Median annual earnings in May 2006 were $73,060 for advertising and promotions managers, $98,720 for marketing managers, $91,560 for sales managers, and $82,180 for public relations managers.

Median annual earnings of wage and salary advertising and promotions managers in May 2006 in the advertising and related services industry were $97,540.

Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of marketing managers were:

Computer systems design and related services $119,540
Management of companies and enterprises 103,070
Management, scientific, and technical consulting services 100,200
Architectural, engineering, and related services 92,480
Depository credit intermediation 91,420

Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of sales managers were:

Professional and commercial equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers $112,810
Wholesale electronic markets and agents and brokers 107,420
Automobile dealers 101,110
Management of companies and enterprises 98,240
Machinery, equipment, and supplies merchant wholesalers 93,450

Salary levels vary substantially, depending upon the level of managerial responsibility, length of service, education, size of firm, location, and industry. For example, manufacturing firms usually pay these managers higher salaries than nonmanufacturing firms. For sales managers, the size of their sales territory is another important determinant of salary. Many managers earn bonuses equal to 10 percent or more of their salaries.

According to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, starting salaries for marketing majors graduating in 2007 averaged $40,161 and those for advertising majors averaged $33,831.