What the numbers say
The median wage for Marketing Managers in Milwaukee was $131,390 in 2024, nearly identical to the Wisconsin median of $131,110. The metro tracks the state average closely, which is less common than it sounds. Milwaukee accounts for a large share of Wisconsin's marketing management employment, so the two figures tend to move together.
The national picture is a different story. The US median for this role was $154,215, about 17% above what Milwaukee managers earned. Some of that gap reflects the concentration of marketing management jobs in high-cost coastal markets like New York and San Francisco, where salaries run well above the national figure and pull the national median up. Milwaukee sits below that benchmark, though not by an unusual margin for a Midwest metro of its size.
About 1,200 Marketing Managers work in the Milwaukee metro. That is a small pool for a major occupation, which can mean pay moves in tighter bands around the median than in larger markets. The spread here is still wide: the 10th percentile came in at $78,780 and the 90th at $227,420. Top earners make roughly three times what those at the bottom of the range do. That spread is mostly explained by seniority and the type of employer. A brand manager at a consumer goods company and a junior marketing coordinator at a regional services firm both fall under this occupational code, even though the roles look quite different day to day.
The average wage of $147,730 runs about $16,000 above the median, which tells us a smaller group of high earners pulls the average up. For most people in this role in Milwaukee, the median is the more useful number.
Salary distribution
Where Milwaukee marketing managers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $97,740 and $172,220, with a median of $130,700.
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 Milwaukee, Wisconsin?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Marketing Managers in the Milwaukee metropolitan area is $130,700.
- Does Milwaukee pay more than the Wisconsin state average for Marketing Managers?
- The Milwaukee metro median is -2.2% versus the Wisconsin state median of $133,600.
- How does Milwaukee compare to the national median for Marketing Managers?
- The Milwaukee metro median is -20.0% versus the BLS national figure of $163,329.
- What is the salary range for Marketing Managers in Milwaukee?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $81,980 and the 90th-percentile at $216,350 for the Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee 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.