If you are interested in a career in marketing within Alabama choose
from the resources below.
 | What is the Industry like in Alabama? |
| What are the Major Firms? |
| What are Salaries like in Alabama? |
| What School Programs are Available? |
Alabama Marketing Job Industry
Alabama is a state with a versatile mix of industries contributing to its economy. Chief among these are cotton textile, auto and chemical manufacturing; coal and petroleum mining; as well as agricultural concerns in the state.
These major industries demand skilled marketing professionals to create and implement successful business-to-business campaigns that link interdependent industries to each other, as equipment manufacturers need to appeal to farming and mining outfits, and machined parts manufacturers need to have close relationships with automakers and companies in the aerospace sector.
Alabama Job Statistics
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Although the banking and financial services industry has always been among those most heavily vested in the efforts of marketing and public relations firms, in recent years their efforts have proven to be more important than ever. Financial services are an important component to Alabama’s economy, and the state is home to the corporate headquarters of one of the largest financial services firms in the world: The Fortune 500 company, Regions Financial, headquartered in Birmingham, posted their 2011 yearly earnings report showing their revenue that year to be nearly $7.5 billion.
Not surprisingly, this financial juggernaut also wields one of the biggest marketing and public relations budgets in the state, and by itself keeps many market research analysts, media buyers and planners, public relations officers and marketing consultants in Alabama very busy.
Marketing Firms in Alabama
Alabama’s economy consists of many high growth industries, such as health care and information technology, along with robust staple-sectors like manufacturing, mining and agriculture.
Alabama’s marketing firms meet the needs of each of the state’s industries by employing professionals that include brand managers and market research analysts to plan and implement successful marketing campaigns.
According to Hoover’s, a research firm affiliated with Dunn & Bradstreet, the following list represents Alabama’s top marketing and advertising agencies by revenue as of 2011:
- Intermark Group, Inc.
- Luckie & Company, Ltd.
- Style Advertising, Inc.
- O2 Ideas, Inc.
- Lewis Communications, Inc.
The top marketing and advertising firms in Alabama in terms of number of employees are:
- Mailsouth, Inc.
- L M Berry and Company
- Luckie & Company, Ltd.
- Intermark Group, Inc.
- Strong Automotive, Inc.
Professional Associations
Associations have been formed in the state of Alabama to support and advocate for the professional marketing community in the state. By joining any one of these groups, marketers gain access to educational resources and networking opportunities to further their careers and become better at what they do.
Among these associations is a local Alabama Chapter of the American Marketing Association, which is located in Birmingham.
Other groups are specific to certain industries, such as the Alabama Healthcare Relations Marketing Society, the Petroleum and Convenience Marketers of Alabama, the Alabama Retail Association, and the Huntsville Aerospace Marketing Association.
There are also a number of associations exclusive to the farming industries, for example, the Farmers Market Coalition, the Alabama Feeder Cattle Marketing Association and the Catfish Marketing Association.
Marketing Salaries in Alabama
Alabama’s 620 marketing managers bring in an average annual salary of $113,230, according to the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.
As of the Bureau’s 2011 survey, the state’s 1,730 market research analysts and specialists earned $58,120, on average.
Advertising and Promotions Manager Salary
As of 2011, there were 120 advertising and promotions managers employed in Alabama, the majority of which were found working in the Birmingham area. The average statewide salary among them was $94,800. Those in the top ten percent averaged $52,560 more, earning $147,360 on average.
Market Research Analyst Salary
As of 2011, there were 1,730 market research analysts and marketing specialists employed in Alabama. The average salary among them was $58,120, while those in the top ten percent earned $95,750 on average. Some of the higher paying areas throughout the state were Auburn and Opelika where they had an average salary of $89,850, which was about 35% higher than the statewide average.
Marketing Managers Salary
As of 2011, there were 620 marketing managers employed in Alabama, most of which worked in the Birmingham and Hoover areas. The average salary among them was $113,230. Those in the top ten percent averaged $174,610, which was 35% above the statewide average.
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 Alabama
Alabama is home to an extensive list of colleges and universities with marketing programs that prepare students to reach consumer and business audiences with the right message.
The marketing degrees offered by Alabama’s public and private universities range from associates to PhD’s. Associate degrees are available at 12 of the state’s community colleges and bachelor’s degrees are offered by at least 6 institutions, while graduate degrees may be earned at over 20 universities in the state.
For students looking for programs with more flexibility in scheduling, online schools are an excellent option, as well. Dozens of online colleges offer a broad range of degrees and certifications in the field of marketing, including in specialized topics such as advertising and market research.
Among the great public and private colleges in Alabama are many online and campus-based schools offering marketing programs. Here is a list of a few that might meet your educational criteria in Alabama: