Marketing Salary Trends

	American Marketing Association Marketing Salary and Satisfaction Study Reveals Insights Regarding Job Satisfaction and Important Issues for Marketers The American Marketing Association along with Aquent have released the 2004 Aquent/AMA Marketing Salary Survey. Claiming to be the most comprehensive of its kind ever conducted, the survey offers an in-depth exploration of the dynamics at work in marketing today, as well as the little explored area of psychographics – charting the personality traits of an individual – in the marketing population. In a surprising turn from the trend of the last two decades, according to the survey, today’s marketing professional no longer measures personal achievement solely in terms of financial compensation. Of the close to 10,000 AMA members and Aquent contacts polled, professional satisfaction now includes new elements such as corporate culture, business ethics, work/life balance, and pride in accomplishment. Also high on the list are appropriate levels of responsibility, the ability to make full use of skills, and professional recognition. Equally significant is that of the respondents who reported an increase in their core business over the last five years, over 80% consider their company to be socially responsible or ethical. Conversely, of those participants whose core business decreased over the same period, only 61% view their companies in a positive light. Therefore, the survey demonstrates that beyond an equitable salary, a pleasant work environment, and the opportunity to grow and exercise their skills, today’s marketing professionals are looking for a company of which they can be proud. Clearly, ethics play an important part in overall job satisfaction. “We originally designed the survey as a tool to help us stay ahead of the marketplace by creating an even better fit between our consultants and client companies,” says Jenny Norwood, Aquent’s Marketing Director. “Offering the survey free of charge on the Internet is Aquent’s contribution to opening the lines of communication between all marketing professionals and their employers in this compelling new environment,” she adds. Further key findings include: More than 80% of marketers surveyed regarded marketing ROI and new technology initiatives as very important. Job satisfaction means much more than a paycheck; work/life balance, the level he or she is trusted, corporate culture, the fit between job responsibilities and skills and business ethics are all important components. Over 60% believe that understaffing is a severe problem for their organization. More than half of all marketers stated that firefighting and time management are problematic. 87% of marketers polled work more than 40 hours per week. 92% of those who feel their skills closely match their job’s demands express satisfaction with their current level of responsibility. Dissatisfaction is common among those who believe they are overqualified for their jobs. 58% feel firefighting and time managements are problematic. In companies with over 10,000, the figure is even higher. 80% of marketers from smaller companies rated the caliber of their work as exceptional. The percentage rating their work exceptional decreased dramatically as company size increased. Middle managers are more inclined to feel their projects are rushed. “This unusual survey benefits both marketing professionals and hiring companies by examining issues beyond standard compensation and job satisfaction levels,” says Nancy Costopulos, Senior Director Marketing and Sales for the American Marketing Association. “The survey demonstrates a clear understanding of the marketplace and will keep marketing professionals well informed of salary trends.” National in scope, the Aquent survey was conducted online by Vermont-based 6 Degrees. It drew upon close to 10,000 respondents from a sample set of over 70,000 marketing professionals – 95% of which are full-time employees. The survey findings, as well as an online salary tool, are available at www.marketingsalaries.com.