What the numbers say
About 2,360 Marketing Managers work in the Raleigh metro, and they earned a median annual wage of $163,820 in 2024. That puts Raleigh roughly 5% above the North Carolina median of $156,650 and about 6% above the national median of $154,215. The gaps are not dramatic, but they are consistent: Raleigh sits above both benchmarks across mean wages as well, where the metro figure of $168,540 clears the state mean of $162,740.
The spread across earners is wide. The 10th percentile starts at $93,360, and the 75th percentile reaches $209,240. That is a range of more than $115,000 from the lower end to just the 75th percentile. In practical terms, what a Marketing Manager earns here depends heavily on seniority, the size of the company they work for, and the kinds of products or markets they oversee.
The mean wage of $168,540 runs about $4,700 above the median. When the average outpaces the median by that margin, it usually means a segment of higher-earning managers is pulling the overall figure up. The effect is modest here, not the sharp gap you see in markets where a handful of very high earners skew everything.
With around 2,360 people in the role locally, Raleigh represents a reasonably concentrated market for the occupation. It is not the scale of a Charlotte or a major coastal market, but the employment base is large enough that comparable roles and lateral moves exist within the metro itself.
Salary distribution
Where Raleigh marketing managers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $129,860 and $213,930, with a median of $167,640.
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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How the Raleigh metro compares to other major North Carolina metro areas for marketing managers.
- Charlotte$166,200
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Marketing Managers in Raleigh, North Carolina?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Marketing Managers in the Raleigh metropolitan area is $167,640.
- Does Raleigh pay more than the North Carolina state average for Marketing Managers?
- The Raleigh metro median is +1.3% versus the North Carolina state median of $165,480.
- How does Raleigh compare to the national median for Marketing Managers?
- The Raleigh metro median is +2.6% versus the BLS national figure of $163,329.
- What is the salary range for Marketing Managers in Raleigh?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $102,970 and the 90th-percentile at $277,320 for the Raleigh 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 Raleigh 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.