Marketing Specialist salary in San Diego, CA
Median pay, San Diego metro
$79,440/year
about $38.19 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $57,660 – $116,160
Half of marketing specialists in the San Diego metro area earn more than $79,440 a year and half earn less. That's 1% higher than the national median of $78,760, and ranks #14 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $42,700 | $20.53 |
| 25th | $57,660 | $27.72 |
| Median (50th) | $79,440 | $38.19 |
| 75th | $116,160 | $55.85 |
| 90th (top earners) | $162,860 | $78.30 |
*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 San Diego metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $57,660 ($27.72/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $57,660 to $116,160 ($27.72 to $55.85/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $116,160 ($55.85/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, San Diego 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.