Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, and Sales Managers earn $155,780 median salary
If you oversee the people who sell products or shape a brand's public image, your paycheck likely reflects that responsibility. The median salary for Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, and Sales Managers hit $155,780 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's roughly $75 an hour. The typical range runs from $77,730 at the 10th percentile to $290,060 at the 90th.
How much Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, and Sales Managers earn
Your earnings depend heavily on industry and experience. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the mean annual wage for this broad occupation is $167,930. At the low end, about 10% of managers earn below $77,730, while the top 10% pull in more than $290,060.
These figures cover a wide range of roles—from a public relations director at a small nonprofit to a sales vice president at a Fortune 500 firm. Managers at large companies or in high-revenue sectors like technology and finance typically earn above the median. Bonuses and commissions also push total compensation higher for many in sales management.
All figures are BLS estimates from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program.
Pay by state
State-level data for 2024 is not yet available from the BLS. Historical patterns show that metropolitan areas like New York, San Francisco, and Boston tend to offer higher salaries, reflecting both cost of living and concentration of corporate headquarters. Lower-cost states in the South and Midwest often see lower median wages for these managers but can still provide strong relative earnings.
How to become Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, or Sales Manager
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in business, marketing, communications, or a related field. Several years of experience in sales, advertising, or public relations are typical before promotion to management. Many managers start as account executives, marketing coordinators, or sales representatives.
Certifications can strengthen a resume. The American Marketing Association offers a Professional Certified Marketer credential, and the Public Relations Society of America provides Accreditation in Public Relations (APR). Sales managers may pursue Certified Sales Leadership (CSL) through the Sales Management Association.
- Earn a bachelor's degree in business, marketing, communications, or a related field.
- Gain 3-5 years of experience in a role such as marketing coordinator, sales representative, or PR specialist.
- Consider a certification like PCM (AMA) or APR (PRSA) to stand out.
- Develop leadership and strategic planning skills; many firms promote from within.
Job outlook
The BLS has not released specific growth projections for this combined occupation for 2024-2034. Historically, employment for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers has grown about as fast as the average for all occupations, while sales manager roles have been more stable. Digital marketing and data-driven advertising continue to create new management opportunities, though automation may slow growth in some traditional sales roles. The large size of this occupation—1,167,460 jobs as of 2024—means that even a small percentage change results in thousands of openings each year.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest-paying industry for Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, and Sales Managers?
In recent BLS data, the highest-paying industries for these managers include computer systems design, securities and commodity brokerage, and management of companies and enterprises. Earnings in those sectors often exceed $200,000 mean annual wage.
What is the difference between an Advertising Manager and a Sales Manager?
Advertising managers focus on creating and executing ad campaigns to generate demand, while sales managers lead teams that directly sell products or services to customers. Both are included in the BLS occupation code 11-2020, along with marketing, promotions, and PR managers.
Do I need a master's degree to become a manager in this field?
A master's degree is not required for most positions, but an MBA can be beneficial for advancement into senior leadership roles or for moving into higher-paying industries like finance or technology.
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, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, and Sales Managers data.