How Much Does a Trade Marketing Manager Make? (2025)
Trade is a big part of the U.S. economy, made up of wholesale and retail businesses that get products to customers. About 29 million people work in this trade sector, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. One important job here is the trade marketing manager, who helps connect products with the right markets to increase sales.
If you're thinking about this career, it's good to know the salary range and job outlook. As of August 28, 2025, the average salary for trade marketing managers is $119,845 a year, or $58 an hour. This guide will show you what trade marketing managers do, how much they make, and what affects their pay.
What Does a Trade Marketing Manager Do?
A trade marketing manager is responsible for leading marketing efforts that support wholesalers, distributors, and retailers in promoting and distributing a company's products. This includes developing sales promotions, coordinating displays, and making sure marketing materials align with the company's goals.
They work with partners to ensure products are available, well-promoted, and clearly communicated to customers. Trade marketing managers also review sales data, analyze demand, and direct resources toward the most profitable channels.
The role usually requires a bachelor's degree, 5 years of related experience, and 1 to 3 years of supervisory experience.
What is Trade Marketing Manager Overview?
As of August 28, 2025, the average trade marketing manager salary in the United States is $119,845 per year, or $58 per hour.
Based on Salary.com data, the trade marketing manager's salary ranges from $100,253 to $140,573 per year, with most earnings reported between $109,590 and $130,695. The average trade marketing manager salary per month is $9,987.
Trade marketing managers often earn an average of $58 per hour, with rates ranging from $48 to $68. Their average weekly pay is $2,305 and usually falls between $1,928 and $2,703.
2025 Trade Marketing Manager Average Salary: $119,845 per year ($58 per hour)
On the other hand, the core median salary for trade marketing managers is $150,921 per year. This amount reflects base pay and bonuses and can vary by percentile.
| Percentile | Salary + Bonus |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $104,215 |
| 25th Percentile | $126,474 |
| 50th Percentile | $150,921 |
| 75th Percentile | $180,210 |
| 90th Percentile | $206,875 |
The average total salary for trade marketing managers is $206,901, based on our report. This includes benefits such as healthcare ($8,352), time off ($18,575), and Social Security ($11,545), which make up 18.6% of the total pay.
| Core Compensation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Median | % of Total | |
| Base Salary | $119,845 | 57.9% |
| Bonus | $31,076 | 15.0% |
| Social Security | $11,545 | 5.6% |
| 401K/403B | $6,339 | 3.1% |
| Disability | $3,018 | 1.5% |
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 4.0% |
| Pension | $8,150 | 3.9% |
| Time Off | $18,575 | 9.0% |
| Total Compensation | $206,901 | 100% |
What Can Affect Trade Marketing Manager Salaries?
The salary of a trade marketing manager can differ depending on experience, location, and skill set. Here's a breakdown of each factor:
By Experience Level
According to our report, trade marketing managers with under one year of experience earn about $116,019 per year, while senior managers with eight or more years often earn around $122,598 per year.
| Level | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Trade Marketing Manager | $116,019 |
| Intermediate Level Trade Marketing Manager | $116,478 |
| Senior Level Trade Marketing Manager | $118,008 |
| Specialist Level Trade Marketing Manager | $119,845 |
| Expert Level Trade Marketing Manager | $122,598 |
By Geographic Location
Apart from experience, trade marketing manager salary in the United States also varies by location due to factors like cost of living, local economy, and industry activity.
For example, among major cities, San Jose offers the highest average salary a trade marketing manager can earn at $151,160 per year, while Miami and Dallas report lower median salaries of $115,147 and $118,347 per year, respectively.
| City | 25th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, California | $138,226 | $151,160 | $164,846 |
| San Francisco, California | $136,867 | $149,674 | $163,225 |
| Washington, D.C. | $121,338 | $132,692 | $144,706 |
| Miami, Florida | $105,294 | $115,147 | $125,572 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $113,250 | $123,848 | $135,060 |
| Boston, MA | $122,226 | $133,663 | $145,764 |
| New York, NY | $127,004 | $138,888 | $151,462 |
| Dallas, Texas | $108,220 | $118,347 | $129,061 |
By Skills
High-demand skills drive salary increases for trade marketing managers. According to our Real-Time Job Posting Salary Data Report, those with event management skills earn +7.39% more, while those with competitive intelligence skills see a +7.15% boost. The demand for these skills is 10.00% and 10.40%, respectively.
| Skill | Salary Growth | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| Event Management | +7.39% | 10.00% |
| Competitive Intelligence (CI) | +7.15% | 10.40% |
| Promotion | +6.77% | 10.60% |
| Presentation Software | +6.64% | 10.60% |
| Crisis Communications | +6.32% | 10.80% |
| Trade Promotion | +6.26% | 10.70% |
How to Become a Trade Marketing Manager Specialist
If you want to become a trade marketing manager, here's what you should know to get ready for the role.
- Get an education: Most trade marketing managers have qualifications in business marketing, which provide a strong foundation for leading campaigns and making strategic decisions. A bachelor's degree in marketing, business, or a related field is common, while extra certifications in sales or market research can also be helpful. An MBA may further improve opportunities for advancement.
- Gain experience and training: Trade marketing managers have about five years of experience in marketing or sales, and 1 to 3 years leading a team. Start by working on marketing projects or supporting sales teams. Use job search tools to find roles where you can build skills in managing projects and working with partners.
- Develop key skills: Good communication, data analysis, and organization are key. Trade marketing managers must coordinate promotions, work well with retailers and wholesalers, and make sure marketing materials fit company goals. Knowing market trends and how to use resources wisely helps a lot.
What are the FAQs about Trade Marketing Managers?
Here are some common questions about trade marketing manager salary:
How much do trade marketing managers make in the US?
As of August 28, 2025, the national average trade marketing manager salary in the United States is $119,845 per year, or $58 per hour.
What is the difference between a trade marketing manager and a brand manager?
The difference between a trade marketing manager and a brand manager is that the former focuses on driving product sales through retailers and distributors by managing in-store promotions, product launches, and using sales data to support the supply chain. They work on local brand development and help implement loyalty programs in collaboration with retail partners. In contrast, a brand manager focuses on shaping the overall brand image, messaging, and building long-term customer loyalty.
Is trade marketing manager a high-paying job?
Yes, a trade marketing manager is considered a high-paying job. According to Salary.com, the average salary in the U.S. is $119,845 per year, or about $58 per hour. Most salaries range between $100,253 and $140,573, depending on experience and location.
What is the salary range for trade marketing managers in the U.S.?
The salary range for trade marketing managers in the United States is between $100,253 and $140,573 per year, with most earning between $109,590 and $130,695 per year.
How much does a trade marketing manager make in California?
According to Salary.com's latest pay data, a trade marketing manager in California makes an average salary of $132,189 per year, which is about $58 per hour.
