Career guide for marketing | edX

Marketing career guideWritten by: Elizabeth Wallace, Edited by: Alec SurmaniLast updated: May 27, 2025Modern marketing blends creativity and data-driven insights to build meaningful connections between companies and their audiences. If you've got a knack for knowing what people want and love turning insights into action, this could be the right career path for you.Discover what jobs in the marketing industry may be available to you, and find out what level of education and skills you'll need to qualify for them.What jobs can you get in marketing?You can get a position as a marketer, of course, but the field is much more complex these days. Now, nearly every industry needs marketers, and marketing tech has evolved. Whatever your interest, there's a good chance an organization needs your skills.Here are some common jobs that may be available to those with a marketing background, with each role's required level of education and skills and salary and job outlook data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):Marketing managerMarketing managers take charge of marketing campaigns, oversee marketing teams, and knit together marketing strategy that covers new areas like social media. This is frequently a leadership role because a comprehensive marketing strategy in the age of the internet requires multiple people to implement and maintain.Required level of education: Bachelor's degreeKey skills: Strategic planning, leadership, knowledge of common marketing and productivity software, strong communication, understanding of business intelligence toolsMedian annual salary (May 2023): $157,620Projected employment growth (2023-33): +8%Market research analystMarket research analysts study the data to uncover insights about consumer behavior and economic trends to help determine whether products or services will be successful. Most industries need these analysts because data volumes have increased, and the types of data have expanded to include many different sources. They need someone with the expertise to make sense of the data companies have.Required level of education: Bachelor's degreeKey skills: Statistical analysis, business intelligence software, data visualization, communication skillsMedian annual salary (May 2023): $74,680Projected employment growth (2023-33): +8%Public relations specialistSometimes, a company or person itself needs marketing for its reputation. This often happens when companies shift mission focus or are up-and-coming. Public relations (PR) specialists create positive press for their clients and maintain their reputations so that more people will want to engage with them.Required level of education: Bachelor's degreeKey skills: Communication and networking, strong written skills, relationship management, critical thinking and problem-solvingMedian annual salary (May 2023): $66,750Projected employment growth (2023-33): +6%Graphic designGraphic designers create the visual aspect of marketing materials. They may design everything from brochures to websites to social media ads, collaborating with marketing teams to bring content to life. There are many tools companies can use to create visuals themselves, but establishing a strong brand image and maintaining it across so many different types of media still requires a human touch.Required level of education: Typically, a bachelor's degreeKey skills: Knowledge of design and project management software, creative thinking, problem-solving, communication skillsMedian annual salary (May 2023): $58,910Projected employment growth (2023-33): +2%Learn more about marketingAre you ready to make your mark in the wide world of marketing? Then check out edX's marketing courses and programs and get started today.Stand out in your fieldUse the knowledge and skills you have gained to drive impact at work and grow your career.Learn at your own paceOn your computer, tablet or phone, online courses make learning flexible to fit your busy life.Earn a valuable credentialShowcase your key skills and valuable knowledge.Frequently asked questions about marketing careersWhat is the career path in marketing?A common career path is to earn a bachelor's or master's degree in marketing or communications and begin an entry-level job with a company. However, it's possible to land a marketing role with a related degree.In some cases, experience writing or analyzing data can also lead to a successful career.What is the highest-paying job in marketing?Chief marketing officers (CMOs) rank among the highest-paid executives in the C-suite, with compensation packages often reaching well into six figures. The BLS reports that the median annual salary for chief executives in general was $206,680 in 2023.How do I become a marketing professional?Earning a degree in marketing, communications, or a related field can give you a solid start to building a career in marketing. You may also consider internships for real-world experience and certificates in specific areas, such as social media marketing.Maintaining a portfolio of your work and continuing education also demonstrates to employers (or clients) what you have accomplished and gives them an idea of what to expect from you in the role.Can marketing careers be remote?Yes, many marketing roles have moved to remote in some capacity. As work shifts and online tools make collaboration easier, many marketers can find roles offering flexibility.Digital MarketingShare this articleShare on FacebookShare on XShare on LinkedinShare on Email