MBA Marketing Salary in India in 2024

Zohaib Khan in Career Guide May 31 7 min

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.

In this blog we will cover the following:

  • What is MBA in Marketing?
  • Factors influencing MBA marketing salary in India
  • MBA in Marketing Salary for different roles
  • Top jobs for MBA in Marketing Graduates
  • Career Prospects and Growth Opportunities
  • Government vs Private Sector Jobs
  • Impact of Additional Qualifications on Salary
  • ROI Comparison: MBA in Marketing vs. Online Programs

Understanding an MBA in Marketing

This two-year program equips you with a comprehensive understanding of marketing principles and consumer behaviour. Think of it as your launchpad to roles like Marketing Manager, Brand Manager, Sales Manager, and the ever-in-demand Digital Marketing Manager.

But 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.

Factors Influencing MBA Marketing Salary in India

Institution, company policies, location, experience, and skills all significantly impact MBA marketing salaries in India.

Graduates from top-tier institutions like IIMs can expect higher starting salaries compared to those from lesser-known colleges. Company size, reputation, and policies also play a role. For instance, multinational corporations (MNCs) and established Indian firms typically offer more competitive packages than smaller startups. Salaries can also vary depending on the job location. Marketing professionals in metropolitan cities like Delhi and Mumbai generally earn more than their counterparts in smaller towns.

Unsurprisingly, experience and skills are crucial determinants of an MBA marketing salary. Freshers with limited experience can expect to start around ₹3-5 LPA, while seasoned professionals with specialised skills like digital marketing expertise can command salaries exceeding ₹15 LPA. The MBA marketing highest salary in India is reportedly around ₹50 LPA, but this is reserved for highly experienced individuals in leadership positions at top companies.

Salary Insights for MBA in Marketing Graduates

Average Salary:
Fresh Graduates: ₹3-5 LPA (Indian Rupees Lakhs per Annum)
Experienced Professionals: ₹7-10 LPA (can vary significantly based on experience and skillset)

Salary Ranges by Role

Here’s a breakdown of salaries for common marketing roles (these are averages and can vary depending on factors mentioned previously):

  1. Marketing Executive: ₹3-5 LPA (Entry-level role, responsible for executing marketing campaigns)
  2. Marketing Manager: ₹7-8 LPA (Manages the brand’s marketing strategy and oversees marketing processes)
  3. Brand Manager: ₹9-10 LPA (Develops and executes strategies to build and maintain brand value)
  4. Digital Marketing Manager: ₹5-6 LPA (Specialises in online marketing strategies and campaigns)

Industry-Specific Salaries

Salaries can also vary depending on the specific marketing industry:

Digital Marketing: Generally offers competitive salaries due to high demand, with an average range of ₹5-6 LPA. However, specialists like SEO or Social Media experts can command higher salaries.

Brand Management: Relatively high-paying with an average range of ₹9-10 LPA. Salaries can be even higher for established brands or luxury goods companies.

Advertising: Averages around ₹7 LPA, but can vary depending on the type of advertising (traditional vs. digital) and the size of the agency.

Top Jobs for MBA in Marketing Graduates

The MBA in marketing scope in India is broad; graduates get placed in reputed companies in various industries as a manager or sales executives with an mba starting salary in India per month of INR 25K – 45k pm based on the sector one chooses to work in. Mostly it is considered an easy task for the graduates to get placed.

Jobs for MBA Marketing freshers are:

Brand Manager

What they do: Brand managers are the guardians of a company’s brand image. They develop and execute strategies to build and maintain brand value. This includes tasks like:

  • Conducting market research to understand customer perception
  • Developing brand positioning and messaging
  • Managing brand assets like logos and trademarks
  • Creating brand awareness campaigns
  • Overseeing product launches and brand extensions

Average Salary (India): ₹9-10 LPA (can vary based on experience, industry, and company)

Sales Manager

What they do: Sales managers lead and motivate a team of salespeople to achieve sales targets. They are responsible for:

  • Setting sales goals and quotas
  • Developing and implementing sales strategies
  • Recruiting, training, and coaching salespeople
  • Monitoring sales performance and identifying areas for improvement
  • Negotiating deals with clients

Average Salary (India): ₹6-13.1 LPA (can vary based on experience, industry, company size, and commission structure)

Digital Marketing Manager

What they do: Digital marketing managers specialise in online marketing strategies and channels. Their responsibilities include:

  • Overseeing website development and management
  • Implementing Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategies
  • Managing social media campaigns
  • Creating and executing content marketing initiatives
  • Developing and analysing email marketing campaigns
  • Tracking and measuring online marketing performance

Average Salary (India): ₹6-13 LPA (can vary based on experience, industry, company, and specific digital marketing skills)

Public Relations Manager

What they do: Public relations (PR) managers manage the public image of a company or organisation. They work to build positive relationships with the media, stakeholders, and the general public.

Responsibilities include:

  • Developing and executing PR strategies
  • Writing press releases and media pitches
  • Managing media relations and crisis communication
  • Organising press conferences and other events
  • Monitoring media coverage and public sentiment

Average Salary (India): ₹5-10 LPA (can vary based on experience, industry, company size, and specific PR specialisation)

Career Prospects and Growth Opportunities

An MBA in Marketing equips you not only with marketing expertise but also with valuable business acumen. This can be a strong foundation for starting your own business:

Understanding the Market: Your marketing knowledge allows you to identify market gaps, research customer needs, and develop a winning marketing strategy for your venture.

Building a Brand: Branding and marketing are crucial for any new business. Your MBA equips you with the skills to build a strong brand identity for your startup.

Business Management: The MBA program provides a holistic understanding of business functions like finance, operations, and human resources, which are essential for running a successful business.

By focusing on career advancement, continuous learning, and exploring potential entrepreneurial ventures, an MBA in Marketing can open doors to a fulfilling and rewarding career path.

An MBA in Marketing can be a launchpad for your entrepreneurial dreams. You’ll gain the market research skills to identify a strong business opportunity, the branding expertise to craft a compelling identity, and the business acumen to manage all aspects of your venture. The MBA program fosters valuable connections that can turn into mentors or investors, and equips you with the skills to develop a comprehensive business plan. With the confidence and credibility that an MBA affords, you’ll be well-positioned to turn your innovative idea into a thriving business.

Government vs. Private Sector Jobs

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.

Impact of Additional Qualifications on Salary

Special Focus on Digital Marketing

Digital Marketing is a booming field within marketing, and an MBA with a digital marketing focus positions you for even higher salaries. Digital Marketing Managers oversee online marketing strategies, managing teams and campaigns across various digital channels. The average MBA marketing salary in India for a Digital Marketing Manager is ₹5-6 LPA, but specialists like SEO or Social Media experts can command much higher salaries, exceeding ₹8 LPA or even ₹10 LPA with extensive experience.

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

Cost Analysis

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

Online Programs: Online MBA courses offer a more affordable option, sometimes costing around ₹1.5 Lakhs.

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.

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.