MBA Marketing Salary in India in 2025

TL;DR

 

Intrigued by the ever-evolving world of digital marketing? An MBA in Marketing can be your springboard to a dynamic career shaping brand stories and reaching customers online.

An MBA in Marketing equips you with the expertise to navigate this ever-evolving landscape, propelling you towards a fulfilling and lucrative career. But what exactly influences the earning potential of an MBA Marketing graduate in India? This blog delves into the key factors that shape MBA marketing salary in India, exploring top roles, high-demand industries, and emerging trends that can significantly impact your future earnings.

MBA marketing salary in India is a hot topic for aspiring marketing professionals. This specialised degree equips you with a comprehensive understanding of marketing principles, consumer behaviour, and market research.

You can also consider Kraftshala’s Marketing Launchpad which helps you get into roles paying upto 9L in top companies like Nykaa, Publicis, Google & more.

In this blog we will cover the following:

• Understanding MBA in Marketing
• What are the factors affecting MBA Marketing Salary in India?
• Salary Insights for MBA in Marketing Graduates
• MBA in Marketing Salary Based on Institutions
• MBA in Marketing Salary Based on Years of Experience
• MBA in Marketing Salary Based on Location
• MBA in Marketing Salary Based on Companies
• How to get High Salary from MBA in Marketing?
• How are Government and Private Sector Jobs Different?
• ROI Comparison for MBA in Markeitng Vs. Online Programs Vs. Distance Education
• Future Trends in Marketing

Understanding an MBA in Marketing

An MBA in Marketing equips students with a blend of skills like business-to-business research, retail marketing, six sigma, rural marketing, consumer behvaiour, market analysis (comparative case studies of existing marketing campaigns to draw insights), consumer behaviour (what they buy and why?), sales, customer relationship management (taking their feedback and working on it in future campaigns), and a lot more.

An MBA in Marketing offers more than just a fancy title. You’ll delve into core marketing courses like:

Marketing Research and Design: Uncover customer insights and translate them into compelling marketing strategies.

Marketing Management: Master the art of creating, delivering, and capturing value for your target audience.

New Product Strategy: Learn to bring innovative products and services to market successfully.

Salesforce Management: Lead and motivate high-performing sales teams.

International Marketing: Navigate the complexities of marketing across borders.

By combining this strong foundation with specialised digital marketing electives, you’ll graduate with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the ever-changing digital landscape.

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While MBA in marketing teach sales as a part of their curriculum, it is in fact different from MBA in sales. While marketing and sales are closely linked, they focus on distinct aspects of customer engagement. Marketing roles emphasize understanding customer pain points, identifying market trends, and creating strategies that position a product effectively. Tasks include product development, branding, and managing advertising campaigns. On the other hand, sales professionals engage directly with customers to convert these strategies into revenue by building trust and closing deals.

So, what should you pursue? MBA in marketing or MBA in sales? If you thrive in building direct relationships, enjoy negotiations, and excel in face-to-face communication, a career in sales might be the right fit. However, if you prefer strategic planning, understanding market dynamics, and working on campaigns that influence larger audiences, marketing could be a better option.
Now that you know what you want to pursue, there must be a question lingering in your head–from where should I pursue MBA in marketing?

To answer this question, we should look at what the students currently studying in both top and less reputed colleges feel. MBA grads on reddit thread share their perspective of how Tier 1 MBA colleges deliver superior ROI due to their established networks, access to top recruiters, and strong alumni connections. Graduates from these institutions typically secure higher starting salaries and long-term career growth opportunities. By contrast, Tier 2 and 3 colleges often struggle with placement quality (majority of roles being of sales) and offer limited access to high-growth industries, making the financial investment less worthwhile.

No doubt, tier 1 college MBA is worth it. But one issue that students often struggle with is the high fees that forces students to take loan and a major portion of their post-MBA salary goes in the interest. Is there a solution with lower fees, quality education, and also a good ROI? Yes. Programs like Kraftshala offer a focused and cost-effective alternative to traditional MBAs. These platforms emphasize practical skills like performance marketing, digital branding, and consumer psychology, which are highly valued in today’s job market. They also provide tailored training to meet industry demands, often resulting in quicker placement at competitive salaries.

Factors Influencing MBA Marketing Salary in India

Several factors influence the MBA marketing salary in India:

• Institution
• Company Type: Agency vs Startup
• Location
• Experience and Skills

Salary Insights for MBA in Marketing Graduates

The average MBA marketing salary in India per month for freshers from non-tier 1-2 colleges varies significantly across roles like Sales, Digital Marketing, and Marketing Analytics, reflecting differences in job responsibilities and industry demand. 

Marketing Role After MBA	Average Starting Salary Per Month
Marketing Executive	₹25,000
Brand Executive	₹33,000
Digital Marketing Analyst	₹22,000
SEO Specialist	₹28,000

Source: Glassdoor

Below is a breakdown of Digital Marketing salary for a Kraftshala graduate:

Marketing Role After Kraftshala	Average Starting Salary Per Annum
Performance Marketing Analyst	Rs. 4,50,000 – Rs. 9,20,000
Digital Marketing Analyst	Rs. 4,50,000 – Rs. 9,20,000
Marketing Associate	Rs. 4,50,000 – Rs. 9,20,000
Brand Executive	Rs. 4,50,000 – Rs. 9,20,000
Growth Marketing Executive	Rs. 4,50,000 – Rs. 9,20,000
SEO Analyst	Rs. 4,50,000 – Rs. 9,20,000

Source: Kraftshala Placement Data

The average MBA starting salary in India per month for marketing roles is ₹30,000 per month for non-tier 1/2 institutes and increases with experience.

Highest Paying MBA Jobs in India

If you are interested in knowing the highest paying MBA jobs in India for marketing, find the list below.

• Product Marketing Manager
• Chief Marketing Officer
• Brand Marketing Specialist
• Paid Media Manager
• Social Media Marketing Manager
• Digital Marketing Manager

MBA in Marketing Salary Based on Institutions

Graduating from prestigious institutions like IIMs can secure a fresher salary between ₹15 LPA and ₹25 LPA. In contrast, tier 2-3 colleges average salary of marketing MBA in India often start from ₹5 LPA to ₹10 LPA​. For a strong career in marketing, consider alternatives like Kraftshala, which offer high ROI and industry-specific training with excellent career prospects​.

College/Institution	Tier Type	Average Fresher Salary Per Annum	Fees	ROI
IIM Ahmedabad	Tier -1	Rs. 30,97,285	Rs. 24,61,000	High
Faculty of Management Studies, University of Delhi (FMS)	Tier -1	Rs. 28,40,000	Rs. 4,92,000	Very High
Indian Institute Of Management, Rohtak (IIM-Rohtak)	Tier -2	Rs. 19,27,000	Rs. 17,90,000	Normal
XIM University	Tier -2	Rs. 17,00,000	Rs. 21,50,000	Low
IMI Delhi	Tier -2	Rs. 17,20,000	Rs. 22,50,000	Low
IBS Hyderabad	Tier -3	Rs. 10,42,000	Rs. 16,00,000	Low
IES Management College and Research Centre, Mumbai	Tier -3	Rs. 6,50,000	Rs. 12,00,000	Very Low

As you can see, salary prospects and ROI decreases significantly as we move from tier-1 to tier 2 or 3 MBA colleges. The gap is driven by factors such as brand value, alumni network, and industry connections that top-tier institutions offer.

In contrast, institutions like Kraftshala offer a unique advantage in terms of ROI. It provides specialized, industry-relevant certifications, bridging the gap between traditional education and real-world business needs. Kraftshala’s programs focus on marketing and digital skills, which are highly demanded in today’s job market. With its emphasis on hands-on experience, Kraftshala prepares students for roles in top companies with competitive salary packages, often matching or exceeding those offered by many Tier 2 or 3 institutions. This makes Kraftshala a strong alternative for those seeking better ROI without the heavy financial burden of a Tier 1 MBA.

Program	Average Fresher Salary  Per Annum	Fees	ROI
Kraftshala Marketing Launchpad	Rs. 4,50,000 – Rs. 9,20,000	Rs. 1,32,000 if you get a job of Rs. 4,50,000 or more.	Very High
Kraftshala Content and Social Media Launchpad	Rs. 4,50,000 – Rs. 9,20,000	₹80,000	Very High

MBA in Marketing Salary Based on Years of Experience

Experience plays a significant role in boosting MBA marketing fresher salary in India, especially when the first job sets the foundation for future earnings. A great first job can act as a stepping stone toward substantial salary increments over time. Positions where you have ownership and real-world responsibilities can accelerate growth. Roles like Performance Marketer, Content Marketer, and E-commerce Marketer are ideal because they allow for measurable contributions to a company’s success and offer more opportunities for growth and promotion.

MBA programs typically may not focus on digital marketing due to curriculum limitations, but it’s essential to supplement your education with specialized digital marketing skills at some point of time. This is because businesses increasingly rely on digital platforms and mastering digital marketing is crucial, regardless of your marketing role. The demand for professionals skilled in areas such as SEO, PPC, and social media marketing continues to rise​.

Your first job after an MBA is like the starting line of a marathon—it gets you in the race, but the real work begins after. It’s not enough to just get in; you need to own your role and excel at it. This is where you build your skills, grow your confidence, and start making your mark. As you get better and deliver results, you set yourself up for the next big leap.

But you know what? Your journey doesn’t end there. You must plan your career after your first job. Do you want to deepen your expertise in the same field, or are you tempted to try something broader and more generalist? Both paths offer plenty of opportunities, but your decisions now will shape the trajectory of your career and salary growth in the long run.

Assuming that you are very good at your job and have taken the right steps in your career, here are the MBA marketing salary in India you will end up drawing:

Years of Experience	Average Salary Range from tier 1 institute	Tier 2/3
CAT Preparation + 2 years of MBA	0	0
0-1 year (after MBA)	Rs. 15-30 LPA	Rs. 7-12 LPA

However, if you graduate from Kraftshala – since you start earning immediately within 5 months, by the 2 years of folks who are in MBA colleges, you would already be ahead.

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MBA in Marketing Salary Based on Companies

The salary you can expect as an MBA in Marketing fresher is influenced by the company hiring you, along with the size and nature of the company. Top agencies and startups, known for their dynamic marketing teams, tend to offer higher salaries. 

Top companies hire MBA in Marketing professionals for roles across various functions like brand management, digital marketing, and market research. The salary offered depends on factors like the company’s size, industry, and location, with larger firms often providing higher pay packages and better growth opportunities. If you graduate from Kraftshala, you will be placed in top firms, both startups or agencies with an expected starting salay between Rs. 4.5 to 9 LPA.

Kraftshala has placed its students across leading agencies and startups that are looking for fresh talent with the right skills. Typically, students are hired by agencies more as the marketing responsibilities are available more in agencies than clients. 

9 out of 10 agencies hire from Kraftshala and thus, the results are highly impressive. 1800+ students are placed across different brands and agencies, with the likes of Coursera, Unilever, Dentsu, Wavemaker, Essence Mediacom etc. In this video, Kraftshala’s co-founder Mr. Varun Satia shares insights on the type of companies that hire from Kraftshala and how the marketing campaigns are designed.

Top Recruiters	Marketing Roles They Hire For	Average Salary Range	Average Salary Range Offered to Kraftshala Graduate
Unilever	Performance Marketing Executive, Growth Executive		Rs. 7 – 9 LPA
Bajaj Finserv	SEO Executive		Rs. 4.5 LPA
PhysicsWallah	SEO Executive, Performance marketing specialist		Rs. 4.5 LPA
Decathlon	Category Management		Rs. 4.5 – 6.8 LPA
Performics	Analyst-Programmatic, SEO Executive		Rs. 4.5 LPA
Publicis Global Delivery	Trainee Analyst, Ad Operations		Rs. 5 LPA
Dentsu	Media Analyst, Analyst – Youtube Optimization		Rs. 4.5 LPA
Ethinos	Performance marketing Executive, SEO Executive, Digital Markteting Executive		Rs. 4.5 – 6 LPA
Schbang	SEO Executive, Performance Marketing Executive, Media Strategist		Rs. 4.5 LPA
Hiveminds	Senior Marketing Analyst, Media Planner, Senior Marketing Analyst – Branding		Rs. 4.5 LPA
Neil Patel Digital	Paid Media Executive ,  Jr. Analyst- SEO		Rs. 4.5 LPA

MBA in Marketing Salary Based on Job Locations

Companies in Tier-1 cities generally offer higher salaries due to the presence of large corporations and a more competitive job market. On the other hand, Tier-2 cities may have slightly lower salary ranges due to regional economic factors.

Here’s a breakdown of salary ranges for MBA in Marketing in different cities:

MBA in Marketing Salary in Delhi

In Delhi, which is a major business hub, the average MBA salary for Marketing ranges from ₹4 to ₹15 lakh per annum, depending on the company, role, and experience level in Marketing. 

MBA in Marketing Salary in Mumbai

Mumbai, known as the financial capital of India, offers higher salary ranges for marketing professionals, with salaries ranging from ₹8 to ₹13 lakh per annum for experienced professionals.

MBA in Marketing Salary in Bangalore

Bangalore, a key player in the tech industry, offers salaries between ₹10 to ₹38 lakh annually for MBA marketing professionals.

MBA in Marketing Salary in Hyderabad

Hyderabad’s growing tech and business sectors offer an average salary of ₹3 to ₹12 lakh per year for MBA in Marketing graduates 

MBA in Marketing Salary in Gurgaon

Being a part of the National Capital Region, Gurgaon offers competitive salaries, with an average range of ₹10 to ₹20 lakh annually for those with an MBA in Marketing.

MBA in Marketing Salary in Jaipur

In Jaipur, salaries tend to be on the lower end, with average salaries ranging from ₹3 to ₹11 lakh per year.

MBA in Marketing Salary in Chennai

Chennai’s growing business environment offers salaries between ₹2 to ₹10 lakh per annum for MBA marketing graduates.

How to Get Higher Salary After MBA in Marketing?

Career and salary growth in marketing is influenced not only by the number of years you’ve worked but also by the skills you’ve developed, the impact you’ve made on your company’s growth, and the diversity of roles you’ve successfully handled. 

For freshers, the starting point in digital marketing may not be high, but what you do next can dramatically influence how quickly you rise. Kraftshala’s co-founder Varun Satia shares his insights on how to land a 9 LPA job in digital marketing. 

According to Varun, the major part of learning happens at the job and not at any institute. So, the best return any institute can give to its students is by placing them in the best company because even if you earn less in the beginning, you will gain unmatched experience by working with some of the brightest minds. Ultimately, you may see a hike as high as 50% or 70% within a year.

Key skills for career acceleration in marketing:

• Problem Solving
• Performance Marketing
• Data Analytics
• Project Management
• Communication and Presentation Skills
• Market Research and Comparison across sectors

Starting with entry-level positions such as marketing associate or content marketer, you build the foundation for growth. These roles often lead to mid-level positions like marketing manager or performance marketing manager, where leadership and decision-making skills become more critical. From there, senior roles like marketing director, VP of marketing, or even Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) can be achieved by showing strong leadership, strategy-setting abilities, and an in-depth understanding of marketing trends. At higher levels, your skills in team management, strategic vision, and your ability to drive company growth play a key role in advancing your career. Along the way, you may choose to specialize in areas like digital marketing or product marketing, or opt for a generalist path that broadens your expertise. Your ability to adapt and continuously improve is what will ultimately help you grow, both in terms of career trajectory and salary.

A report by Goldman Sachs forecasts that the digital marketing sector will be worth $160 billion by 2025. This highlights the rapid growth and expanding opportunities within the field and potential growth in MBA marketing salary in India.

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Government vs. Private Sector Jobs

In the government sector, marketing roles often include positions in public relations, government communications, and marketing management for public welfare initiatives. These roles typically offer a steady salary and benefits such as pension plans, job security, and healthcare. However, career growth can be slower due to the structured nature of public sector roles.

Government Jobs:

• Opportunities: Government agencies often have marketing needs, but positions may be fewer compared to the private sector. Roles might involve promoting public services, social programs, or government initiatives.
• Salary Expectations: Government salaries are typically lower than their private-sector counterparts. However, they offer greater job security and benefits packages.
  Private Sector Jobs:
• Comparison: The private sector offers a wider variety of marketing roles across numerous industries. This translates to more job opportunities and potentially higher salaries, especially in specialised fields like digital marketing.
• Job Security and Benefits: Job security can vary depending on the company and industry. However, private-sector companies often provide competitive benefits packages that may include health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans.

Marketing roles in both sectors offer growth opportunities, but private sector jobs tend to provide faster career advancement and higher financial rewards. However, government roles offer stability and long-term benefits that can be appealing depending on career priorities​.

Special Focus on Digital Marketing

Digital marketing is one of the fastest-growing fields today. While an MBA in marketing can open doors, choosing a practical, hands-on approach like Kraftshala can lead to even more significant career opportunities. 

Traditional MBA programs often lack up-to-date digital marketing skills. Kraftshala is an option for those students who wish to equip themselves with the tools and expertise needed for immediate success in the field. Alumni like Soham, Chakresh, and Vikash have successfully navigated the job market, securing top roles at leading companies. Their experiences show that Kraftshala offers a more practical, effective alternative to traditional MBA routes.

To prove this point, there is no better way than statistics. According to a survey, almost half of millennials trust influencer recommendations more than traditional advertisements when making purchasing decisions. This shows the immense power digital marketing currently holds, which is only expected to grow upwards from now (13.6% growth rate).

Top MBA Roles in Digital Marketing

An MBA with a digital marketing focus opens doors to a variety of exciting and rewarding careers. Here are some of the most sought-after roles:

• Digital Marketing Manager: Oversees the entire digital marketing strategy for a company, managing teams and campaigns across various online channels.
• SEO Specialist: Optimises websites and content to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs), driving organic traffic to the website.
• Social Media Manager: Develops and executes social media strategies to engage audiences, build brand awareness, and drive online conversions.
• Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Specialist: Manages online advertising campaigns using platforms like Google Ads to generate qualified leads and website traffic.

So, how do you become a digital marketer? There are multiple paths to consider. While an MBA with a digital marketing specialisation is a great option, alternative routes exist. You can pursue online digital marketing courses, bootcamps, or certifications in specific areas like SEO, social media marketing, or content marketing. Gaining practical experience through internships or freelance projects is also highly valuable.

ROI Comparison: MBA in Marketing vs. Online Programs

An MBA in Marketing, especially from a Tier 1 college, offers high potential but comes with a significant financial and time investment. Tier 2 MBAs are more affordable but may offer fewer opportunities and lower brand value. In contrast, online programs like Kraftshala are more cost-effective, flexible, and focused on practical skills. They provide quicker and higher ROI, as graduates can start their careers faster with real-world job-ready expertise. Distance learning programs offer flexibility but lack the hands-on approach and industry focus of online programs.

Below is a comprehensive comparison between MBA in marketing vs. online programs vs. distance learning based on several factors.

Cost Analysis

Traditional MBA: The cost of a traditional MBA in Marketing can be significantly higher, potentially exceeding ₹10 Lakhs.

Online Programs: Online marketing courses or programs offer a more affordable and shorter duration option (typically 5-6 months), costing around ₹1.5 Lakhs.

Distance Learning: Varies between ₹50,000 to ₹3 Lakhs depending on the institution and course, but generally, they are more affordable than traditional MBA programs.

Placement Opportunities

Online Programs: While placement rates can vary, online programs like Kraftshala’s Marketing Launchpad boast placement rates exceeding 94% with average starting salaries of ₹4.5 LPA and above.

ROI Analysis

Traditional MBA: A traditional MBA offers a well-rounded education, strong industry connections, and potentially higher earning potential in the long run.

Online Programs: Online programs provide a quicker and more affordable way to enter the field, but may offer fewer networking opportunities. The best choice depends on your individual budget, career goals, and learning style.

Distance Learing: While cost-effective, the ROI may be lower compared to an MBA or specialized online program. The lack of practical focus might delay career progression in marketing.

When comparing education pathways for a career in marketing, starting with an online program like Kraftshala’s is faster, more affordable, and provides practical skills that directly meet industry needs. The placement opportunities and job quality offered by Kraftshala surpass those of many tier 2-3 colleges in India. Moreover, Kraftshala offers a significantly better ROI with faster career growth and higher salary potential, making it a more effective and efficient choice for aspiring marketers.

Interesting, Mr. Varun Satia, co-founder of Kraftshala says he will prefer a candidate with “No MBA over an MBA” if he has what it takes to be successful in marketing. This itself proves how skills are more essential than a traditional degree with huge investment and less intellectual return.

Future Trends in Marketing and Salary Projections

Did you know the global e-commerce retail sales are expected to reach $7.4 trillion by 2025?

The rise of digital marketing, especially e-commerce, is fueling an increasing demand for skilled marketing professionals. As businesses seek top talent to meet this demand, salaries for these roles are only expected to rise. 

The latest trends in digital marketing, data analytics, and consumer behavior will continue to shape the industry. Moreover, the advent of generative AI whose market size is expected to reach $1.3 trillion by 2032 is a cherry on top.

Over the next decade, marketing professionals can expect salary growth as the industry evolves. Adaptability to emerging trends and an understanding of shifting industry dynamics will play a key role in securing higher-paying roles.

Finally, staying ahead of the curve with emerging trends is crucial for maximising your MBA marketing salary in India. The marketing landscape is constantly evolving, and areas like artificial intelligence, data analytics, and influencer marketing are gaining significant traction. By continuously learning and developing your skill set in these areas, you position yourself for future success and potentially higher earning potential.

In conclusion, an MBA in Marketing can be a powerful springboard for a rewarding career in marketing. Understanding the factors influencing MBA marketing salary in India, including roles, industries, and future trends, empowers you to make informed decisions that maximise your earning potential and propel you towards a fulfilling career path.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary of people with an MBA in marketing?

MBA marketing salary in India can vary depending on experience and other factors, but here’s a general breakdown:

Fresh graduates: Expect a starting range of ₹3-5 Lakhs per Annum (LPA) [Indian Rupees].

Experienced professionals: The average salary can increase to ₹7-10 LPA, but this can vary significantly based on experience and skillset.

What is the average salary for MBA Marketing freshers in India?

In India, the average salary for MBA Marketing freshers falls within the range of ₹3-5 Lakhs per Annum (LPA). This translates to a monthly salary of approximately ₹25,000 – ₹41,666 (pre-tax).

What are the top job roles for MBA in Marketing graduates?

An MBA in Marketing equips graduates for a diverse array of top roles, including Marketing Manager, Brand Manager, and Digital Marketing Manager, where they can leverage their understanding of customer behaviour and marketing strategies to drive business success.

Is MBA in Marketing a good career path?

Yes, an MBA in Marketing offers excellent career opportunities, with high demand for skilled professionals. It leads to roles in diverse industries with promising salary growth.

Who is eligible for MBA in Marketing?

Anyone with a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution is eligible. Some programs may require work experience or entrance exam scores like CAT, GMAT, or GRE.

What is the salary after 5 years of MBA?

After 5 years, the salary typically ranges from ₹20-40 LPA depending on the role, company, and location. It can be higher in top-tier companies.