Despite Slower Hiring, Strategic Marketing Roles Surge in Q2
The U.S. marketing job market hit the brakes slightly in Q2 2025—but it’s not the crash some feared. According to the newly released Q2 2025 U.S. Marketing Jobs Report from Taligence and Aspen Technology Labs, total job listings dipped 6.7% quarter-over-quarter, and new postings fell even harder, down 13.2%. But zoom in, and a more nuanced picture emerges: while entry-level roles are vanishing, executive-level hiring is quietly booming.
It’s a market correction, not a collapse.
Senior Roles Stay Hot in a Cooling Market
The real headline? C-level marketing jobs surged 34.8% year-over-year, while VP and Senior Director roles climbed 17%. It’s clear that even amid economic noise, companies are investing in leadership that can drive long-term growth.
“The whispers of a collapsing job market for senior marketing talent are greatly exaggerated,” said Michael Wright, CEO of Taligence. “Companies are pulling back on volume but doubling down on impact.”
There’s no clearer proof than the standout performance of Product Marketing and Growth Marketing, two disciplines that saw YoY gains of 9.8% and 8.9%, respectively. These roles also boast some of the highest median salaries, with Product Marketing leading at $160,004.
Meanwhile, entry-level roles shrank 15.1% QoQ—a clear sign that companies are trimming the fat and hiring for precision over pipeline.
The Long Wait: Hiring Takes More Time
If you’re looking for a new marketing job, bring snacks. The average job posting now stays live for 34 days, up 5 days year-over-year. It’s a slower pace, but not without reason: hiring managers are taking their time, especially with senior and specialized hires.
That slower cadence comes as employers grow more transparent—finally. Over 51.9% of postings now include salary data, an 8.5-point increase from last year. It’s a shift that candidates have long demanded—and in a market where top talent can be picky, transparency sells.
Where the Jobs—and Money—Are Moving
While the volume dipped nationwide, some states and cities bucked the trend. Texas (+9.2% YoY), New York (+6.1%), and Florida (+3.9%) led in job growth. On the city level, San Francisco (+24.6%), Austin (+15.2%), and Dallas (+10.6%) stood out for expanding marketing teams.
Seattle, however, is the dark horse: not only did it post strong job gains, but salaries there jumped 26.1% YoY—making it a rising contender for top marketing talent, especially for those seeking remote-friendly or hybrid roles.
That said, remote work appears to be stabilizing, holding at 14.3% of all postings, down slightly year-over-year. The days of “remote-first” surges seem to be behind us—for now.
Winners & Losers by Discipline
The report breaks down which marketing disciplines are rising—or falling—with the tide:
Trending Up:
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Product Marketing (+9.8% YoY)
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Growth Marketing (+8.9%)
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Field Marketing (+5.5%)
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Media (+4.1%)
Trending Down:
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Partner & Channel Marketing (−12.1% YoY)
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Comms & PR (−11%)
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Digital Marketing (−3.2%)
So what’s the signal here? Companies are favoring roles that tie directly to revenue and product success, while more traditional brand and partnership functions are taking a back seat.
“It’s a shift toward specialization and measurable impact,” said Michael Woodrow, President of Aspen Technology Labs. “C-suite postings and high-performing marketing disciplines are where the momentum is heading.”
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