Marketing Manager in Augusta-Richmond County, GA

The Salary Picture: Where Augusta-Richmond County Stands

If you're a Marketing Manager eyeing Augusta-Richmond County, the first thing to know is that the pay here is strong—especially when you factor in the cost of living. The median salary for a Marketing Manager in this metro is $156,059/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $75.03/hour. That's slightly below the national average of $157,620/year, but with Augusta's cost of living index at 96.7 (where the U.S. average is 100), your paycheck actually stretches further than it would in many other parts of the country.

The job market is tight but growing. There are about 405 Marketing Manager positions in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth projection is 8%. This isn't explosive growth like in tech hubs, but it's stable—perfect for professionals seeking a predictable career path without the volatility of larger markets.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Augusta area:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Augusta)	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$95,000 - $120,000	Often found in smaller local agencies or first corporate roles at regional HQs.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$125,000 - $160,000	The sweet spot for most openings; includes roles at major employers like Augusta University and large healthcare systems.
Senior-Level (8-12 yrs)	$160,000 - $195,000	Typically leadership roles overseeing a team or full marketing function at a mid-sized company.
Expert/Leadership (13+ yrs)	$195,000 - $230,000+	Usually Director or VP-level positions at top local employers or corporate divisions.

Compared to other Georgia cities, Augusta holds a unique position:

• Atlanta has higher salaries (median around $165,000) but a much higher cost of living (index ~106). The real take-home is similar, but Atlanta’s job market is vastly larger.
• Savannah has a lower median salary (around $148,000) but similar cost of living. Augusta’s healthcare and military economy provides more stability.
• Columbus has lower salaries (median ~$142,000) and fewer corporate HQs. Augusta’s proximity to Atlanta (2.5 hours) without the congestion is a major advantage.

Insider Tip: Many Marketing Managers here work remotely for Atlanta-based companies while living in Augusta. The median salary reflects this hybrid economy—you get Atlanta-level pay without Atlanta-level rent.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. With a median salary of $156,059, your monthly take-home after taxes (assuming married filing jointly, state taxes included) will be roughly $9,200 - $9,500. This varies based on your tax situation, but it’s a solid starting point.

Now, let’s break down a typical monthly budget for a Marketing Manager earning $156,059:

Category	Monthly Cost (Approx.)	Notes
Housing	$1,200 - $1,500	1BR apartment or small house in a decent area. The average 1BR rent is $961/month, but nicer neighborhoods command more.
Utilities	$200 - $300	Includes electricity, water, gas, internet. Summers are hot, so AC costs add up.
Car/Transportation	$400 - $600	Augusta is car-dependent. No significant public transit.
Groceries	$400 - $500	Similar to national average.
Health Insurance	$300 - $500	Varies by employer; many large local employers offer good plans.
Retirement/Investments	$1,000 - $1,500	Recommended 10-15% of take-home.
Entertainment/Dining	$300 - $500	Augusta has a growing food scene, especially downtown and Summerville.
Miscellaneous	$300 - $500	Shopping, personal care, etc.
Total	$4,100 - $5,800	Leaves $3,400 - $5,100 for savings, debt, or extra spending.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Augusta-Richmond County is around $230,000 (as of 2023). With a 20% down payment ($46,000), your monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be approximately $1,400 - $1,600. That’s very manageable on your salary. Many Marketing Managers here own homes within 2-3 years of moving.

Insider Tip: If you’re buying, check out the West Augusta or North Augusta (just across the river in SC) areas. Property taxes are lower in South Carolina, and the commute to downtown Augusta is still reasonable.

Where the Jobs Are: Augusta-Richmond County's Major Employers

Marketing Manager roles here are concentrated in a few key sectors: healthcare, higher education, manufacturing, and the military-industrial complex. Here are the major local employers and their hiring trends:

1. Augusta University Health
   The largest employer in the region (over 10,000 employees). They’re always hiring marketing professionals to promote their hospitals (Augusta University Medical Center, Children’s Hospital of Georgia) and specialty clinics. Hiring is steady, with a focus on digital marketing and community outreach. Insider Tip: They value experience in healthcare marketing (HIPAA compliance, patient privacy).

2. Philips
   The global tech giant has a massive campus in Augusta (near the Savannah River Site). They hire marketing managers for their healthcare technology and consumer lifestyle divisions. Salaries here are at the top of the local range, often $170,000+. They’re growing, especially in AI and health tech marketing.

3. Textron (Textron Specialized Vehicles)
   A major manufacturing employer in the area (home of E-Z-Go golf carts and Arctic Cat vehicles). They need marketing managers for B2B, trade shows, and brand management. Hiring is cyclical but stable. Insider Tip: They prefer candidates with product marketing experience in manufacturing or automotive.

4. Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS)
   This federal contractor manages the Savannah River Site (just south of Augusta). While not strictly a marketing role, they hire communications and public affairs managers who often have marketing backgrounds. It’s a stable, high-paying sector with security clearance opportunities.

5. Augusta Technical College
   As a growing institution, they’ve expanded their marketing team to recruit students and promote workforce programs. It’s a great entry point for mid-level marketers, with a strong work-life balance.

6. Club Car
   Another golf cart manufacturer based in Augusta. They hire marketing managers for global brand campaigns, B2B marketing, and major trade shows. They value experience in outdoor/recreation marketing.

7. Local Agencies & Startups
   The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Paine College (a historic HBCU) are fostering a small but growing startup scene. Agencies like The Creative Block and Full Circle Marketing provide agency-side experience. Hiring here is more sporadic but often for more creative, generalist roles.

Hiring Trends: There’s a steady demand for digital marketing skills (SEO, paid social, email automation). Traditional brand marketing roles are still present but evolving. Remote work is common, especially for companies with regional or national reach.

Getting Licensed in GA

For Marketing Managers, there are no state-specific licenses required in Georgia. You don’t need a professional license like a real estate agent or nurse. However, there are professional certifications and educational requirements that can boost your credibility:

• Certifications: Google Analytics, HubSpot Inbound, and Facebook Blueprint are highly valued. The Digital Marketing Institute offers a Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing (cost: ~$1,500). No state approval needed.
• Educational Requirements: Most employers require at least a bachelor’s degree, often in marketing, business, or communications. An MBA can be a differentiator for senior roles.
• State Regulations: If you’re working for a company that deals with specific industries (e.g., healthcare, finance), you’ll need to understand industry-specific regulations (HIPAA, FTC advertising rules), but no license is required.
• Timeline: If you’re starting from scratch (no degree), a bachelor’s can take 4 years. For someone with a degree, getting a key certification can take 1-3 months of part-time study. You can start applying for jobs immediately.

Insider Tip: If you’re moving from a regulated state (like California with its marketing privacy laws), it’s worth taking a quick online course on Georgia’s business laws. It’s not mandatory, but it shows local knowledge.

Best Neighborhoods for Marketing Managers

Augusta’s neighborhoods vary widely in vibe, commute, and cost. Here’s a breakdown for professionals:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For
Downtown/Savannah Rapids	Walkable, historic, near the river. 10-15 min drive to major employers.	$1,100 - $1,400	Young professionals who want nightlife, dining, and a shorter commute.
Summerville	Tree-lined, affluent, near Augusta University. 15-20 min drive.	$1,000 - $1,300	Established professionals seeking a quiet, established neighborhood with good schools.
West Augusta (Furys Ferry Rd area)	Suburban, family-oriented, near shopping centers. 20-25 min drive to downtown.	$900 - $1,200	Families or those wanting more space and newer construction.
North Augusta, SC	Just across the Savannah River, lower taxes, river views. 10-15 min drive to downtown.	$950 - $1,250	Cost-conscious buyers who don’t mind crossing state lines.
Grovetown	Rapidly growing, affordable, 20-25 min drive to downtown.	$850 - $1,000	First-time homebuyers or those prioritizing affordability over proximity.

Insider Tip: If you work for a major employer like Augusta University Health or Philips, the Summerville area is ideal—it’s close to the hospital district and the Philips campus, with minimal commute stress.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Augusta isn’t a massive market, but it offers clear advancement paths for those who specialize. Here’s the growth outlook:

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Healthcare Marketing: Premium of $10,000 - $20,000 above base salary due to regulatory complexity.
  • B2B/Industrial Marketing: Premium of $15,000 - $25,000 for manufacturers like Textron or Club Car.
  • Digital Marketing (SEO, PPC): Premium of $10,000 - $15,000 as demand outpaces supply.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Agency to In-House: Many start at local agencies (e.g., The Creative Block) and move to in-house roles at major employers after 3-5 years.
  2. Specialist to Manager: Start as a digital marketing specialist, progress to a marketing manager role, then to Director of Marketing.
  3. Vertical Move: From a manager role at a smaller company to a senior manager at a large employer (e.g., from a local bank to Augusta University Health).

• 10-Year Outlook: With 8% job growth over a decade, expect about 30-35 new roles per year (based on the current 405 jobs). The growth will be driven by healthcare expansion (due to the medical college) and the stability of the military-industrial complex. Remote work will also open up Atlanta-based roles to Augusta residents, allowing for higher salaries without relocation.

Insider Tip: To advance faster, get involved with the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce. Networking here is crucial—many jobs are filled through connections, not job boards.

The Verdict: Is Augusta-Richmond County Right for You?

Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons:

Pros	Cons
High purchasing power: Median salary $156,059 with lower cost of living (index 96.7).	Limited job market: Only 405 positions; less variety in roles compared to large cities.
Stable employers: Healthcare, higher ed, and government contract jobs provide stability.	Car-dependent: Poor public transit; you’ll need a reliable vehicle.
Outdoor lifestyle: River, parks, golf courses, and mild winters.	Cultural amenities: Smaller arts and music scene than Atlanta or Savannah.
Proximity to Atlanta: Easy weekend trips for big-city energy.	Slower pace: Can feel quiet if you’re used to constant hustle.
Homeownership is achievable: Median home price $230,000 is affordable on your salary.	Networking is informal: Less structured professional events; you have to seek them out.

Final Recommendation: Augusta-Richmond County is an excellent choice for Marketing Managers who value work-life balance, affordability, and stability over rapid career growth or a bustling urban scene. If you’re mid-career (5-10 years experience) with a family or looking to buy a home, it’s a smart financial move. For those early in their career or seeking a highly competitive creative hub, it might feel limiting—but the remote work trend is changing that.

FAQs

1. Is the median salary of $156,059 realistic for an entry-level Marketing Manager?
No, that’s the median across all experience levels. Entry-level roles typically start around $95,000 - $120,000. The median reflects the average of all positions, including senior roles.

2. How competitive is the job market with only 405 jobs?
It’s competitive but manageable. With 8% growth, new roles open up regularly. Many companies struggle to find experienced marketers locally, so relocating candidates often have an edge if they highlight local knowledge.

3. Do I need a car to live and work here?
Yes. Augusta’s public transit is limited, and most employers are spread out. A reliable car is essential. Fuel costs are about average.

4. What’s the best way to break into the market here?
Start with local networking events through the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce or LinkedIn groups for Augusta professionals. Consider contract or remote work initially to build local experience. Agencies like The Creative Block are a common entry point.

5. How does the cost of living really compare?
With a cost of living index of 96.7, you’re paying about 3.3% less than the national average. For a Marketing Manager earning $156,059, that translates to about $5,000 - $7,000 in annual savings compared to living at the U.S. average cost.