If you are interested in a career in marketing within the District of Columbia choose from the resources below.
 | What is the Industry like in Washington, D.C.? |
| What are the Major Firms? |
| What are Salaries like in Washington, D.C.? |
| What School Programs are Available? |
District of Columbia Marketing Job Industry
Washington D.C. offers more opportunities for employment and advancement in the marketing field than any other metropolitan area in the country. The high concentration of federal agencies, defense contractors, high tech businesses, media companies and lobbying firms has made Washington D.C. one of the wealthiest and most marketing-friendly regions in the nation.
There were 165,941 DC residents employed in the professional and business services sector as of 2008, which includes the marketing industry. Employment in this sector is expected to rise to 203,617 by 2018, an increase of 22.7%.
Washington, D.C. Statistics
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Washington D.C. is home to a vibrant economy and rapidly growing business community that is full of opportunities for marketing professionals. The headquarters of four Fortune 500 companies are located in the district: Fannie Mae, Washington Post, Danaher and Pepco Holdings. These companies also have some of the biggest advertising and promotions budgets on the planet. For the ninth consecutive year, Washington has been ranked the number one metropolitan area in terms of growth in the private sector, according to Inc. Magazine.
In the past two years, middle range incomes in Washington have grown at 4 times the national average rate. The unemployment rate is 5.5%, far below the national average of 8.2% and the total workforce is expected to grow 10.53% by 2018. Since 2007, the economy of Washington D.C. has grown 14%, while growth for the entire country has only been 3%.
According to the US Census Bureau, D.C. residents earned, on average, 53.94% more than the national average, which translates into more disposable income and increased consumer spending. Marketing firms are well aware of this, and allocate larger advertising and media buying budgets to this affluent area accordingly. Washington D.C. has the 4th highest gross metropolitan product, at $425 billion as of 2010, and also has an average per capita GDP of $174,500, almost triple that of the next highest region. The unparalleled wealth and income in the nation’s capital makes it the destination of choice for elite marketing and public relations professionals who work closely with businesses, government agencies and non-profits in the area.
Marketing Firms in the District of Columbia
According to Inc. Magazine, the following marketing firms, which have a presence in Washington D.C., are among the top 500 fastest growing marketing firms nationwide.
- OmniStudio earned $3.9 million in 2011, a 54% increase from 2008
- APCO Worldwide earned $113.4 million in 2011, a 16% increase from 2008
- Jaffe PR earned $3.1 million in 2011, a 15% increase from 2008
- Levick Strategic Communications earned $9 million in 2011, a 6% increase from 2008
- Adfero Group earned $3.9 million in 2011, a 3% increase from 2008
The marketing needs of Washington based businesses and non-profits are also serviced by some of the leading marketing firms in the surrounding states of Virginia and Maryland.
Professional Associations
- American Marketing Association, Washington D.C.
- Direct Marketing Association of Washington D.C.
- Sales & Marketing Executives International, Baltimore/Washington D.C.
- Society for Marketing Professional Services, Washington D.C.
Marketing Salaries in the District of Columbia
Washington D.C.’s marketing professionals have considerably more earning power than their counterparts in many other parts of the country. Marketing managers earn $137,240 annually on average, $11,050 (8.75%) more than the national average of $126,190. Market research analysts and marketing specialists earn $71,020 annually, which is 5.8% more than the national average of $67,130.
Advertising and Promotions Manager Salary
A 2011 salary report released by the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that 420 advertising and promotions managers were employed throughout the District of Columbia. The average statewide salary among them was noted to be $96,330. Those in the top ten percent were reported to earn nearly 40% more at $160,090 on average.
Market Research Analyst Salary
A 2011 salary report released by the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that there were 5,440 market research analysts and marketing specialists employed throughout the District of Columbia. They were noted to have an average salary of $71,020. Those in the top ten percent, however, were reported to earn nearly 39% more at $115,900 on average.
Marketing Managers Salary
A 2011 salary report released by the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that there were 1,470 marketing managers employed in the District of Columbia. They were noted to average $137,240. Those in the top ten percent, however, were reported to average more than $187,199.
These tables provide salary and employment information compiled by the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2011. The data contained herein does not include self-employed marketing professionals.
* These figures represent earnings that are at or above $90.00 per hour or $187,199 per year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish earnings beyond $90.00 hourly or $187,199 yearly.
Marketing Degrees in the District of Columbia
Residents of Washington D.C. are some of the best educated in the country. Almost 70% of residents possess a college degree and 39% have advanced degrees.
One public university and nine private universities are located in Washington D.C., all of which offer bachelor’s degrees or higher in marketing. The relatively small number of schools in the District makes online options particularly appealing to D.C. residents.
Among the great public and private colleges in the District of Columbia are many online and campus-based schools offering marketing programs. Here is a list of a few that might meet your educational criteria in DC: