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
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.
What does a Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists do?
How much can you earn?
National Salary Distribution
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $102,540 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $56,220 and $104,870
- •Salary spread is 63.2% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 861,140 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Current Employment
Top Industries
10-Year Outlook
Employment Projections
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists professionals work across the United States
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
Skills Overview
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Reading Comprehension
advancedComplex Problem Solving
advancedCritical Thinking
intermediateActive Learning
intermediateActive Listening
intermediateJudgment and Decision Making
intermediateSpeaking
intermediateWriting
basicMonitoring
basicSystems Analysis
basicHighly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
- →Speaking
- →Writing
- →Judgment and Decision Making
Mid Career
- ✓Reading Comprehension
- ✓Complex Problem Solving
- ✓Critical Thinking
- ✓Active Learning
Senior Level
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Complex Problem Solving
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Active Learning
- ★Active Listening
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
Key Digital Competencies:
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
IBM SPSS Statistics
🔥 Hot TechSAS
🔥 Hot TechThe MathWorks MATLAB
🔥 Hot TechTableau
🔥 Hot TechAsana
🔥 Hot TechSlack
🔥 Hot TechSalesforce software
🔥 Hot TechApache Hadoop
🔥 Hot TechApache Hive
🔥 Hot TechTeradata Database
🔥 Hot TechAmazon Redshift
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
Collect and analyze data on customer demographics, preferences, needs, and buying habits to identify potential markets and factors affecting product demand.
🔴Prepare reports of findings, illustrating data graphically and translating complex findings into written text.
🔴Measure and assess customer and employee satisfaction.
🔴Forecast and track marketing and sales trends, analyzing collected data.
🔴Seek and provide information to help companies determine their position in the marketplace.
🔴Measure the effectiveness of marketing, advertising, and communications programs and strategies.
🔴Conduct research on consumer opinions and marketing strategies, collaborating with marketing professionals, statisticians, pollsters, and other professionals.
🔴Attend staff conferences to provide management with information and proposals concerning the promotion, distribution, design, and pricing of company products or services.
🔴Gather data on competitors and analyze their prices, sales, and method of marketing and distribution.
🟡Monitor industry statistics and follow trends in trade literature.
🟡💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on analysis & evaluation activities
- •54% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists professionals typically have a ECI Holland code and highly value achievement
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Analytical Thinking
CriticalAnalytical Thinking
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Complete Work Styles Profile
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Preparation Level
Experience Needed
📚 Education Requirement
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
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