What the numbers say
About 4,390 Marketing Managers work in the San Diego metro, and their median annual wage in 2024 was $171,590. That sits roughly 11% above the national median of $154,215, a meaningful gap. It does come in about $6,500 below the California state median of $178,160, which reflects how concentrated the highest-paying marketing roles are in the Bay Area and Los Angeles.
The spread here is wide. At the 25th percentile, Marketing Managers in San Diego earned $128,370. At the 75th percentile, that figure climbs to $234,310, a difference of about $106,000 across the middle half of the distribution alone. That kind of range usually signals real variation in sub-specialty and seniority: a brand manager at a mid-size biotech and a VP of Growth at a defense contractor both fall under this occupational code, and they do not earn the same.
The mean wage of $194,300 runs well above the median of $171,590. The gap between those two figures tells us a smaller group of senior and executive-level Marketing Managers in the metro pull the average up. If you are closer to the entry point of this career than the top, the median is the more useful reference.
San Diego's mix of biotech, defense contracting, and tourism creates demand for Marketing Managers across fairly different industries. The wage data reflects that breadth: the bottom of the 10th-to-75th range starts at $97,740, and the upper end clears $234,000. BLS did not report a 90th-percentile figure for this metro, so the ceiling is harder to pin down precisely.
Salary distribution
Where San Diego marketing managers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $132,130 and $228,110, with a median of $174,840.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
5 years or more
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.8 / 5
Sales and Marketing
Knowledge
- 4.5 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Administration and Management
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Critical Thinking
Cross-functional
- 3.9 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Identify, develop, or evaluate marketing strategy, based on knowledge of establishment objectives, market characteristics, and cost and markup factors.
- 02
Formulate, direct, or coordinate marketing activities or policies to promote products or services, working with advertising or promotion managers.
- 03
Evaluate the financial aspects of product development, such as budgets, expenditures, research and development appropriations, or return-on-investment and profit-loss projections.
- 04
Develop pricing strategies, balancing firm objectives and customer satisfaction.
- 05
Compile lists describing product or service offerings.
- 06
Direct the hiring, training, or performance evaluations of marketing or sales staff and oversee their daily activities.
- 07
Consult with product development personnel on product specifications, such as design, color, or packaging.
- 08
Use sales forecasting or strategic planning to ensure the sale and profitability of products, lines, or services, analyzing business developments and monitoring market trends.
Sponsored
Build the skills employers list for Marketing Managers
Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.
Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the San Diego metro compares to other major California metro areas for marketing managers.
- San Jose$231,370
- San Francisco$220,480
- Los Angeles$171,900
- Sacramento$164,270
- Riverside$157,670
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Marketing Managers in San Diego, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Marketing Managers in the San Diego metropolitan area is $174,840.
- Does San Diego pay more than the California state average for Marketing Managers?
- The San Diego metro median is -9.7% versus the California state median of $193,620.
- How does San Diego compare to the national median for Marketing Managers?
- The San Diego metro median is +7.0% versus the BLS national figure of $163,329.
- What is the salary range for Marketing Managers in San Diego?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $99,510 and the 90th-percentile at $305,740 for the San Diego metro area.
- What education is required for Marketing Managers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Diego CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.