What the numbers say
Louisville's median Marketing Manager salary came in at $131,770 in 2024, about 6.7% above the Kentucky state median of $123,480. Against the national figure of $154,215, the metro sits roughly 15% lower, which is a meaningful gap and not unusual for a mid-sized inland market.
The spread here is wide. At the 10th percentile, Marketing Managers in Louisville earned around $76,000. At the 90th, they earned $225,930. Top earners make nearly three times what those starting out do, which points to significant variation by industry, company size, and seniority within the metro. The mean wage of $143,000 runs above the median, so a smaller group of higher-paid managers pulls the average up.
About 1,040 Marketing Managers work in the Louisville metro. That is a modest headcount for a city this size, and it reflects a local economy built more around logistics, healthcare, and consumer goods manufacturing than around advertising-heavy sectors. The roles that exist here tend to sit inside companies rather than inside agencies, which partially explains why the median trails the national figure.
The gap between Louisville and the US median is real, but so is the cost of living difference. Kentucky's overall price level runs well below the national baseline, which means the purchasing power of a $131,770 salary here does not translate directly to a disadvantage against a $154,000 salary in a higher-cost market.
Salary distribution
Where Louisville marketing managers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $96,450 and $172,980, with a median of $136,350.
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.
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Explore coursesFrequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Marketing Managers in Louisville, Kentucky?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Marketing Managers in the Louisville metropolitan area is $136,350.
- Does Louisville pay more than the Kentucky state average for Marketing Managers?
- The Louisville metro median is +5.8% versus the Kentucky state median of $128,930.
- How does Louisville compare to the national median for Marketing Managers?
- The Louisville metro median is -16.5% versus the BLS national figure of $163,329.
- What is the salary range for Marketing Managers in Louisville?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $79,830 and the 90th-percentile at $211,130 for the Louisville 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 Louisville 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.