How much does a Marketing Executive earn in Australia?

March 11, 2024

As a Marketing Executive your role is primarily focused on building a brand, driving profits and promoting products and/or services through the implementation of marketing campaigns. Marketing Executives can be responsible for a diverse range of duties, these may include planning marketing strategies, tracking promotional results, managing marketing content, building brand awareness, event management, public relations, product development, performing market research, digital media. You may also manage budgets for marketing and advertising campaigns. It can be a creative career as it would require you to develop innovative ideas, depending on the product or service you’re marketing.

A Marketing Executive generally is an entry-level up to mid-level marketing professional who typically reports to a Marketing Manager, Head of Marketing, or Marketing Director depending on the structure of the marketing team. Traditionally professionals would be promoted from a Marketing Assistant or Marketing Coordinator role.

How much does a Marketing Executive earn in Australia?

The salary of a Marketing Executive in Australia can vary depending on factors such as location, level of experience, industry, and the specific company. The average salary for a Marketing Executive in Australia ranged from AUD 70,000 to AUD 95,000 per year. Executives with more experience or working in larger cities such as Sydney or Melbourne may command higher salaries within or even beyond this range, with averages between AUD 85,000 and AUD 130,000.

What factors affect a Marketing Executive salary?

The main factors that impact a Marketing Executive salary in Australia include:

  • Years of work experience
  • Education, qualifications or apprenticeships: Holding a bachelor’s or master’s degree in marketing or a relevant area can help Marketing Executives demand higher salaries
  • Certificates and training: Professional certificates such as Australian College of Marketing, Certificate IV of Marketing and Communication (BSB40820) or a Diploma of Marketing and Communication (BSB0620) at TAFE or through a registered training organisation, Google Ads, InDesign Academy, or Marketing Automation software (Marketo, HubSpot etc.) qualifications can enhance a Marketing Executive’s skillset
  • Geographical location: salaries tend to be higher for roles based in major cities like Sydney or Melbourne due to competitiveness, innovation, international presence, cost of living and more
  • Company size
  • Industry sector
  • Economic conditions and industry trends

How does a Marketing Executive salary range by sector?

The salary range for Marketing Executives can vary significantly depending on the sector or industry in which they work.

  • Technology: Marketing Executives in the technology sector tend to earn higher salaries, reflecting the competitiveness and demand for marketing talent in this industry. Salaries can range from AUD 70,000 to AUD 120,000 or more per year, depending on the level of experience and specific role.
  • Finance and Banking: Marketing roles within the finance and banking sector often come with attractive salary packages. Salaries for Marketing Executives in this industry can range from AUD 80,000 to AUD 150,000 per year or higher for senior positions.
  • Consumer Goods/Retail: Marketing Executives in the consumer goods and retail sectors may see a wide range of salaries depending on the size and success of the company. Salaries typically range from AUD 60,000 to AUD 100,000 per year.
  • Healthcare/Pharmaceuticals: Marketing roles in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries can offer competitive salaries, ranging from AUD 70,000 to AUD 120,000 per year.

It’s important to note that these salary ranges are general estimates and can vary based on individual factors such as experience, education, location, and specific job responsibilities.

How does company size impact salaries for Marketing Executives?

There can be a large salary range for Marketing Executives depending on the size of the company they work for. There are pros and cons of working at different-sized companies. For example, smaller firms can often offer flexibility and faster career progression. On the other hand, larger and more established companies can typically offer higher base salaries and larger benefits packages.

What bonuses and benefits are available to Marketing Executives?

Marketing Executives in Australia are often offered benefits packages alongside their base salary. These might include career development opportunities, healthcare benefits, additional annual leave, or flexible working arrangements. Benefits can also be financial, including bonuses (usually based on performance metrics), or increased superannuation.

How can Marketing Executives negotiate a higher salary?

To negotiate a higher salary, it’s important that Marketing Executives thoroughly research their industry’s average salaries. They should highlight their achievements through their CVs and the interview process, articulating what they can offer to the business. There are also soft skills involved in salary negotiations, including confidence and timing. Recruitment consultants are useful during this process as they can guide you on how to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Can Marketing Executives work on an interim or freelance basis?

Many companies, especially smaller businesses or startups may not have the budget or need for a full-time marketing executive but still require expertise on a project basis or for a limited period. In such cases, hiring a freelance or interim Marketing Executive can be a cost-effective solution. Working as a freelance or interim Marketing Executive offers several advantages, including:

  • Higher Earning Potential: Freelancers and interim executives may have the potential to earn higher hourly or project-based rates compared to traditional full-time employment, especially if they have specialised skills or expertise.
  • Flexibility: Freelancers and interim executives have the flexibility to choose their projects and work schedules, allowing for a better work-life balance.
  • Variety: Working on a freelance or interim basis exposes Marketing Executives to a variety of industries, companies, and projects, providing opportunities for professional growth and development.

What does the career path of a Marketing Executive consist of?

There is a somewhat undefined career path for marketing professionals, but it’s worth noting that a marketing career offers a number of other branches and tributaries.

As a general rule, the career path tends to go from entry-level marketing coordinator/assistant to marketing executive, all the way up to senior marketing executive, marketing manager, marketing director, digital marketing director, chief marketing officer and VP of marketing.

Skills that are collected along the way can help with career progression, and of course, talented marketers can easily switch from one sector of industry to another and from company to company. Needless to say, the average salary will increase the further you can go up the career ladder.


Start the search for your dream role and explore marketing jobs – whether you’re looking for permanent full-time or interim opportunities. You can also complete our form below if you’d like to discuss your career or anything else.

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