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In 2018, marketing remains one of the most exciting and most sought after career paths for young workers, which begs the questions for so many workers: what are the best cities for marketing jobs? However broad the question may be, its importance and value are even more significant for so many young workers in the US. Today we will consider the best cities for marketing jobs based on a list of criteria that include the density of marketing jobs available, the standard of living in the featured city, the longevity of work, and so much more.

We hope to guide you to a marketing career you will love in a place you will live for years to come.

Product FAQ

looking for a job

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Frequently asked questions sections are a great way to centralize common considerations for any topic and to put readers on a level playing field so that misconceptions can be quickly neutralized. Below are a series of common considerations, questions, and ideas that often come up when considering the best cities for marketing jobs. Before proceeding to our list, we believe it would be very helpful to read this short section so you can fully understand our process for generating this list. 

What Is marketing?

How Are Each of the Best Cities for Marketing Jobs Being Considered?

Do I Need a Degree or Past Experience?

Are All of These Cities in the United States?

How We Reviewed

Our primary focus for the best cities for marketing jobs was whether these major cities had businesses large enough to host growing marketing departments. Meanwhile, we also focused on the propensity for growth in each of these cities and then considered more general aspects like housing and livability in each of these cities. As a result, the best cities for marketing jobs are really a mixed bag, and the final decision will always be based directly on your own personal needs and specific considerations.

What We Reviewed

we're hiring sign

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The following is our list for the best cities for marketing jobs in the U.S. There are others worth considering so do not limit the entirety of your search to this list, but if you are looking for a solid foundation for your search, this is a great way to start:


  • New York City, NY
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • San Francisco, CA
  • Chicago, IL
  • Washington, DC
  • Boston, MA
  • Seattle, WA
  • San Jose, CA
  • Philadelphia, PA
  • Atlanta, GA
  • Garland, TX
  • Dallas, TX
  • Anaheim, CA
  • Phoenix, AZ
  • Oakland, CA

New York City, NY

New York Cityscape

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New York continues to be a massive hub for so many industries and businesses both here in the US and all over the world. Meanwhile, its exceptional energy and massive scope mean that there really is something for everyone in this incredible metropolis. There are almost two million small businesses in the city and an ever-increasing presence for major business headquarters throughout the city so no matter what you are looking for, you can find a way to be right at home in New York City, which is why it finds itself at number 1 on our best cities for marketing jobs list.

PROS  

  • Huge city with lots of opportunities for jobs
  • One of the most diverse cities for opportunity and activity so there is something for everyone to enjoy
  • Multiple major airports mean it’s easy to find flights home whenever you are homesick

PROS 

  CONS

  • Huge population means a lot more competition for work
  • Expensive cost of living
  • Difficult city to find accommodation in

Los Angeles, CA

los angeles

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For weather and sheer beauty, there are few places in the United States and on Earth for that rival this bustling city for beauty and energy. Los Angeles is the city of entertainment and without question the marketing industry is alive and well in the city of angels.

PROS  

  • Beautiful year-round weather
  • Diverse city for marketing many varied marketing experiences
  • Nearly half a million working freelancers and entrepreneurs

PROS 

  CONS

  • One of the most competitive working environments in the country
  • Expensive city to live in
  • Far away from other major marketing cities

San Francisco, CA

San francisco

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For a city that is stylish, progressive, and vigorously exciting, San Francisco is difficult to top. The energy and creativity of San Franciscans have continuously secured this city as a hotspot for exciting industries like marketing and assuredly has manifested its secure positioning in our best cities for marketing jobs list. The money is not too shabby either—20% of marketing workers make over $100,000 (marketing managers earn a $110,000 salary on average.

PROS  

  • Fun and entertaining city
  • Welcoming to people of all backgrounds and sentiments
  • Well paid in San Francisco

PROS 

  CONS

  • High cost of living
  • Weather can be considered dreary
  • Far away from other major marketing cities

Chicago, IL

chicago

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The windy city has been the center of attention for many reasons over the years and although marketing is one of them, it turns out it is one of the main reasons to live in Chicago. With companies such as iProspect which employs over 2500 employees and holds 71 other offices all over the world, there is a large amount of opportunity and enjoyable prospects.

PROS  

  • Headquarters to major marketing companies
  • Centralized in US so either coast is a convenient flight away
  • High ratio of marketing jobs per capita available

PROS 

  CONS

  • Expensive
  • Weather is less-than-friendly
  • Can’t drive to nearby cities like you would be able to in New England

Washington, DC

washington dc capitol

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Our nation’s capital has a reputation that extends well beyond its obvious legislative aspects. This gorgeous monument to democracy houses 7,900 marketing positions within a population of 670,000 and generously pays its employees upwards of $100,000 on average. Meanwhile, being nestled in New England is a great advantage for those who need to meet others in the industry regularly.

PROS  

  • Located in the heart of New England
  • High ratio of available jobs
  • Low unemployed rate

PROS 

  CONS

  • Expensive
  • Not the headquarters for most major corporations
  • Not as many senior positions as in other countries

Boston, MA

Boston

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Boston is the heartbeat of the American dream and a city steeped in the values and energy that our country was founded on. With sentiments like that, it is easy to see why this exceptional district is fast becoming a power player in the marketing district. Boston has over 7,500 jobs in a city of 670,000 which is a solid ratio. These positions consist of mostly entry to mid-level positions with fairly high paid salaries often close to 90k per year.

PROS  

  • Lots of positions available
  • Close to other major cities
  • Eclectic range of clients

PROS 

  CONS

  • Expensive
  • Not the highest salaries
  • Not as many senior positions

Seattle, WA

seattle city skyline

Image via Pixabay

The city that started grunge is also a great place to get into a marketing career and pursue the position of your dreams. Not as many positions available as other cities, but with $101,757 salary on average, it’s worth the effort to get in at this exceptional city.

PROS  

  • High average salary
  • Great clients
  • Lower cost of living

PROS 

  CONS

  • Bad weather
  • Not as many jobs available
  • Far away from most other major marketing cities

San Jose, CA

California is consistently a beloved state on our list and San Jose is no different. Marketing managers make an average of $110,430 a year so the stiff competition is worth the sweat and effort.

PROS  

  • High salary
  • Great parks in the area
  • Good opportunities

PROS 

  CONS

  • Bad weather
  • Low job to population ratio
  • Far from other major cities

Philadelphia, PA

philadelphia

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Philadelphia is a city of culture and intrigue in addition to a figure for quality in our list of the best cities for marketing jobs. There are many high profile clients in this great city.

PROS  

  • Not the most expensive city
  • Centrally located
  • Rent is affordable

PROS 

  CONS

  • Low job to population ratio
  • Not the most well-known clients
  • Not as many entry-level jobs

Atlanta, GA

Atlanta skyline

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Atlanta has come out quite recently as a city of intrigue and excitement in the US and the marketing industry has certainly benefited from this boom in interest. Over 5,000 jobs in a city of over a half million are great odds as well.

PROS  

  • Affordable city
  • High job to population ratio
  • Great range of clients

PROS 

  CONS

  • Far from other major cities
  • Lower than average salaries
  • Weather can be unpleasant for some

Garland, TX

Just outside of sprawling Dallas, Garland offers an incredible amount of marketing jobs within an exceptionally affordable city so you can enjoy a delightfully high quality of life.

PROS  

  • Affordable
  • High job to population ratio
  • Close to Dallas, Fort Worth, and other major Texas cities

PROS 

  CONS

  • Far from other major cities
  • Salary is relatively low
  • Is mostly a suburb of Dallas

Dallas, TX

Dallas skyline

Image via Pixabay

A major city in a major state, Dallas is distinct from nearby Garland for being a massive business capital in a state whose reputations consistently precedes it. Enjoy great salaries in wide open spaces at affordable prices.

PROS  

  • Great standard of living
  • Sunny weather
  • Major international airport can get you anywhere

PROS 

  CONS

  • Low job to population ratio
  • Far from other major cities
  • Hot weather can be a sour note

Anaheim, CA

With a very high job to population ratio and amazing weather to boot, Anaheim is well worth your time and consideration when looking for a quality city to settle down and pursue marketing in.

PROS  

  • High job to population ratio
  • Great salary average
  • Plenty of great activities to do

PROS 

  CONS

  • Far from other major cities
  • High cost of living
  • Entry and mid-level positions are not the highest paid

Phoenix, AZ

phoenix lake city

Image via Pixabay

Phoenix has really risen in the past decade as a beacon for a unique and exciting lifestyle. It is a fairly affordable city with plenty of space for marketing hopefuls.

PROS  

  • Low cost of living
  • Good range clients
  • Unique city to live in

PROS 

  CONS

  • Low job to population ratio
  • Low salary
  • Distant from other major cities

Oakland, CA

Oakland

Image via Pixabay

Last on our list is Oakland, but definitely anything but last by designation. With a large number of marketing opportunities available, San Francisco just across the bridge, and a huge amount of local activity, Oakland is a great option for many marketing hopefuls.

PROS  

  • High job to population ratio
  • High salaries
  • Close to other major Californian cities

PROS 

  CONS

  • Expensive
  • Far from other major New England Cities
  • Weather sometimes dreary

The Verdict

In our list of the Best Cities For Marketing Jobs in the US, we hope to have helped guide you to a city you might be proud to consider home for years to come. As we mentioned before, there are other options not featured here, but if you happen to land a job in any one of these cities, you definitely won’t be disappointed. Oakland might be the best place to start but as with any opportunity, go with whichever works best for your distinctive needs.

Featured Image via Pixabay

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