Marketing managers
SOC Code: 11-2021
Marketing managers carries a 35% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $161,030 and +6.6% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 407,000 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 35% AI exposure, Marketing managers sits 2 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 46% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Marketing managers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Marketing managers has ai exposure of 35%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Marketing managers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Marketing managers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Marketing managers (SOC 11-2021) carries an AI exposure score of 35%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 407,000 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +6.6% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $161,030, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus 5 years or more of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Marketing managers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Identify, develop, or evaluate marketing strategy, based on knowledge of establishment objectives, market characteristics, and cost and markup factors.
- 2. Formulate, direct, or coordinate marketing activities or policies to promote products or services, working with advertising or promotion managers.
- 3. Evaluate the financial aspects of product development, such as budgets, expenditures, research and development appropriations, or return-on-investment and profit-loss projections.
- 4. Develop pricing strategies, balancing firm objectives and customer satisfaction.
- 5. Compile lists describing product or service offerings.
- 6. Direct the hiring, training, or performance evaluations of marketing or sales staff and oversee their daily activities.
- 7. Consult with product development personnel on product specifications, such as design, color, or packaging.
- 8. Use sales forecasting or strategic planning to ensure the sale and profitability of products, lines, or services, analyzing business developments and monitoring market trends.
- 9. Negotiate contracts with vendors or distributors to manage product distribution, establishing distribution networks or developing distribution strategies.
- 10. Coordinate or participate in promotional activities or trade shows, working with developers, advertisers, or production managers, to market products or services.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Social Perceptiveness
- Monitoring
- Persuasion
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Negotiation
Knowledge Areas
- Sales and Marketing
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Customer and Personal Service
- Communications and Media
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Design
- Economics and Accounting
- Education and Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Marketing managers?
Marketing managers has an AI exposure score of 35%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Marketing managers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Marketing managers is projected to grow by 6.6% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 407,000 workers.
What skills are needed for Marketing managers?
Key skills for Marketing managers include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Marketing managers earn?
The median annual wage for Marketing managers is $161,030, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Marketing managers?
The typical entry-level education for Marketing managers is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect 5 years or more of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Marketing managers?
Marketing managers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
Explore More on PlainWorkforce
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).