What the numbers say
Boston's Marketing Managers crossed the $200,000 median threshold in 2024, reaching $200,010. That puts the metro about 4% above the Massachusetts median of $192,480 and roughly 30% above the national median of $154,215.
The mean wage of $204,310 sits close to the median, which means the top of the market is not pulling the average far off center. The spread tells a more interesting story: the 25th percentile comes in at $158,110, while the 75th reaches $223,640. A manager moving from the lower quarter of the pay range to the upper quarter gains roughly $65,000 a year. That gap reflects real differences in seniority, employer size, and the industries concentrated in this metro.
About 11,440 Marketing Managers work in the Boston metro area. That is a substantial local market for the role, and it likely reflects the concentration of biotech, financial services, and higher education employers in the region, all of which run significant marketing operations.
The 4% premium over the Massachusetts median is narrower than the state-to-national gap suggests it might be. Much of the state figure is itself anchored by Boston-area wages, so the metro and state numbers move together more closely here than they would in states where one large city dominates an otherwise low-wage geography.
Salary distribution
Where Boston marketing managers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $169,070 and $269,300, with a median of $213,910.
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 Boston, Massachusetts?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Marketing Managers in the Boston metropolitan area is $213,910.
- Does Boston pay more than the Massachusetts state average for Marketing Managers?
- The Boston metro median is +0.9% versus the Massachusetts state median of $212,020.
- How does Boston compare to the national median for Marketing Managers?
- The Boston metro median is +31.0% versus the BLS national figure of $163,329.
- What is the salary range for Marketing Managers in Boston?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $131,130 and the 90th-percentile at $312,910 for the Boston 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 Boston 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.