The marketing field is experiencing some serious growth, driven by the rise of AI, data, and digital strategies. According to a recent study by Linkee AI, several marketing roles are seeing impressive demand, with one role growing at a projected rate of 21%. Let’s break down the top 10 marketing jobs you should consider for your next move, what professionals are saying about them, and which courses can help you stand out.
1. AI Marketing Assistant
Projected Job Growth: 21%
Average Salary: $46,100 to $68,500
Unemployment Rate: 4.6%
Job Openings (Glassdoor): 1,518
Overview:
The AI marketing assistant role is emerging as the fastest-growing job in marketing. As companies increasingly integrate AI into their marketing workflows, demand for professionals who can handle data automation and machine learning tools has skyrocketed. This position offers a mix of entry-level AI tasks and marketing duties, making it a great way to get in on the ground floor of AI-driven marketing.
What people are saying:
“AI is changing the way we market, and this role is perfect for someone who wants to be at the cutting edge.” — Marketing Technology Lead at a startup.
Course Recommendation:
- Udemy: Artificial Intelligence in Digital Marketing
Summary: This course gives you an understanding of how AI is transforming marketing. You’ll learn about AI tools that automate tasks like personalization, content creation, and campaign optimization.
Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.3/5
“Perfect course for beginners! Helped me understand how AI works in marketing.” - Coursera: AI for Everyone by Andrew Ng
Summary: A beginner-friendly introduction to AI, explaining how it affects industries like marketing. No coding is required.
Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8/5
“Great for someone looking to understand AI’s role in business without diving too deep into technicalities.”
2. Search Engine Marketing (SEM) Specialist
Projected Job Growth: 19%
Average Salary: $57,800 to $76,800
Unemployment Rate: 5.2%
Job Openings (Glassdoor): 1,546
Overview:
SEM specialists manage pay-per-click (PPC) advertising and paid search strategies on platforms like Google. This role blends data analysis with creative campaign management, ensuring that companies get the most out of their ad spend.
What people are saying:
“Being an SEM specialist means mastering Google Ads, but it also means you need a creative approach to make your ads stand out.” — Senior SEM Specialist at an e-commerce brand.
Course Recommendation:
- Google Skillshop: Google Ads Certification
Summary: Learn the ins and outs of Google Ads, from setting up campaigns to optimizing for better results. It’s Google’s official certification program.
Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8/5
“I passed the certification after completing this! Clear and very informative.” - Udemy: The Ultimate Google Ads Training
Summary: A comprehensive guide to setting up and optimizing Google Ads campaigns for beginners and pros alike.
Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.6/5
“Great course if you want to learn how to generate conversions without overspending.”
3. Marketing Assistant
Projected Job Growth: 19%
Average Salary: $39,442 to $45,000
Unemployment Rate: 5.2%
Job Openings (Glassdoor): 58,708
Overview:
Marketing assistants support teams by handling tasks like scheduling campaigns, organizing materials, and conducting research. It’s an ideal entry-level role that can lead to more specialized positions in marketing.
What people are saying:
“Marketing assistants are the backbone of any team. If you’re organized and want to learn about every aspect of marketing, this is a great start.” — Marketing Coordinator at a mid-sized company.
Course Recommendation:
- LinkedIn Learning: Become a Marketing Specialist
Summary: A step-by-step guide for anyone new to marketing, covering all the basics from digital marketing to project management.
Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5
“A great crash course if you’re just starting out in marketing.” - Udemy: Marketing Fundamentals
Summary: Learn the core principles of marketing, including strategy, branding, and digital techniques.
Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐ 3.5/5
“Really easy to follow, and perfect for beginners.”
4. Market Research Analyst
Projected Job Growth: 13%
Average Salary: $49,980 to $68,230
Unemployment Rate: 3.2% (lowest on the list)
Job Openings (Glassdoor): 2,137
Overview:
Market research analysts study consumer behavior and analyze data to help companies make informed decisions. It’s a highly analytical role but provides job stability with the lowest unemployment rate on this list.
What people are saying:
“You have to love data. If you’re good at spotting trends and making sense of numbers, this is a rewarding role.” — Market Research Analyst at a financial services company.
Course Recommendation:
- Udemy: Marketing Analytics Mastery
Summary: Teaches the fundamentals of marketing analytics, including data interpretation and visualization.
Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5
“A solid course for learning how to apply analytics to real-world marketing.” - LinkedIn Learning: Market Research Foundations
Summary: Learn how to conduct market research, analyze data, and present your findings effectively.
Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7/5
“Helped me streamline my research process at work.”
5. Marketing Strategist
Projected Job Growth: 12.5%
Average Salary: $64,440 to $86,261
Unemployment Rate: 4.6%
Job Openings (Glassdoor): 9,675
Overview:
Marketing strategists are the brains behind a company’s campaigns, defining goals and mapping out how to achieve them. This role requires creativity and a deep understanding of the market.
What people are saying:
“You’re not just thinking about the next campaign—you’re planning how the brand grows over the next five years.” — Marketing Strategist at a digital agency.
Course Recommendation:
- Marketing Strategy Specialization Summary: Teaches you how to develop long-term marketing strategies that align with business goals.
Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8/5
“Great course if you’re looking to take your strategic thinking to the next level.” - Udemy: Marketing Strategy Mastery
Summary: Focuses on planning, executing, and measuring the success of marketing strategies.
Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.1/5
“I used this course to revamp my company’s entire marketing plan.”
6. Channel Marketing Manager
Projected Job Growth: 10%
Average Salary: $68,446 to $91,295
Unemployment Rate: 4.6%
Job Openings (Glassdoor): 93
Overview:
Channel marketing managers are responsible for driving sales and engagement across specific marketing channels (like online retail or social media). It’s a highly specialized role but offers a lucrative salary range.
What people are saying:
“You need to have a broad understanding of marketing but be laser-focused on one or two key channels.” — Channel Marketing Manager at a large retailer.
Course Recommendation:
- Udemy: Multi-Channel Marketing
Summary: Learn how to manage and optimize specific marketing channels like Amazon, Shopify, or social platforms.
Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7/5
“This course really helped me focus on refining my channel strategies.” - LinkedIn Learning: Channel Sales and Marketing
Summary: Learn to drive sales through different marketing channels, from e-commerce to B2B partnerships.
Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.6/5
“Very helpful for people managing multiple sales channels.”
7. Merchandiser
Projected Job Growth: 8.42%
Average Salary: $55,707 to $76,450
Unemployment Rate: 8.2%
Job Openings (Glassdoor): 2,353
Overview:
Merchandisers play a crucial role in ensuring that products are displayed effectively in stores or online, driving both traffic and sales. They work closely with marketing and sales teams to decide product placement, promotions, and inventory management.
What people are saying:
“As a merchandiser, you’re constantly analyzing how customers shop and making decisions based on real-time sales data.” — Senior Merchandiser at a national retail chain.
Course Recommendation:
- Udemy: Visual Merchandising and Retail Display
Summary: This course covers the fundamentals of merchandising and how to create engaging product displays that attract customers.
Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.1/5
“A great introduction to the world of merchandising with real-world examples.” - LinkedIn Learning: Retail Sales Foundations
Summary: Focuses on the role of merchandising in retail, covering topics like inventory management, pricing, and promotions.
Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7/5
“Helped me improve my understanding of the retail landscape.”
8. Event Marketing Manager
Projected Job Growth: 8%
Average Salary: $50,000 to $108,000
Unemployment Rate: 12.4% (highest on the list)
Job Openings (Glassdoor): 5,518
Overview:
Event marketing managers organize and promote events, from large conferences to product launches. This role requires strong project management skills and the ability to work under pressure, as the success of an event can have a significant impact on brand visibility.
What people are saying:
“Event marketing is a high-risk, high-reward job. If you love logistics and working with people, it’s incredibly satisfying to see an event come to life.” — Event Marketing Manager at a tech firm.
Course Recommendation:
- Udemy: Successful Events: Event Planning, Marketing & Management
Summary: Learn how to manage everything from venue selection to event promotion. This course is ideal for anyone looking to get into event marketing.
Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4/5
“Very comprehensive and helpful for learning the ins and outs of event marketing.” - Coursera: Introduction to Events Management
Summary: This course covers every aspect of event marketing, from planning to execution and post-event analysis.
Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7/5
“Fantastic content for anyone wanting to elevate their event planning skills.”
9. Product Marketing Manager
Projected Job Growth: 7%
Average Salary: $122,553 to $157,243
Unemployment Rate: 4.6%
Job Openings (Glassdoor): 22,955
Overview:
Product marketing managers focus on launching and promoting a product or service. They work closely with product development teams to ensure that marketing strategies align with the product’s features and customer needs. This is one of the highest-paying roles in marketing, but it’s also highly competitive.
What people are saying:
“You’re at the intersection of product development and marketing, making sure that customers know the value of what you’re offering. It’s a mix of creativity and strategy.” — Product Marketing Manager at a SaaS company.
Course Recommendation:
- Udemy: SaaS Masterclass: Sales, Marketing and Growth Metrics
Summary: Focused on tech product marketing, this course teaches you how to position, promote, and launch products in competitive markets.
Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5
“Great insights, especially for those in the tech industry. Helped me refine our product launch strategy.” - Udemy: Product Marketing Launch Plan
Summary: Learn how to effectively market products by understanding your audience, positioning the product, and building campaigns.
Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5
“I used this course to build a product launch strategy that led to a 25% increase in sales.”
10. Marketing Manager
Projected Job Growth: 6.79%
Average Salary: $99,935 to $130,753
Unemployment Rate: 4.6%
Job Openings (Glassdoor): 50,893
Overview:
Marketing managers oversee the entire marketing strategy for a company or product line, from planning campaigns to analyzing their success. This role requires a broad understanding of digital, content, and traditional marketing tactics.
What people are saying:
“You have to think big-picture, but also be able to dive into the details when needed. Managing teams and campaigns means you’re always balancing creative and operational demands.” — Marketing Manager at a large consumer goods company.
Course Recommendation:
- LinkedIn Learning: Marketing Management Foundations
Summary: Learn the fundamentals of managing marketing teams and campaigns, with a focus on strategy, execution, and leadership.
Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.6/5
“Great course for anyone stepping into a management role in marketing.” - Udemy: The Ultimate Beginners Marketing Management Course
Summary: A comprehensive course that covers everything from strategy development to campaign execution and performance tracking.
Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.2/5
“Helped me streamline our entire marketing approach and manage my team more effectively.”
The marketing world is full of opportunities, whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your career. With AI taking center stage and digital marketing growing fast, roles like AI marketing assistant and SEM specialist are leading the charge. Choose one of the courses above to start building the skills you need to thrive in this ever-evolving industry.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What’s the difference between SEM and SEO specialists?
SEM specialists focus on paid advertising through platforms like Google Ads, while SEO specialists work on optimizing websites organically to rank higher in search engine results.
Why is the unemployment rate for event marketing managers so high?
Event marketing is highly affected by external factors like the economy and public health, leading to fluctuations in demand and higher unemployment during downturns.
Is product marketing more technical than other marketing roles?
Yes, product marketing often requires a deeper understanding of the product itself, especially in tech industries, as well as how to communicate its value to potential customers.
What tools do market research analysts use to gather data?
Common tools include survey platforms like Qualtrics, data analysis software like SPSS or Excel, and online databases like Statista for market trends.
How does a channel marketing manager differ from a general marketing manager?
Channel marketing managers focus on specific distribution channels (like retail, e-commerce), whereas general marketing managers oversee broader marketing strategies across all platforms.
What are the key skills for a marketing assistant to succeed?
Strong organizational skills, multitasking, basic digital marketing knowledge, and excellent communication are essential for a marketing assistant to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
