing manager/project manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable marketing manager/project manager resume templates

    Build a professional marketing manager/project manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your marketing manager/project manager resume.
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    Marketing Manager/Project Manager Resume
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    Marketing Manager/Project Manager Resume
    Marketing Manager/Project Manager Resume
    Marketing Manager/Project Manager Resume
    Marketing Manager/Project Manager Resume
    Marketing Manager/Project Manager Resume
    Marketing Manager/Project Manager Resume
    Marketing Manager/Project Manager Resume
    Marketing Manager/Project Manager Resume
    Marketing Manager/Project Manager Resume
  6. Apply for marketing manager/project manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a marketing manager/project manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first marketing manager/project manager job

Zippi

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Average marketing manager/project manager salary

The average marketing manager/project manager salary in the United States is $78,368 per year or $38 per hour. Marketing manager/project manager salaries range between $56,000 and $109,000 per year.

Average marketing manager/project manager salary
$78,368 Yearly
$37.68 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do marketing manager/project managers rate their job?

-/5

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Marketing manager/project manager reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2023
Pros

I like to work with a team. Satisfaction of seeing the successful completion of a project

Cons

Strict deadlines, and stakeholders. Feeling undervalued or underappreciated.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

I enjoy problem-solving and identifying a path to completing a complex project. I like to ensure that moving parts come together smoothly and communicating successes and celebrating with the team.


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A zippia user wrote a review on May 2020
Pros

I like working with Clients and challenges.

Cons

I would rather work remote with little travel.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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