Advertising and Promotions Managers Salary 2025: $133,660 Median, Top States Pay Over $170K
The median annual salary for Advertising and Promotions Managers in the U.S. is $133,660, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to about $64 per hour. The top 10% earn more than $286,240, while the bottom 10% make under $63,300. With 21,470 jobs nationwide, this is a relatively small but well-compensated occupation. But the outlook is mixed: employment is projected to decline 2.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 2,100 openings each year, mostly to replace workers who leave.
How much Advertising and Promotions Managers earn
The typical Advertising and Promotions Manager earns $133,660 per year. The mean wage is $154,280, pulled up by high earners. Most salaries fall between $63,300 (10th percentile) and $286,240 (90th percentile). Pay varies by industry, experience, and location.
- Median annual wage: $133,660 ($64.19/hour)
- Mean annual wage: $154,280
- 10th percentile: $63,300
- 90th percentile: $286,240
Pay by state
Where you work dramatically affects your paycheck. The highest-paying state is New York, where the average annual salary reaches $173,700. Illinois comes next at $167,330, followed by California ($167,230), New Jersey ($165,390), and Colorado ($164,990). On the other end, Arkansas pays $74,880, Mississippi $66,520, and Alabama $64,640 — less than half the national median.
How to become Advertising and Promotions Manager
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in marketing, advertising, communications, or business. Many managers start as advertising sales agents, market research analysts, or promotions coordinators and work their way up after 5–10 years of experience. Professional certifications, like those from the American Marketing Association or the Promotional Products Association International, can boost your resume. Licensing is not required. The path typically involves entry-level roles, building a portfolio of successful campaigns, then moving into management.
- Earn a bachelor's degree (marketing, advertising, communications, or business)
- Gain 5–10 years of experience in advertising or promotions
- Consider certifications (e.g., Certified Marketing Management Professional)
- Develop skills in project management, data analysis, and creativity
Job outlook
Employment of Advertising and Promotions Managers is expected to decline 2.2% from 2024 to 2034, a loss of about 470 jobs. This decline is partly due to companies consolidating roles and relying more on digital marketing. Despite the drop, about 2,100 openings occur each year as workers retire or switch careers. Competition for jobs is strong, especially for roles at top agencies and in high-paying states.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for an Advertising and Promotions Manager?
Entry-level salaries for those in the bottom 10% are around $63,300 per year. Most managers enter the role after several years of experience, so starting pay is typically above the 25th percentile, closer to $80,000–$90,000.
Which state pays Advertising and Promotions Managers the most?
New York pays the highest average wage at $173,700 per year. Illinois, California, New Jersey, and Colorado also average above $160,000.
Is Advertising and Promotions Manager a dying career?
Employment is projected to decline 2.2% over the next decade, which is a slightly negative outlook. However, about 2,100 job openings per year exist due to turnover, so it's not disappearing. The role is evolving with digital marketing trends.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Advertising and Promotions Managers data.