Marketing Specialist salary in Chicago, IL
Median pay, Chicago metro
$80,400/year
about $38.65 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $62,160 – $105,710
Half of marketing specialists in the Chicago metro area earn more than $80,400 a year and half earn less. That's 2% higher than the national median of $78,760, and ranks #13 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $49,910 | $24.00 |
| 25th | $62,160 | $29.88 |
| Median (50th) | $80,400 | $38.65 |
| 75th | $105,710 | $50.82 |
| 90th (top earners) | $140,260 | $67.43 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a marketing specialist job in the Chicago metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $62,160 ($29.88/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $62,160 to $105,710 ($29.88 to $50.82/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $105,710 ($50.82/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- This BLS category also includes market research analysts, so the range is wide. Compare with the lower half for coordinator-style roles.
- Watch for "marketing" roles that are really commission-only sales.
- A role covering social media, design, ads and content alone is several jobs in one. Price your ask accordingly.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Chicago metro. Occupation: Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists (SOC 13-1161). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.