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Job outlook for marketing project specialists in the United States
Marketing project specialist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected marketing project specialist job growth rate is 19% from 2018-2028.
About 150,300 new jobs for marketing project specialists are projected over the next decade.
Marketing project specialist salaries have increased 5% for marketing project specialists in the last 5 years.
There are over 319,405 marketing project specialists currently employed in the United States.
There are 89,613 active marketing project specialist job openings in the US.
The average marketing project specialist salary is $60,214.
Are marketing project specialist jobs in demand?
Marketing project specialist job and salary trends over time
Marketing project specialist jobs over time
Marketing project specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 319,405 | 0.09% |
| 2020 | 302,994 | 0.09% |
| 2019 | 297,875 | 0.09% |
| 2018 | 280,183 | 0.08% |
| 2017 | 261,853 | 0.08% |
Average marketing project specialist salary over time
Marketing project specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $60,214 | $28.95 | +3.2% |
| 2024 | $58,365 | $28.06 | +1.1% |
| 2023 | $57,752 | $27.77 | --0.2% |
| 2022 | $57,853 | $27.81 | +1.1% |
| 2021 | $57,240 | $27.52 | +0.7% |
Marketing project specialist jobs by state
Most common states for marketing project specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 264 | 38% |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 500 | 37% |
| 3 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 2,034 | 36% |
| 4 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 268 | 35% |
| 5 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 200 | 35% |
| 6 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 638 | 33% |
| 7 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 246 | 28% |
| 8 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 831 | 26% |
| 9 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 342 | 26% |
| 10 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,422 | 25% |
| 11 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 740 | 25% |
| 12 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 435 | 25% |
| 13 | Delaware | 961,939 | 243 | 25% |
| 14 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 2,532 | 22% |
| 15 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 1,362 | 22% |
| 16 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 468 | 22% |
| 17 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 635 | 21% |
| 18 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,332 | 20% |
| 19 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 1,927 | 19% |
| 20 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,405 | 19% |
Most common cities for marketing project specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Broomfield | 1 | 2% | $58,159 |
| 2 | Plano | 2 | 1% | $60,257 |
| 3 | Colorado Springs | 1 | 0% | $58,295 |
| 4 | Los Angeles | 1 | 0% | $68,794 |
Marketing Project Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of marketing project specialist experts
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Grand Valley State University
Saint Mary's College
Arizona State University
University of Connecticut
Bowie State University
Northeastern University
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Wartburg College
The University of Texas at San Antonio
San Jose State University
San Francisco State University
What general advice would you give to a Marketing Project Specialist?
Erica Haugtvedt Ph.D.: The skills I think that will become more prevalent and important in the next 3-5 years are critical thinking skills. By critical thinking, I mean looking at the big picture and thinking about values, ethics, and thinking ahead to implications and consequences. AI will be able to produce a lot of words, but whether those words are appropriate to the situation, purpose, and context--whether those words are the words that we need--that will be something that only a conscientious and intelligent person can bring to the situation. People who are able to do that should be leaders in any field.
What Marketing Project Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Erica Haugtvedt Ph.D.: Liberal Arts majors are able to enter a wide variety of fields with their skill sets in communication and critical thinking. The advice that I would give to graduates just beginning their careers is to be very observant of whatever workplaces they are entering and figure out what the social dynamics and expectations are, as well as the expectations for what kind of work is valued. Look for what gets rewarded, ask whether what gets rewarded is worthwhile, and think critically about whether there are innovations that are needed that you can (eventually) provide. Figure out what role you need to play, and then figure out what role you want to play and how to get there.
What will help Marketing Project Specialists increase their earning potential?
Erica Haugtvedt Ph.D.: You can maximize your salary potential by presenting your previous experience in the best light and keying it to what the jobs you’re applying for want and need, even if you don’t have experience in that exact job before. If you’re able to write a compelling resume, you could land in a better starting position with a higher salary. The other advice I would give is to always negotiate. Even if you only get a little bit more money in salary for asking, all of that adds up over the years!
What Marketing Project Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Holly Sullenger PhD: Soft skills such as communication, active listening, giving and receiving feedback, writing, and presenting well are crucial and will become more important.
What Marketing Project Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
David Painter Ph.D.: Many Communication Specialists appreciate the variety in their work as well as their ability to decide which industry they want to promote. From crafting compelling brand narratives for tourist or hospitality organizations to managing digital platforms for financial or legal organizations to strategizing communication plans for sports, fashion, or automotive companies, the possibilities are nearly infinite. Moreover, communication specialists enjoy the creativity, strategic thinking, and collaboration their role demands. However, the job can also be stressful, particularly during crises or when managing conflicting narratives. Long hours and balancing multiple projects can be challenging, but for many, the fast-paced nature and the ability to shape public perception make it worth it.
What Marketing Project Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Andrew Wood Ph.D.: People entering the field should become increasingly familiar with technologies related to social media, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality, while demonstrating an interest in contemporary issues such as health care, climate change, environmental justice, community engagement, and similarly high-impact issues. It's one thing to possess a degree in communication studies; it's a much more important thing to translate the field's concepts and theories to the problems (and opportunities) that are transforming our planet.
What will help Marketing Project Specialists increase their earning potential?
Andrew Wood Ph.D.: Communication Studies, a field that traces its roots back to ancient inquiries into the nature of persuasion, remains in many ways an emerging field. After all, while traditional notions of public speaking emerge from time-testing insights, our field is constantly evolving to address new challenges, modalities, and opportunities. Thus my general advice to anyone entering the field is to avoid relying solely on established career pathways. Yes, there are plenty of jobs in marketing, media production, speech writing, education, management, and the like. But the most effective job-seekers are those who are nimble, flexible, and focused on how they can articulate the value-add of their training to an organization's unique exigences.
What general advice would you give to a Marketing Project Specialist?
Amy Mehaffey: A Marketing Specialist's daily tasks include developing and implementing marketing campaigns, analyzing market trends, and creating content for various platforms. They also coordinate with other departments at any given company to ensure brand consistency and monitor the effectiveness of marketing efforts through data analysis. Oftentimes, a marketing specialist may be the only person at a company who has an understanding of the importance of outreach, communication, marketing, and telling the business's story. Therefore, this person often becomes somewhat of an internal advocate for the purpose of marketing itself and acts as an educator to their peers on various marketing concepts and tactics. Day-to-day duties are highly dependent on the number of marketing people on the team, ranging from ad buying, writing, public relations, content creation, and more. Larger firms may have marketing specialists with specific emphasis areas like email marketing, social media, analytics, etc.
What Marketing Project Specialist 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 Project Specialists 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.
What will help Marketing Project Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Alice Veksler Ph.D., BCPA: The single most important thing you can do is learn effective negotiation skills so that you negotiate a good salary and benefits package. Starting salaries will often set the baseline for future earning potential so being able to ensure that you are paid your worth early on is very important. New hires are often hesitant to negotiate salary to their detriment. Effective salary negotiation requires knowing how to do some basic market research to know what is reasonable and requires an understanding of the basics of principled negotiation. For example, it is important to know about positions vs. interests and what a BATNA/WATNA are. Beyond that, you need to stay proactive to ensure you are getting regular salary increases commensurate with norms in the field. Those increases are largely contingent on performance so excelling at the job then becomes the key to ongoing financial success. Making yourself an indispensable and irreplaceable asset to the employer is also very important.
What general advice would you give to a Marketing Project Specialist?
Zachary Moore Ph.D., M.B.A.: Marketing is a very diverse field, and salaries can vary considerably depending on the types of jobs young marketers pursue. But generally, taking a bet on oneself by pursuing jobs with a commission-based compensation plan can lead to higher earnings in the long term. In marketing, these positions tend to be in sales. Being willing to take risks and betting on yourself to succeed are important determinants of your career earnings potential.
What Marketing Project Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Zachary Moore Ph.D., M.B.A.: Marketing is a dynamic, rapidly evolving field. It always has been, and it always will be. Marketing tactics are driven by the popular culture of the societies companies serve. This said, aspiring marketers must realize that as things change, they must be willing to adapt their tactics to meet the consumer where they are. However, just as things change, there are enduring truths that shape marketing practice. Consumers want to be valued and heard. By keeping these touchstones in mind and staying up to date with modern trends, marketers can develop long-lasting careers and maintain relevancy as society evolves. My biggest advice is to be a successful marketer, you must do three things: 1. Keep your customers at the heart of what you do. 2. Meet your customers where they are. 3. Create value for your customers, company, and self. If a marketer can accomplish these three things, they can develop a career that will withstand the forces of change.
What will help Marketing Project Specialists increase their earning potential?
Zachary Moore Ph.D., M.B.A.: Over the next few years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) will continue to evolve and become more important in marketing practice. Learning to work with AI will be a very important skill for marketers. AI skills are broad and encompass many different uses of the technology. While there are some skills that are specific to certain facets of the marketing industry, all aspiring marketers should be familiar with AI tools for content creation (written, graphic, and audio/video), data visualization, text scraping, and marketing research. While AI will certainly shape the marketing field in the coming years, marketers must still be excellent storytellers and communicators. Marketers who can tell compelling stories to various stakeholder groups using traditional tools with the assistance of artificial intelligence will have a potent skill set that will allow them to succeed in their endeavors.
What Marketing Project Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Mikhila Wildey PhD: I think the ability to engage and connect with people will be very important in the field as we shift more and more to a culture that is driven by AI. Although AI can be a useful tool, it likely won’t ever fully replace the value of human interaction and connection. In addition, employers often comment that they want to see employees with strong work ethic, and I think this will continue to be the case in 3-5 years. Having a strong work ethic can separate the people that move forward in their careers to those who remain stagnant.
What will help Marketing Project Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Mikhila Wildey PhD: My general advice for a graduate beginning their career in the field is to work hard, stay open-minded, and network! Most employees won’t stay in the same position for their entire career, and so I often tell graduates to not get too hung up on the first job needing to be the 'perfect' job for them. Often, the first job will be a place where they learn how to navigate the workplace, learn about their own strengths/weaknesses, and figure out what they like and don’t like. I encourage graduates to use this information to help them make decisions about the next steps in their career. And, if they are working hard and networking with people at their job, then opportunities will often times present themselves or be more available to them as they navigate their future career path.
What Marketing Project Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Veronica Hefner: Knowing how to brand yourself, both in person and online, is becoming increasingly important. If you're networking at an event, do you have short stories or anecdotes that you can share that help you come across as interesting? A story can tell a listener about your values, work ethics, drive, and competencies much better than you sharing a laundry list of your achievements. The same thing is true when branding yourself online. Another skill is the ability to communicate, even if that sounds simple. Are you able to write a professional email? Can you carry on an intelligent conversation with a potential client? Do you know when to stop talking and actively listen? Are you able to get your message across to diverse audiences? These skills are applicable no matter what job you do.
What will help Marketing Project Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Veronica Hefner: I would recommend that a new graduate shows up and does the work to the best of their ability. So much of success is determined by reliability, competency, and effort. Aim to achieve a work/life balance that helps you stay mentally and physically healthy, but realize that means that when you're at work, you need to work. The most successful people are not always the most talented or the most educated, but they are the ones who exert the most effort and ambition. However, when you go home at the end of the day, leave work behind and focus on yourself. Finally, show respect to others. If you disagree with them, or just don't like them, you still need to show respect. Respect diverse people, ideas, perspectives, and consider the experiences you have with people and ideas that are different from your own as a privilege that helps you learn and grow.
What general advice would you give to a Marketing Project Specialist?
Dr. Travis Simkins: Likes: Creativity, Analytical and Quantitative Aspects, Variety, Impact, Collaboration. Dislikes: Pressure and Deadlines, Uncertainty, Measurement and Accountability, Constant Change
What Marketing Project Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Travis Simkins: There are a lot of great reasons to enter the field of marketing now. The demand for digital marketing skills is high, marketing blends creativity and strategy, marketing is about building relationships and understanding consumers, marketing is dynamic and constantly evolving.
What will help Marketing Project Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Travis Simkins: Here are some activities that a marketing specialist might engage in on a day-to-day basis: Market Research, Campaign Planning and Execution, Content Creation, Digital Marketing, Brand Management, Relationship Building, Analytics and Reporting, Project Management, Continuous Learning
What general advice would you give to a Marketing Project Specialist?
Ms. Katie Malles: The author is Katie Malles, marketing career consultant at the W. P. Carey Career Services Center.
What Marketing Project Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ms. Katie Malles: The author is Katie Malles, marketing career consultant at the W. P. Carey Career Services Center.
What will help Marketing Project Specialists increase their earning potential?
Ms. Katie Malles: The author is Katie Malles, marketing career consultant at the W. P. Carey Career Services Center.
What general advice would you give to a Marketing Project Specialist?
Scott Wallace: Young people entering the field like the excitement, the variety and the fast pace that comes with this work. You get to meet all sorts of people, hear their stories and use your skills to turn them into stories for the broader community. It’s a lot of fun! The biggest drawback for some is that the job usually requires working long hours and an unpredictable schedule.
What Marketing Project Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Scott Wallace: The media market is in a state of flux right now, with many new companies stepping in to the fill the void left by the disappearance of local newspapers. Technology has evolved to the point where a resourceful Digital Media Specialist can perform tasks that once required at least 3-4 people, from writing articles to shooting, editing and posting videos and photos on news sites or social media. It’s an exciting time to be entering the field!
What will help Marketing Project Specialists increase their earning potential?
Scott Wallace: One of the beauties of this career is that every day is different. A Digital Media Specialist might be sent out to cover an outdoor concert one day or flooding in a local community the next. A Digital Media Specialist needs to develop a range of skills that include recognizing a good story and being able to tell it with crisp, clear writing and strong visuals. It’s a wonderful way to connect with people from all walks of life. A successful professional will keep up on the news and be keeping a watchful eye on event calendars to seek out opportunities for great storytelling!
What Marketing Project Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Rochelle Daniel: My general advice to a graduate who transitions into that first professional job in the Communication field is similar to advice I give Communication students for navigating internship workspaces (Communications Internship Handbook: What HBCU Students Need to Know, 2022). Be intentional about learning the organizational or office culture, really listen to find out what is expected of you, be flexible and adaptable when there are changes in workflow, and don't be afraid to ask questions.
What general advice would you give to a Marketing Project Specialist?
Rob Durant: To truly maximize the value you derive from your career, start by clearly defining what 'value' means to you - whether it's salary, job satisfaction, work-life balance, or professional growth. Understand your priorities and align your career trajectory to meet these goals. Specific steps you can take include developing a consistent habit of enhancing your skills, actively seeking opportunities that resonate with your personal definition of success, and building a strategic network within your industry and beyond.
What Marketing Project Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rob Durant: The marketing landscape is increasingly recognizing and valuing two very important, yet significantly divergent, key skill areas: the adept use of advanced digital tools - especially AI, and a strategic approach to social media that focuses on building genuine connection rather than just cultivating 'Influencers'.
What will help Marketing Project Specialists increase their earning potential?
Rob Durant: Congratulations! As you start your career, remember that the 4, 5, 5+ years you spent earning your degree did NOT equip you with all the answers. But hopefully it instilled in you the ability to ask insightful questions. Stay curious, embrace challenges, learn, and grow. Your journey is just beginning, and every experience is a step towards mastering your craft.
What general advice would you give to a Marketing Project Specialist?
Paul Yankey: Key soft skills of eye contact, empathy, genuine care. Ability to communicate and engage in person, and humanly online. Technical Skills: AI and Automation Proficiency, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Content Strategy, Customer Experience (CX) Design.
What Marketing Project Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Paul Yankey: I always emphasize these key points for new marketing graduates: 1. Do something you connect with at a heart level. 2. Embrace ethics and diligence. 3. Cultivate curiosity alongside focused work. 4. Harness your UCCS advantage. 5. Prioritize in-person connection.
What will help Marketing Project Specialists increase their earning potential?
Paul Yankey: Remember that a job is really not yours to turn down until you get an offer. Know that you are valuable, first for who you are, also for your education and experiences. Do extensive research on a company you are interviewing with. Practice your interview and self story. Be highly aware of key industry phrases and incorporate them.
What will help Marketing Project Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Penni Pier: I wholeheartedly believe the same skills that have been important over the past 50. You need to be a good storyteller, a good writer, and a good researcher. Technology will change, the mediums will change, but the skills of being able to research, use your resources and tell a compelling story that touches the heart of your consumer or target audience remains constant.
Dr. Nicholas Councilor D.M.A.
Assistant Professor of Practice—ClarinetThe University of Texas at San Antonio
Fine And Studio Arts
What general advice would you give to a Marketing Project Specialist?
Dr. Nicholas Councilor D.M.A.: -Continuously learn and adapt: Keep working to refine your craft. Stay updated with industry trends, technologies, and best practices.
-Build a strong network: Connect with professionals in your field, attend industry events, and engage in networking opportunities.
-Develop soft skills: Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability are crucial for success.
-Seek mentorship: Learn from experienced professionals who can provide guidance and support.
What Marketing Project Specialist 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.
What will help Marketing Project Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Nicholas Councilor D.M.A.: -Research industry standards: Understand the average salaries for your role and location to negotiate effectively.
-Highlight skills and achievements: Showcase relevant skills, experiences, and achievements during interviews and performance reviews.
-Pursue additional certifications: Obtaining certifications related to your field can increase your market value.
-Consider job offers carefully: Evaluate factors like salary, benefits, growth opportunities, and company culture before accepting a job offer.
-Avoid doing unpaid work: While taking unpaid opportunities is very common in fine arts fields, doing so often undervalues the skills and craft that you worked so hard to develop. Your work always deserves compensation.
What general advice would you give to a Marketing Project Specialist?
Dr. Nick DiFrancesco: Communication- many grads lack even basic communication skills such as presenting, writing, or conversation; the industry is going to be seeking out not just the best and brightest, individuals who are personable, can relate and have rational discussions with others. The inability to engage in conversation and debate, or network with others is a serious issue among students, and these are skills that are absolutely vital to any professional.
What will help Marketing Project Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Nick DiFrancesco: Be reliable and willing to do different things. You don’t know where your best suited after graduation, but demonstrating that you can be counted on is not easily forgotten by most employers. Similarly, employees who decide to pigeon-hole themselves into a narrow set of tasks are rarely asked to do much beyond that, and can impede the progress in one’s career.
What general advice would you give to a Marketing Project Specialist?
Dr. Mithila Guha: To maximize salary potential when starting a career in marketing, focus on demonstrating your value to employers. This means showcasing your skills, achievements, and contributions in interviews and negotiations. Research the industry benchmarks for salaries in your desired role and location to ensure you're positioning yourself competitively. Consider pursuing additional certifications or advanced degrees that align with your career goals, as these can often command higher salaries. Lastly, don't hesitate to negotiate your salary offer – employers expect it, and it's an opportunity to advocate for your worth within the organization!
What Marketing Project Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Mithila Guha: For a marketing graduate stepping into the field, my first advice would be to stay curious and proactive. Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, whether it's through hands-on experience, further education, or networking with industry professionals. My second advice would be to not be afraid to take on challenges and push yourself outside your comfort zone – it's often where the most growth occurs. Develop a strong foundation in both traditional and digital marketing techniques, and stay updated on the latest trends and technologies shaping the industry. Lastly, prioritize building meaningful relationships and fostering a positive reputation within the industry. These connections can serve as valuable assets, opening doors to exciting opportunities as your career progresses.
What will help Marketing Project Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Mithila Guha: In the next 3-5 years, marketing will undergo significant changes because of AI and large scale data. As the volume of data available to marketers continues to grow, the ability to extract actionable insights from this data will be invaluable. Proficiency in data analysis, marketing automation tools and AI technologies will also be highly sought after, as businesses seek to streamline processes and personalize customer experiences. Moreover, people growing up with AI tech (Gen AI) need different marketing. So, marketers must learn to understand all this data and use it smartly. But, as always, storytelling will still be the key for marketing. This means, skills related to content creation and storytelling will continue to remain crucial for brands to engage with audiences in authentic and meaningful ways across various platforms.
What Marketing Project Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Geri Merrigan: Listening, empathy, and perspective-taking remain as important as ever, because change is the only certainty, and globalization connects us to people quite different from ourselves. That means skills for inclusive communication matter – analyzing an audience and crafting messages for diverse stakeholders. Finally, understanding the technology (especially AI) that is most consequential for your industry/sector, for Communication Studies majors, means understanding current events, reading about AI, and evaluating the credibility of what you read.