West Midlands marketing directors among worst paid in the country

Oct 19 2009 by Anna Blackaby, Birmingham Post

Marketing directors in the West Midlands are among the worst paid in the country, according to a new salary survey by the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

The research, conducted by Croner Reward, also reveals that most marketers in the West Midlands earn below average earnings across a range of job levels, from product managers through to marketing directors.

Marketing directors in the West Midlands are among the lowest paid in the UK, with an average basic salary of £68,495 per annum, 8.7 per cent below the national average and considerably lower than the capital where marketing directors can expect to earn £75,750.

Across the UK as a whole, the survey revealed that average pay for marketers increased by 3.3 per cent over the past year, and is forecast to rise by three per cent in the year ahead.

The survey also highlighted the importance of professional marketing qualifications and membership.

Both senior and middle marketing managers who are members of The Chartered Institute of Marketing are paid more than non-members at these levels – between two and 12 per cent more.

Chartered Institute of Marketing director of research and professional development David Thorp said: “It is disheartening to see marketers in the West Midlands so poorly rewarded for their vital contribution to the success of their organisations.

“That said, it is pleasing to see that our members are being rewarded for their professionalism and skill through higher wages.”