Business & Finance North Carolina (NC) Rank #27 of 50

Marketing Manager Salary in North Carolina

The median marketing manager salary in North Carolina is $133,038 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $140,040.

Median Salary
$133,038
vs National
$-7,002
State Rank
#27 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Marketing Manager Salary Overview in North Carolina (2026)

North Carolina ranks #27 out of 50 states for marketing manager compensation. Marketing Manager salaries in North Carolina are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $133,038 per year, marketing managers in North Carolina earn $7,002 less than the national median of $140,040.

A key advantage of working in North Carolina is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $133,038 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $144,607 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in North Carolina is significant: marketing managers at the 10th percentile earn $73,720, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $227,240 — a $153,520 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in North Carolina for this role is Charlotte, where the median reaches $141,440.

Nationally, marketing manager employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for marketing managers across the country.

Marketing Manager Salary in North Carolina by Experience

In North Carolina, an entry-level marketing manager earns around $58,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $171,000 per year. The cost of living index in North Carolina is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,900
$-3,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$99,750
$-5,250 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$171,000
$-9,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in North Carolina

Percentile NC Salary
10th Percentile $73,720
25th Percentile $96,900
Median (50th) $133,038
75th Percentile $175,750
90th Percentile $227,240

Marketing Manager Salary by City in North Carolina

The largest employment areas for marketing managers in North Carolina include Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and Greensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Marketing Manager in North Carolina

Education

Most marketing manager positions require a bachelor's degree. North Carolina has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Digital MarketingSEO/SEMAnalyticsContent StrategyBrand ManagementBudget Management

Job Outlook in North Carolina

Nationally, marketing manager employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). North Carolina's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Marketing Manager Salary in North Carolina

How much does a Marketing Manager make in North Carolina? ▼
The median marketing manager salary in North Carolina is $133,038 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $140,040. Salaries range from $73,720 (10th percentile) to $227,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Marketing Manager make per hour in North Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $133,038, a marketing manager in North Carolina earns approximately $64 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Carolina a good state for marketing managers? ▼
North Carolina ranks #27 out of 50 states for marketing manager pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level marketing managers earn $58,900, while senior professionals earn $171,000.
How does North Carolina compare to other states for marketing manager salary? ▼
The highest paying state for marketing managers is Hawaii at $238,068. North Carolina's median of $133,038 ranks #27 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Georgia ($133,038) and Montana ($133,038).
What is the entry-level marketing manager salary in North Carolina? ▼
An entry-level marketing manager in North Carolina earns approximately $58,900 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $99,750. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $171,000.
What city in North Carolina pays marketing managers the most? ▼
Charlotte is the highest paying city in North Carolina for marketing managers, with a median salary of $141,440. Other cities include Raleigh and Durham.