Marketing Manager in Enid, OK

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Marketing Managers considering a move to Enid, Oklahoma.

The Salary Picture: Where Enid Stands

As a local, I’ll be upfront: Enid isn’t a sprawling metropolis like Oklahoma City or Tulsa, and that directly impacts the salary landscape for Marketing Managers. While the national average for this role sits at $157,620/year, the market here is defined by a specific range of employers and a cost of living that makes a solid salary go surprisingly far. The median salary for a Marketing Manager in the Enid metro area is $151,047/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $72.62/hour. This is notably competitive for a city of its size, but it's essential to understand the experience-based tiers that drive these numbers.

The job market itself is lean. With only 101 jobs available in the metro area for this specific role, competition is moderate but focused. You're not competing with thousands, but you are vying for positions at a handful of key local players. The 10-year job growth is projected at 8%, which is steady but not explosive. This growth is tied directly to the health of Enid's core industries—energy, agriculture, and manufacturing—rather than a booming tech or creative sector. Your value as a Marketing Manager here is less about cutting-edge digital trends and more about driving B2B relationships, brand management in industrial sectors, and community-focused retail marketing.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s a breakdown of salary expectations by experience level. These are estimates based on local job postings and industry surveys (BLS, regional economic reports), tailored to Enid’s specific market.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Typical Employer in Enid
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$85,000 - $110,000	Small local agencies, family-owned businesses, entry-level at larger firms
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$115,000 - $140,000	Regional banks, hospitals, medium-sized manufacturers (e.g., in agriculture tech)
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$145,000 - $175,000	Major regional employers (air force base, large hospital systems, corporate HQs)
Expert/Leadership	15+ years	$180,000+	C-suite or VP roles at top-tier local employers, director at major regional entities

How Enid Compares to Other OK Cities:

• Oklahoma City: Salaries can be 10-15% higher, but the cost of living (especially housing) is significantly steeper. You’d be competing in a much larger talent pool.
• Tulsa: Similar salary range to OKC, with a slightly more diversified corporate landscape. Again, housing costs are higher than in Enid.
• Fort Smith, AR (nearby metro): Salaries are generally slightly lower than Enid, but the job market for marketing roles is more limited.

The key takeaway is that Enid offers a high purchasing power. A salary of $151,047 in Enid feels more like $180,000+ in a major coastal city due to the drastically lower cost of living.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s break down the numbers for a Marketing Manager earning the median salary of $151,047/year. This is a single filer with standard deductions, using 2023 federal tax brackets for illustration. Remember, Oklahoma has a progressive state income tax (ranging from 0.5% to 4.75%).

• Annual Gross Salary: $151,047
• Estimated Federal Tax (after standard deduction): ~$28,500
• Estimated State Tax (OK): ~$5,800
• Social Security & Medicare (7.65%): ~$11,565
• Total Estimated Annual Taxes: ~$45,865
• Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay: ~$105,182
• Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$8,765

Now, factor in the local cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Enid is $760/month. The overall Cost of Living Index is 86.1 (U.S. average is 100), meaning Enid is about 14% cheaper than the national average.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Living Alone):

• Take-Home Pay: $8,765
• Rent (1BR): -$760
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): -$200
• Groceries: -$400
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: -$600 (Average commuter)
• Health Insurance (if not fully employer-paid): -$400
• Retirement Savings (10% of gross): -$1,259
• Discretionary Spending: $5,146

Can They Afford to Buy a Home? Absolutely. The average home price in Enid is around $160,000. A 20% down payment is $32,000. With a monthly take-home of over $8,700 and mortgage payments (including taxes/insurance) likely under $1,200 for a starter home, buying a home is not only feasible but financially advantageous. This budget allows for aggressive savings or lifestyle spending that would be impossible in a higher-cost city.

Where the Jobs Are: Enid's Major Employers

Enid's job market for Marketing Managers is dominated by a few key sectors: aviation, energy, healthcare, and agriculture. You're not going to find a bustling "Silicon Prairie" scene here. Instead, your opportunities lie with established, often B2B-focused companies. Here are the primary employers to target:

1. Vance Air Force Base (Vance AFB): While a military base, it's a massive economic driver. Civilian contractor positions (e.g., with companies like Northrop Grumman or L3Harris) often need marketing and communications professionals to support their operations. These are stable, well-paying jobs with excellent benefits.

2. Integris Bass Baptist Health Center / St. Mary's Regional Medical Center: The two major healthcare systems in town. They employ marketing managers for community outreach, physician recruitment, and patient education campaigns. Hiring is steady but slow-moving; these are competitive, long-term roles.

3. Enid Public Schools (EPS) & Autry Technology Center: School districts and vocational schools need marketing to attract students and communicate with parents. The pay is lower than the private sector, but the work-life balance is exceptional.

4. Major Agricultural Firms: Companies like Simplot, CHS, and Land O'Lakes have significant operations in and around Enid. The marketing here is heavily B2B, focused on commodities, equipment, and supply chain logistics. This is a niche but lucrative field if you have an interest in ag-tech.

5. Energy Sector: Enid is home to multiple oil and gas service companies and refineries (e.g., Chesapeake Energy has a major presence). Marketing roles here often blend industrial sales support, community relations (critical in oil country), and safety communications.

6. Local Banks & Credit Unions: Institutions like Enid Federal Credit Union and BancFirst have corporate headquarters in Enid. They need marketing for retail banking, loan products, and community events.

Hiring Trends: Hiring is cyclical and often tied to federal contracts (Vance AFB) or commodity prices (ag/energy). The best times to look are typically Q2 and Q3, as budgets are finalized. Networking is everything here—join the Enid Chamber of Commerce and attend events. Many jobs are filled through referrals before they're even posted.

Getting Licensed in OK

For a Marketing Manager, formal state licensing is not required. The field is generally unlicensed. However, there are important credentials and legal considerations for operating in Oklahoma.

• Professional Certifications (Highly Recommended): While not state-mandated, certifications like the Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) from the American Marketing Association or a Google Analytics Certification can give you a competitive edge in a small market. These are national and cost between $400-$800 for exams and study materials.
• Business Licensing: If you plan to open your own marketing consultancy, you'll need a City of Enid Business License (cost: ~$50-$100) and must register with the Oklahoma Secretary of State. You'll also need a State Tax ID for sales tax if selling services.
• Timeline to Get Started: There is no licensing "process." You can start applying for jobs immediately. For starting a business, you can obtain all necessary city and state registrations within 1-2 weeks.
• Key Resource: The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) is a great resource for local job listings and career workshops. Their Enid office can provide guidance on local market demands.

Best Neighborhoods for Marketing Managers

Enid is a driving city; most neighborhoods are accessible within a 15-20 minute commute. Your choice will depend on lifestyle—quiet family areas, walkable downtown, or new construction.

1. Downtown/ Historic District: The heart of the city. You'll live above renovated buildings or in new loft-style apartments. Walkable to local restaurants, the Chautauqua Tower, and the Leonard T. O'Leary Performance Hall. Great for a professional who wants to be in the mix. Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,400 (1BR/2BR).

2. North Enid (The "Golden Triangle"): This is where most executives and established professionals live. Large lots, mature trees, and established homes. It's quiet, safe, and has top-rated schools. Rent Estimate (for a house or large apartment): $1,000 - $1,800.

3. East Side / Near Integris Hospital: A practical area with a mix of older homes and newer apartments. Very convenient for healthcare professionals (or their spouses). Easy access to shopping and I-35. Rent Estimate: $700 - $1,200.

4. West Enid / Near Autry Tech: More affordable, with a mix of housing. Good for those who work at Vance AFB (west side) or want a quieter suburban feel. Commute times are still short. Rent Estimate: $650 - $1,000.

5. South Enid / Near the Fairgrounds: The area is undergoing revitalization. You can find historic charm at a lower price point. It's becoming more popular with young professionals. Rent Estimate: $600 - $1,100.

Insider Tip: Traffic is non-existent. Your commute won't be a factor in choosing a neighborhood. Instead, focus on the school district if you have kids (North Enid) or the social scene (Downtown).

The Long Game: Career Growth

In a smaller market like Enid, career growth is less about jumping to a new company every two years and more about deepening your expertise and taking on broader responsibilities.

• Specialty Premiums: Specializing in B2B Marketing (agriculture, energy, manufacturing) or Community Relations will command a premium. Generalist marketing managers are common; specialists are rare and valuable. Annual premiums for these specialties can range from $10,000 - $25,000 above the base median salary.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is: Marketing Coordinator -> Marketing Manager -> Director of Marketing/Communications. The final leap to a CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) role is rare within Enid itself. For that, you'd likely need to work for a local company that has a regional or national footprint, or you could become a consultant serving the entire state.
• 10-Year Outlook (8% Growth): The 8% job growth will come from two areas: 1) Digital Transformation of traditional companies (agribusiness, energy) needing managers who can bridge the gap between legacy operations and modern marketing, and 2) Community Growth as Enid continues to invest in its downtown and attract new residents, requiring more sophisticated place-making and tourism marketing. Your career will grow if you position yourself at that intersection.

The Verdict: Is Enid Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living	Limited job market (only 101 jobs)
High Purchasing Power (Median: $151,047)	Fewer networking/event opportunities
Short Commutes (5-15 mins)	Salary growth may cap out faster
Strong Sense of Community	Limited cultural/diversity offerings vs. big cities
Stable Core Industries (Ag, Energy, Aviation)	Weather: Hot summers, cold winters, tornado risk
Space & Affordability	Less competitive for cutting-edge marketing roles

Final Recommendation:
Enid is an exceptional choice for a Marketing Manager who values financial stability and quality of life over hyper-competitive career growth. It's ideal for:

• Early-Career Professionals: You can save aggressively and buy a home early, setting a strong financial foundation.
• Mid-Career Changers Seeking Stability: The lower cost of living reduces financial pressure, allowing for a strategic career pivot.
• Families: The combination of good schools, safety, and affordability is a powerful draw.

If you're driven by the energy of a major tech hub, crave constant industry events, or need a highly specialized marketing ecosystem, Enid may feel limiting. But for a savvy marketer who can leverage B2B and community-focused skills, Enid offers a rare opportunity to build a successful, financially secure career on your own terms.

FAQs

Q: Is the salary of $151,047 typical for a single person, or is it for a household?
A: That median figure is generally for an individual's salary. However, many households in Enid are dual-income, which further stretches the purchasing power. A single person earning this salary is in the top tier locally and will live very comfortably.

Q: How do I find a marketing job in Enid if most aren't listed online?
A: You're right to notice this. The hidden job market is strong. Join the Enid Chamber of Commerce, attend Toastmasters or Rotary Club meetings, and connect with HR managers at major employers on LinkedIn. Also, check the websites of the major employers listed above directly, as they post jobs there first.

Q: What's the tech scene like for digital marketing?
A: It's nascent but growing. You won't find a vibrant startup scene, but local businesses are increasingly needing help with SEO, social media, and email marketing. Being a digital expert in a traditional market can make you a standout candidate. Consider offering freelance services to bridge the gap.

Q: How's the work-life balance?
A: Generally excellent. The 40-hour work week is standard. The short commute gives you back hours of your day. The community-oriented culture often means less after-hours networking pressure than in larger cities. However, roles in high-pressure sectors like energy or with federal contractors can be demanding.

Q: What's the biggest cultural adjustment for someone moving from a big city?
A: The pace. It's slower. You'll need to build relationships intentionally, as the professional circle is smaller. Patience is key—decisions can take longer, and the "everyone knows everyone" dynamic means your reputation is your most important asset. Embrace the community, and you'll thrive.