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Job outlook for marketing operations directors in the United States
Marketing operations director job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected marketing operations director job growth rate is 10% from 2018-2028.
About 33,700 new jobs for marketing operations directors are projected over the next decade.
Marketing operations director salaries have increased 8% for marketing operations directors in the last 5 years.
There are over 63,504 marketing operations directors currently employed in the United States.
There are 160,517 active marketing operations director job openings in the US.
The average marketing operations director salary is $119,422.
Are marketing operations director jobs in demand?
Marketing operations director job and salary trends over time
Marketing operations director jobs over time
Marketing operations director job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 63,504 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 61,360 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 59,926 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 54,684 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 49,854 | 0.02% |
Average marketing operations director salary over time
Marketing operations director salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $119,422 | $57.41 | +3.9% |
| 2025 | $114,954 | $55.27 | +1.9% |
| 2024 | $112,803 | $54.23 | +1.6% |
| 2023 | $111,073 | $53.40 | +0.8% |
| 2022 | $110,191 | $52.98 | +1.9% |
Marketing operations director jobs by state
Most common states for marketing operations directors
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 380 | 55% |
| 2 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 438 | 50% |
| 3 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 294 | 39% |
| 4 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 507 | 38% |
| 5 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 1,107 | 35% |
| 6 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,922 | 34% |
| 7 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 1,028 | 34% |
| 8 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 195 | 34% |
| 9 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 585 | 30% |
| 10 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 369 | 28% |
| 11 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 2,782 | 27% |
| 12 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 2,768 | 27% |
| 13 | Alaska | 739,795 | 202 | 27% |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 3,344 | 26% |
| 15 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 764 | 26% |
| 16 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,871 | 25% |
| 17 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 267 | 25% |
| 18 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 1,180 | 24% |
| 19 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 712 | 24% |
| 20 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,334 | 23% |
Most common cities for marketing operations directors
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elk Grove Village | 1 | 3% | $99,720 |
| 2 | Foster City | 1 | 3% | $154,796 |
| 3 | Tewksbury | 1 | 3% | $101,614 |
| 4 | Santa Clara | 2 | 2% | $154,390 |
| 5 | Orlando | 2 | 1% | $85,760 |
| 6 | Framingham | 1 | 1% | $101,678 |
| 7 | Huntsville | 1 | 1% | $80,627 |
| 8 | Tempe | 1 | 1% | $92,803 |
| 9 | Wilmington | 1 | 1% | $92,237 |
| 10 | Chicago | 2 | 0% | $99,637 |
| 11 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $85,874 |
| 12 | Austin | 1 | 0% | $103,724 |
| 13 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $101,782 |
| 14 | Chandler | 1 | 0% | $92,505 |
| 15 | Miami | 1 | 0% | $86,487 |
| 16 | New Orleans | 1 | 0% | $99,424 |
| 17 | San Francisco | 1 | 0% | $154,870 |
| 18 | Washington | 1 | 0% | $104,308 |
Marketing Operations Director job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of marketing operations director experts
Susquehanna University
Arizona State University
The University of Texas at San Antonio
University of South Florida
Murray State University
Texas Woman's University
City University of Seattle
North Dakota State University
Siena College
Siena College
Siena College
University of Scranton
What will help Marketing Operations Directors increase their earning potential?
Rich Johnson: Digital media covers a lot of mediums and requires many skill sets (print, static online, animation, interactive). The print arm is a lesser component although still valuable in the scope of marketing. Smartphones, tablets and gaming have moved a lot of digital into a customer expectation of interactive and customizable content. The present model of career specialization in a certain aspect of this spectrum of skills is changing. The age of the generalist is becoming more of a reality as design tools are becoming more accessible and A.I. is assisting in the more complex tasks. I would say that someone working in digital media will need to focus more on the big picture of design, predicting trends and developing solutions from a point of view with perspective. It will be even more important to understand the needs of a system from the top down and provide solutions that enhance that system. This might be through partnering with marketing and sales to conceptualize solutions, pitching product ideas and other functions related to creative and art direction. And be curious, all of the time. Keep up to date with everything that is happening. Take classes, watch tutorials, read articles and be obsessed with the breakneck rate of change. Digital media is constantly changing and possibilities are always expanding. It can be near impossible to be a master of all of these trajectories, but you can understand them well enough to bring in a specialist when the challenge requires it. This is where I predict that A.I. will be a major paradigm shift. There will be a time when you will ask the system to solve a problem, and you can choose what parts of the process that you want to control. So to boil it down... Develop a well rounded set of skills Further develop specialist level skills where you excel Keep on top of change and keep a thirst for learning Strengthen your connection to problem solving and creative innovation Keep an eye on the future predicting what might be around the bend
What Marketing Operations Director skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Amy Mehaffey: There is an increasing reliance on digital marketing and data analytics in the field of marketing. Businesses understand the importance of digital technologies, online platforms, and targeted marketing, creating a high demand for skilled professionals in this dynamic and evolving field. Understanding the strategy behind marketing and the connection between data, psychology, and human behavior is crucial. Marketing offers creativity, strategic thinking, and the opportunity to see tangible results from efforts, making it a rewarding career.
What will help Marketing Operations Directors increase their earning potential?
Amy Mehaffey: People like being a Marketing Specialist because it offers creativity, strategic thinking, and the opportunity to see tangible results from their efforts. It can be fulfilling to help a business grow. However, individuals in this field may dislike the fast-paced environment, tight deadlines, and the constant need to stay updated with rapidly changing marketing trends and technologies. It requires risk-taking, trusting instincts, and a commitment to lifelong learning to succeed in the marketing field.
Lauren Smith
Lecturer of Management & MarketingSusquehanna University
Business Administration, Management And Operations
What general advice would you give to a Marketing Operations Director?
Lauren Smith: Lauren Smith advises graduates to actively engage in a dual pursuit of entrepreneurship and traditional corporate roles, emphasizing the importance of gaining diverse experiences.
What Marketing Operations Director skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Lauren Smith: Lauren Smith suggests that maximizing salary potential at the start of a career can be achieved by acquiring experience in different facets of business, such as entrepreneurship, corporate roles, and operational management.
Dr. Nicholas Councilor D.M.A.
Assistant Professor of Practice—ClarinetThe University of Texas at San Antonio
Fine And Studio Arts
What Marketing Operations Director skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Nicholas Councilor D.M.A.: -Digital skills: Proficiency in various digital tools, platforms, and technologies will become increasingly important. This includes being well-versed in audio and video editing.
-Social Media: Learn how to promote yourself on various social media platforms and a professional website by creating content that best serves your career goals and reaches new audiences.
-Emotional intelligence: As workplaces evolve, the ability to understand and manage emotions will be valuable.
Karen Wallach
What Marketing Operations Director skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Karen Wallach: Hi Alex, Just wanted to circle back on this, do you still want me to put something together?
Jay Civitillo
University of South Florida
Business/Commerce
What Marketing Operations Director skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jay Civitillo: Good evening, Attached are my responses. I look forward to reviewing the draft. Have a great weekend!
What Marketing Operations Director 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.
What will help Marketing Operations Directors increase their earning potential?
Dr. Gulay Guzel PhD: Looking ahead, digital and social media marketing will continue to gain prominence, with no signs of slowing down. Similarly, influencer marketing is becoming a staple promotional tool across various platforms, especially as Gen Z consumers, who have never known a world without social media, dominate the market. Additionally, the integration of machine learning and automation, facilitated by AI, will streamline day-to-day tasks. These developments underscore the need for marketers to possess a comprehensive skill set, particularly in consumer data analysis, research methodologies, and promotion strategies. Furthermore, anticipating increased regulations, particularly in privacy and security, will shape the future landscape of marketing practices.
What general advice would you give to a Marketing Operations Director?
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 general advice would you give to a Marketing Operations Director?
Barrie Silver M.Ed.: Get experience. Try new things. Be familiar with current trends and be open to what's next. Marketers are expected to know -- and do -- a lot. You don't have to be an expert in all things, but the more you know, the better! Skills like writing, video production, SEO, graphic design, and data analytics are particularly helpful.
What Marketing Operations Director skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Barrie Silver M.Ed.: I predict that marketing will become even more data-driven, digital, and innovative than it is now. Marketers are already using AI to write marketing content, social media posts, newsletters, and blogs; track and interpret results; and personalize content. Without a doubt, AI will continue to have a tremendous impact on the marketing field. And students need to be prepared.
Dr. Ben Littlepage
ProfessorMurray State University
Educational Administration And Supervision
What will help Marketing Operations Directors increase their earning potential?
Dr. Ben Littlepage: Salary is maximized when leaders are sought after. Leaders who pursue meaningful experiences and remain 'market ready' are viewed as an asset to any organization. Leaders must carefully consider where the field is moving and respond.
Dr. Pushkala Raman Ph.D.
Associate Dean of Academic Affairs & Professor of MarketingTexas Woman's University
Business/Commerce
What general advice would you give to a Marketing Operations Director?
Dr. Pushkala Raman Ph.D.: Maximizing salary potential does not necessarily mean aiming for that job that pays the highest. Instead, it means being able to signal to the market your strengths and how you are "crazy good" in your area of strength. How can you continue to maintain that edge? Earning certifications, joining professional organizations, attending conferences and workshops provide opportunities to remain current in your field (adding to performance capital) and networking (adding to relationship capital).
Jennifer D'Angelo PhD
Assistant Professor of MarketingWhat general advice would you give to a Marketing Operations Director?
Jennifer D'Angelo PhD: The ever-changing landscape of consumer trends and technological advancements in how to market to consumers often makes the job exciting and fast-paced. However, with the increased emphasis on results, marketers must be conscious of how to measure and demonstrate the value of their work.
What Marketing Operations Director skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jennifer D'Angelo PhD: 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 Operations Directors increase their earning potential?
Jennifer D'Angelo PhD: A marketing manager is often responsible for planning and implementing a marketing plan. What this marketing plan encompasses can vary, as marketing involves many different things such as branding, product development, sales, advertising, digital and social media, and retailing.
What general advice would you give to a Marketing Operations Director?
Ajay Abraham Ph. D.: Earning a fair salary is important, although what exactly is fair might vary based on individual perceptions. More important, think of a job as offering a combination of financial and other non-monetary benefits such as perks (e.g., work culture, work-life balance, self-fulfillment, good colleagues, networking). Try to optimize your benefits across this multi-dimensional perspective rather than by simply focusing on salary. That stated, some job opportunities have scope for negotiation on salary. First, identify if the job that you are applying for has scope for negotiation, in which case, there's no harm in negotiating if done ethically, professionally, and reasonably. If the job is not one in which there's scope for negotiation, don't worry. Instead, focus on performance and making a case for yourself at the time of annual evaluations and/or salary hikes (which should be done even if there were salary negotiations before joining). Similar suggestions apply if you are thinking of switching roles/organizations.
What Marketing Operations Director skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ajay Abraham Ph. D.: Everyone is talking about AI these days, so I will start off by joining the bandwagon, but with some nuance. It's important to know how to use artificial intelligence tools in order to be better or more effective at one's job. This doesn't mean that everyone needs to become an AI expert, but that we should be able to harness the power of AI tools to improve the quality and efficiency of our work. This requires being fluent enough with AI tools to understand, discuss, and make decisions involving AI or about AI output (even if we don't actually use those tools in a hands-on manner). This should be done while also being able to bridge the gap for those who are less fluent (perhaps those in more senior-level roles who are even less hands-on with these tools). That apart, as more of the workforce focuses more of their time on technical and similar skills, "softer" skills such as integrity, professionalism, self-awareness, and team-orientation will become even more important as differentiators.
What will help Marketing Operations Directors increase their earning potential?
Ajay Abraham Ph. D.: Earning a fair salary is important, although what exactly is fair might vary based on individual perceptions. More important, think of a job as offering a combination of financial and other non-monetary benefits such as perks (e.g., work culture, work-life balance, self-fulfillment, good colleagues, networking). Try to optimize your benefits across this multi-dimensional perspective rather than by simply focusing on salary. That stated, some job opportunities have scope for negotiation on salary. First, identify if the job that you are applying for has scope for negotiation, in which case, there’s no harm in negotiating if done ethically, professionally, and reasonably. If the job is not one in which there’s scope for negotiation, don’t worry. Instead, focus on performance and making a case for yourself at the time of annual evaluations and/or salary hikes (which should be done even if there were salary negotiations before joining). Similar suggestions apply if you are thinking of switching roles/organizations.
What general advice would you give to a Marketing Operations Director?
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 Marketing Operations Director skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jennifer D'Angelo Ph.D.: The ever-changing landscape of consumer trends and technological advancements in how to market to consumers often makes the job exciting and fast-paced. However, with the increased emphasis on results, marketers must be conscious of how to measure and demonstrate the value of their work.
What will help Marketing Operations Directors 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.
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 Operations Director?
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 Marketing Operations Director skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ahmad Asady: Now is an exciting time to enter the field of marketing. The digital age has transformed how brands connect with consumers, opening up a plethora of channels and tools for innovative engagement strategies. This digital expansion, coupled with the shift towards a more consumer-centric marketing approach, has made the role of a Marketing professional more crucial and impactful than ever. Professionals in this field enjoy the privilege of working at the intersection of creativity and analytics, where they can make significant contributions to a brand's growth and adapt to new challenges and technologies, ensuring a career that is both stable and filled with opportunities for continuous learning.
What will help Marketing Operations Directors increase their earning potential?
Ahmad Asady: A Marketing professional's day is a blend of art and science, filled with the pursuit of understanding and engaging the target audience. Their daily activities revolve around creating and managing content that resonates with consumers, conducting market research to stay ahead of trends, analyzing data to refine strategies, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure a unified brand message. Persuasion lies at the heart of their role, as they must continuously convince both internal stakeholders and external audiences of the value and relevance of their brand's offerings.
S.Sinem Atakan
Assistant Professor of MarketingSiena College
Marketing Department
What skills will help Marketing Operations Directors earn the most?
S.Sinem Atakan: The most important skills for marketing graduates, especially given the remote working conditions due to the pandemic, are self-motivation, communication, and digital marketing skills. Creativity and analytical skills are always important in marketing, but pandemic has highlighted the importance of being able to work independently and motivate yourself even when external forces are not directly present. Communication skills are crucial to work remotely and be on the same page with your team members. Digital marketing was big but getting even bigger with this breakthrough changes in consumer behavior. Hence, the rising stars of the marketing job market will be graduates who can combine all these skills seamlessly
Soyoung Joo
Assistant Professor of MarketingSiena College
Marketing Department
What skills stand out on Marketing Operations Director resumes?
Soyoung Joo: Communication and time management skills are valuable skills for marketing managers.
What soft skills should all Marketing Operations Directors possess?
Soyoung Joo: Creativity and intellectual curiosity (willingness to keep learning) can be added to the above soft skills.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Marketing Operations Directors?
Soyoung Joo: Being able to interpret the consumer data and identify the true needs and wants of the consumer is imperative for marketers.
What skills will help Marketing Operations Directors earn the most?
Soyoung Joo: Being able to work well with people from diverse backgrounds can be added to the above skills.
Allison Lauenstein
Teaching Instructor of MarketingSiena College
Marketing Department
What hard/technical skills are most important for Marketing Operations Directors?
Allison Lauenstein: Project Management and being able to connect the dots around the data and insights are critical. You have to analyze a situation and uncover insights from the customer, the competitors, and the industry.
What skills will help Marketing Operations Directors earn the most?
Allison Lauenstein: Leadership and collaboration will go a long way. The best ideas can come from anywhere, and it's not always about who has the best idea but who can execute the idea the best. Good marketers must understand that if you cannot successfully execute or effectively communicate a great idea, it may not be so great.
What skills stand out on Marketing Operations Director resumes?
Allison Lauenstein: Skills that stand out show that the candidate has had some experience leading projects and project teams. Marketing is a collaborative effort, and it is critically important for upcoming managers to understand how to manage and motivate a team to achieve its objectives.
What soft skills should all Marketing Operations Directors possess?
Allison Lauenstein: Listening and asking questions are some of the most important skills. As Marketers, you not only have to listen to what people say, but you have to try to understand what they are not saying. How do their actions differ from what they are saying?
Abhijit Roy
Professor of MarketingUniversity of Scranton
School of Management
What skills stand out on Marketing Operations Director resumes?
Abhijit Roy: In general, companies will look to see whether or not the candidate can overall market the company's products. Given the depth and breadth of marketing jobs, the specific skill requirements will vary. For example, a sales manager position will require individuals with high interpersonal skills, advertising positions will look for individuals with creativity, while marketing research positions will demand strong analytical skills. Overall, most companies today are looking for individuals with strong digital marketing and social media skills.
Job market candidates must look for the job descriptions in the ads and ensure they have relevant matching skills that they can include in their resumes.
What soft skills should all Marketing Operations Directors possess?
Abhijit Roy: These are very important, yet harder to quantify skills, not only for marketing professionals but for business graduates in general. They include the ability to make sound decisions under pressure, having a high emotional intelligence quotient (EQ) as embodied by having empathy towards coworkers and subordinates, delegating appropriately, mentoring, communicating, time management, maintaining positivity despite setbacks and adapting to unforeseen challenges, being flexible, being persuasive and assertive at appropriate moments, yet being collaborative, seeking feedback, and the ability to negotiate and resolve conflicts when needed, amongst others.
Soft skills are typically more instrumental in enabling candidates to fit into an organization's culture and be strong candidates for promotion. Most marketing jobs involve candidates representing their brand initiatives and building strong client relationships, so interpersonal, and other soft skills are often valued more than hard skills. The strongest case for having excellent soft skills is that they are more easily transferable across various jobs and industries.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Marketing Operations Directors?
Abhijit Roy: The Marketing field has undergone a major paradigmatic shift with the growth of digitization. Hence, hard/technical skills in performing data-driven marketing, social media and data analytics, data visualization, Search Engine Optimization (SEO)/Search Engine Marketing (SEM), content creation and storytelling, and omnichannel communication are critical hard skills that are in great demand today.
What skills will help Marketing Operations Directors earn the most?
Abhijit Roy: The above skills are in high demand and also currently pay the most. Still, I strongly recommend that students focus not on skills that will help them earn the most but on the skill sets that each individual possesses and think of how they can best leverage that in the marketplace to have a long sustained, and enjoyable career.