As business becomes more global and complex, and power shifts from producers of goods and services to consumers, the responsibility of planning and coordinating an organization’s marketing activities becomes more challenging. These are among the major job duties of the chief marketing officer (CMO). Pursuing a career as a modern CMO requires advanced marketing, general business and, increasingly, technology skills — all of which students can acquire in the online Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing program from Florida Institute of Technology.
Job Outlook for Chief Marketing Officers
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment of chief executives, including CMOs, will increase 5% between 2023 and 2033. This rate of growth is somewhat faster than the average projected employment increase for all occupations.
Job growth will vary by industry and will likely reflect the growth or decline of the industry. For example, healthcare is a rapidly growing field. More healthcare organizations and increasing markets for existing healthcare companies will drive demand and need for more executive-level marketing leaders, as well as expanded leadership positions for firms that specialize in healthcare marketing. All of this can result in more opportunities for top executives.
Yet, competition is strong for top positions. Candidates with extensive marketing experience, leadership qualities, general business knowledge and education will have an advantage.
What Does a Chief Marketing Officer Do? CMO Responsibilities and Job Duties
A chief marketing officer is responsible for an organization’s day-to-day marketing operation. CMO responsibilities include the coordination of public relations, media, creative, promotions and advertising activities. They ensure the distribution of an organization’s cohesive message and brand across channels to targeted audiences and meet sales objectives. Today, this means seeking out new ways to deliver messaging such as mobile devices, video and social media.
These senior marketing professionals must be analytical, creative and knowledgeable in a variety of disciplines such as production, information technology, legal and finance. They are often responsible for strategic planning and development, branding, market research, client and customer service, and sales management across global markets. CMOs typically report directly to the chief executive officer.
Chief marketing officers plan, direct and coordinate marketing budgets in accordance with organizational goals. Reviewing and approving advertising campaigns, marketing reports, vendor contracts, strategic partnerships and expenditures are additional job duties for CMOs.
Generating revenue by increasing sales through successful marketing for the entire organization is perhaps the chief marketing officer’s most significant responsibility. To do it successfully, they must recruit, hire and supervise staff like creative directors, graphic designers, application developers and media professionals.
Chief marketing officers usually work in a private office. A 40-hour week is standard. Depending on the size of the company, CMO roles and responsibilities may require job travel to satellite offices and events. In this deadline-driven occupation, chief marketing officers sometimes need to put in extra hours.
How Much Do Chief Marketing Officers Make?
As of January 2025, ZipRecruiter reports the average chief marketing officer salary to be $160,891 per year, with top earners making over $270,000. Annual CMO salaries in the 25th to 75th percentile range from $97,500 to $212,500.
Top salaries generally go to those with the advanced education and experience employers need to remain competitive in a changing global business environment. Further, as an executive-level position in a benchmark- and quota-based department, CMOs often receive additional compensation in the form of bonuses, profit sharing and monetary incentives tied to performance metrics.
How to Become a CMO: Education and Training Requirements
A bachelor’s degree and experience are sufficient for some chief marketing officer positions, especially at smaller companies. Yet, most employers show preference to candidates with a master’s degree.
Marketing and business professionals who wish to advance into a chief marketing officer position can improve their prospects by enrolling in an MBA program with a concentration in marketing. Specialization courses in Florida Tech’s online MBA in Marketing include Strategic Marketing, Consumer Behavior Strategies, International Business and Advanced Market Research. Employers can be confident that professionals with an MBA in marketing from a reputable institution such as Florida Tech have the skills to:
- Position a brand and build equity
- Identify marketing opportunities and develop success strategies to leverage them
- Use critical thinking to make decisions and solve problems
- Apply modern theories of leadership, management and negotiation to real-world challenges
- Foster strong relationships with consumers, clients and partners
- Utilize modern technologies to optimize and expand marketing impact
- Leverage advanced knowledge and skills to excel as a chief marketing officer
Who Will Succeed in a Chief Marketing Officer Career?
The job of a chief marketing officer is a fast-paced and challenging position. It can be fun and rewarding, too. To be successful, professionals will need strong business skills as well as outstanding communication and interpersonal skills. Flexibility, drive and the ability to think on one’s feet are also important attributes.
For those who possess these qualities and are ready to take their careers to the top of the marketing world, a chief marketing officer role could be the perfect fit. Earning an online MBA in Marketing from Florida Tech not only provides the skills and knowledge top employers want but also boosts professionals’ confidence as they compete for lucrative CMO positions, giving them the edge to land an ideal job.
Learn more about Florida Tech’s online MBA in Marketing program.
