Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets.
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists earn a median of $37.87/hr — about $79,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $20.86/hr; the top 10% earn $74.75/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
What you'd actually do
- Prepare reports of findings, illustrating data graphically and translating complex findings into written text.
- Collect and analyze data on customer demographics, preferences, needs, and buying habits to identify potential markets and factors affecting product demand.
- Conduct research on consumer opinions and marketing strategies, collaborating with marketing professionals, statisticians, pollsters, and other professionals.
- Measure and assess customer and employee satisfaction.
- Devise and evaluate methods and procedures for collecting data, such as surveys, opinion polls, or questionnaires, or arrange to obtain existing data.
- Measure the effectiveness of marketing, advertising, and communications programs and strategies.
How you get there
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).
The feel of the work
The work is mostly indoors; much of the day is spent working solo. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)
Working for yourself
About 5.9% of market research analysts and marketing specialists are self-employed.
Who it tends to fit
This work tends to fit people who are take-charge, organized and detail-focused and analytical.
Work a simulated shift in this job — freeMake the real decisions this job involves, then see what your choices say about you.Related careers
- Cost Estimators
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators
- Compliance Officers
- Loan Officers
- Financial Specialists, All Other
Quick questions
- How much does a market research analysts and marketing specialist make?
- The median pay is $37.87 per hour — roughly $79,000 a year, with the real range running from about $20.86/hr (10th percentile) to $74.75/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Do you need a degree to be a market research analysts and marketing specialist?
- The typical entry-level education is: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation level: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).
- What does a market research analysts and marketing specialist actually do all day?
- Prepare reports of findings, illustrating data graphically and translating complex findings into written text. Collect and analyze data on customer demographics, preferences, needs, and buying habits to identify potential markets and factors affecting product demand. Conduct research on consumer opinions and marketing strategies, collaborating with marketing professionals, statisticians, pollsters, and other professionals.
Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.