Digital Marketing Salaries in Singapore: From Entry-Level to Senior Management

You may be wondering how profitable digital marketing is as a career in Singapore. At what levels do digital marketers receive payments, from entry-level to senior management? Before we delve into that, let’s examine the talent needs in the current digital environment. 

According to Coursera’s Job Skills of 2024 report on Forbes, digital marketing job profiles are typically among the fastest-growing and most sought-after talents. The report reveals that the digital marketing industry will be valued at a staggering $1.5 trillion by 2030. 

The growth is driven by evolving consumer behaviour, especially on social media platforms, where over 76% of consumers now browse and make purchases. In 2023, there were more than 4.89 billion active social media users worldwide, with over one billion users on LinkedIn alone.

Keeping this worldwide trend in perspective, what can up-and-coming digital marketers in Singapore do to grab opportunities from entry-level to senior management roles? Additionally, how does certification influence earning potential for digital marketing jobs?

How Strong Is Singapore’s Demand for Digital Marketing Professionals?

The demand for digital marketers in Singapore is rapidly increasing, creating abundant opportunities for professionals in this field. As a bustling centre for innovation and entrepreneurship in business and technology, the country attracts multinational corporations and startups, especially in the finance, technology, retail, and healthcare sectors.

Singapore’s tech-savvy population actively engages online, fueling the demand for effective digital marketing campaigns through key aspects such as digital transformation, e-commerce growth, and high mobile and internet penetration rates. 

According to The Singapore Business Review, marketing positions are the second most searched for in the resume database, at 1.7%.  As a result, recruiters are actively seeking qualified candidates to fill these crucial roles. Numerous opportunities for advancement from entry-level to senior management positions await both aspiring and professional digital marketers.

Understanding Digital Marketing Salary Ranges Across Career Levels

Does digital marketing pay well?  The opportunities for career advancement in digital marketing and the amount you can earn are influenced by your level of experience, educational background and industry certifications. Let’s examine the remuneration levels of a digital marketing specialist from entry to executive levels as an example based on Payscale. 

The numbers presented are approximate and should be used as a guide.

The data above shows the remuneration levels of digital marketing specialists in Singapore. The salaries vary depending on their career stage. Individuals just starting in the field, with less than a year of experience, typically earn an average of S$34,314, which includes bonuses, gratuities, and overtime pay.

Those with 1-4 years of experience, holding the position of digital marketing executive, have an average total remuneration of S$40,812. As for mid-career professionals with 5-9 years of experience, their average total remuneration amounts to S$49,800.

Digital Marketing Career Path 

Embarking a career in digital marketing offers various opportunities for growth and specialisation. Below is a brief description of what entry-level to mid-career level digital marketers can learn and utilise as they navigate their career roadmap in digital marketing. 

Entry-Level Digital Marketer

(Years: 0-2)

• Recent graduates and newcomers begin their careers in entry-level positions as Digital Marketing Interns or Assistants.
  
• A bachelor’s degree in marketing or a related field and digital marketing certifications can help candidates enhance their salary prospects.
  
• However, remember that limited professional experience can become a challenge when negotiating salaries for an entry-level. 

Mid-Level Digital Marketer

(Years: 3-7)

• A Digital Marketing Specialist has extensive experience developing innovative marketing approaches to effectively engage target audiences.

• Mastering specialised areas like SEO, SEM, content marketing, and data analytics enhances earning potential within the industry.

• Competitive remuneration packages may vary across industries. Moreover, established corporations and larger enterprises offer higher salaries than startups.

Executive-Level Digital Marketer

(Years: 8-15+)

• Senior positions such as Digital Marketing Director, Head of Digital Marketing or VP of Marketing require cross-functional leadership and innovative strategic decision-making to drive business growth.

• Salaries typically increase with extensive leadership experience and a track record of delivering results.
  
• Senior marketing professionals can expect higher salaries, larger bonuses and executive-level perks (e.g. car allowance and generous leave policies).

How Do Industry and Company Size Affect Digital Marketing Salaries?

Apart from education and experience, the type of industry and company size also influence compensation levels. Furthermore, geographic location and industry trends also impact salary expectations. 

Below are examples of industries that digital marketing professionals in Singapore can explore:

Technology Sector 

Digital marketing professionals in the tech sector have the opportunity to specialise in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning for e-commerce.

• Entry-level digital marketers in tech can learn foundational skills in digital marketing executions and analytics. At this stage, they can gain hands-on experience in campaign management, content creation and basic SEO practices. 

• Mid-level digital marketers in tech lead and inspire teams to execute campaigns effectively. They can prepare for senior leadership roles at this stage by gaining deeper expertise in specific digital marketing disciplines and taking on large-scale projects. 

• Executive-level digital managers in tech set the vision and direction of comprehensive digital marketing strategies for the company. Their marketing initiatives should enhance brand positioning and market share. 

Retail Sector

Many retail companies are moving towards e-commerce and omnichannel strategies.

• Entry-level digital marketers in retail must prioritise e-commerce and digital advertising for retail brands.

• Mid-career digital marketers in retail drive digital sales and spearhead customer engagement strategies.
  
• Executive-level digital managers in retail lead digital transformation efforts and omnichannel marketing strategies.

Finance Sector

Digital marketers must learn to manage strict regulatory compliance, focus on digital banking solutions, and develop effective financial product marketing strategies for digital channels.

• Entry-level digital marketers in finance focus on customer acquisition through digital channels.

• Mid-career digital marketers in finance manage digital campaigns and optimise ROI.
  
• Executive-level digital managers in finance are involved in overseeing large-scale digital marketing strategies and teams.

Health Care Sector

The industry’s regulatory environment’s emphasis on patient engagement through digital platforms shapes the healthcare sector, creating a demand for specialised healthcare marketing expertise.

• Entry-level digital marketing roles in healthcare focus on understanding patient engagement strategies and promoting healthcare services online. 

• Mid-career digital marketers in healthcare often specialise in areas such as medical content marketing, patient education campaigns, and digital patient experience optimisation

• Executive-level digital managers in healthcare, such as Digital Marketing Managers or Healthcare Marketing Directors, lead strategic initiatives that enhance patient acquisition, healthcare branding, and digital transformation efforts. 

Startups vs. Established Companies

Digital marketing professionals can work for startups or established companies. Each type of company offers unique advantages for career advancement.

Startups 

Startups are known for their inventive spirit and agility. They commonly innovate new approaches and technologies in the industry. Although they may pay lower base salaries, startups make up with enticing benefits like equity options and performance bonuses. This opportunity fosters quick career growth and diverse experiences.

Established Companies

Established firms have remarkable stability, considerable resources, and well-defined career pathways. They provide higher salaries and more comprehensive benefits packages. Furthermore, they have more structured salary scales and clear paths for advancement.

How Do Certifications Influence Digital Marketing Jobs?

As businesses increasingly rely on digital platforms, there’s a high demand for expertise in areas like web analytics, social media advertising, and content marketing. Certifications have become essential for validating specific skills and knowledge in the field. 

Are you looking to advance your career in digital marketing in Singapore? Whether you’re an entry-level or mid-level digital marketing professional, Vertical Institute offers digital marketing course in Singapore that can help you enhance or attain new skills. 

Join our free workshops and events to preview the curriculum and course objectives. This is an opportunity to ask questions and learn from experts about their experiences. In addition to digital marketing, discover Vertical Institute’s top tech courses in Singapore that can help advance your career across various industries.

Conclusion

Exploring the digital marketing landscape in Singapore unveils a wealth of opportunities spanning various career levels, from entry-level to senior management positions. Digital marketing undeniably stands as a lucrative and dynamic career choice in Singapore, bolstered by sustained industry growth and the country’s strategic status as an innovation and technology hub.

About Vertical Institute

Vertical Institute is shaping the future of work by preparing individuals for tomorrow’s job market. Our courses and certification focus on teaching essential skills and nurturing the next generation of innovators and leaders.

As an Approved Training provider (ATO) accredited by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) and the Institute of Banking & Finance Singapore (IBF), our courses adhere to the highest standards. They are government-subsidised and eligible for SkillsFuture Credits or NTUC UTAP Funding. 

As an Approved Training provider (ATO) accredited by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) and the Institute of Banking & Finance Singapore (IBF), our courses adhere to the highest standards. They are government-subsidised and eligible for SkillsFuture Credits or NTUC UTAP Funding. 

Prepare to enhance your skills and elevate your career with top-tier tech education at Vertical Institute.