Marketing Manager in Everett, WA

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Marketing Managers considering a move to Everett, Washington.

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The Salary Picture: Where Everett Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Everett isn't just Boeing's headquarters anymore; it's a growing hub for advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and tech that's hungry for marketing talent. The numbers back this up. While the national average for a Marketing Manager sits at $157,620/year, Everett offers a premium. The median salary here is $163,767/year, translating to a solid hourly rate of $78.73/hour. This isn't just a cost-of-living adjustment; it's a reflection of the specialized industries driving our local economy.

Let's break down what you can expect based on experience. This table reflects the typical progression in the Snohomish County market:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Everett Metro)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$120,000 - $140,000	Campaign execution, social media management, analytics reporting, assisting senior leads.
Mid-Career	$140,000 - $180,000	Managing a team or channel, budget oversight, integrated campaign strategy, vendor relations.
Senior	$180,000 - $220,000+	Departmental strategy, P&L responsibility, cross-functional leadership, brand stewardship.
Expert/Leadership	$220,000+ (often with bonuses/equity)	C-suite reporting, national/global strategy, M&A support, building out marketing functions.

How does Everett compare to other WA cities? It's a sweet spot. Seattle commands higher salaries (often 10-15% more), but the cost of living is exponentially higher. Tacoma's salaries are slightly below Everett's, and Olympia is notably lower. Everett provides a strong earning potential with a more manageable cost structure than its big-city neighbor to the south. It's worth noting there are approximately 222 open Marketing Manager positions in the metro area, with a 10-year job growth projection of 8%. This indicates a stable, growing demand rather than a volatile boom.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real. A $163,767 salary sounds fantastic, but what's left after Uncle Sam and Everett's cost of living?

First, taxes. In Washington State, there's no state income tax, which is a massive advantage. However, federal taxes and FICA will take a significant chunk. For a single filer taking the standard deduction, you're looking at a net take-home pay of approximately $115,000 - $120,000 annually, or about $9,500 - $10,000/month.

Now, housing. The average one-bedroom apartment rent in Everett is $1,864/month. Our Cost of Living Index is 113.0, meaning we're 13% above the national average, driven largely by housing. Let's build a sample monthly budget for a Marketing Manager earning the median salary.

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Net Pay (after taxes)	$9,600	Conservative estimate for a single filer.
Rent (1BR, avg)	$1,864	Can range from $1,500 (older complexes) to $2,400+ (luxury new builds).
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water)	$200	Varies by season; Everett's milder summers help.
Groceries	$500	Based on USDA moderate-cost plan for one adult.
Transportation	$450	Gas, insurance, maintenance. Everett is car-centric.
Health Insurance	$400	Employer-sponsored plan (individual).
Retirement Savings (10%)	$1,365	Pre-tax 401(k) contribution.
Discretionary Spending	$4,821	Dining out, entertainment, shopping, travel, emergency fund.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. This is one of Everett's biggest draws for professionals. The median home price in Everett is roughly $550,000. With a $163,767 salary, a 20% down payment ($110,000) is a significant but attainable savings goal for a disciplined saver. A $440,000 mortgage at current rates (~7%) would have a monthly payment around $2,900 (including taxes and insurance). This is higher than rent but builds equity. Compared to Seattle's median home price (over $800,000), Everett offers a clear path to homeownership for mid-career professionals.

Where the Jobs Are: Everett's Major Employers

Forget generic job boards. The real opportunities in Everett are with specific, rooted employers. Here’s where you should be looking:

1. Boeing: The giant needs no introduction. While manufacturing is core, their Everett site has massive marketing needs for aerospace services, supplier relations, and internal communications. Hiring trends favor managers who can handle complex, technical products and global stakeholder audiences.
2. Providence Regional Medical Center (Colby & Pacific Campuses): As the county's largest healthcare provider, their marketing team focuses on community health, physician recruitment, and patient experience campaigns. They value managers with healthcare marketing experience or a strong willingness to learn the regulatory landscape.
3. Fluke Corporation: A leader in electronic test and measurement tools, Fluke is based in Everett. Their marketing team is global, focusing on B2B tech marketing, digital lead gen, and trade show strategy. It's a fantastic spot for a Marketing Manager with a tech/industrial lean.
4. Premera Blue Cross: This major health insurance provider has a significant campus in Everett. Their marketing needs are vast, from consumer-facing campaigns to B2B sales support and compliance-driven communications. Stability and benefits are top-tier here.
5. The Everett Clinic (now part of Optum): A large, integrated medical group. Their marketing focuses on local market penetration, specialist promotion, and patient retention. It's a great entry point for healthcare marketing.
6. City of Everett: The municipal government hires marketing/communications managers for public outreach, tourism (Port of Everett, events), and internal engagement. These roles offer incredible job security and a direct impact on the community.
7. PACCAR (Peterbilt & Kenworth): Their engineering and parts divisions have a presence in the region. Marketing here is heavily B2B, focusing on dealer networks, parts distribution, and brand legacy. A strong background in B2B or industrial marketing is key.

Insider Tip: Many of these employers don't just post on LinkedIn. They partner with local organizations like the Economic Development Council of Snohomish County or the Everett Chamber of Commerce for recruitment.

Getting Licensed in WA

Good news: Washington State does not require a specific state license to practice as a Marketing Manager. There is no "Marketing Manager License" from the Washington State Department of Licensing.

However, there are critical professional certifications that hold weight in the local market, especially with larger employers like Boeing and Premera:

• Google Analytics & Ads Certifications: Practically mandatory for any digital-focused role. Free to obtain through Google Skillshop.
• HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification: Highly valued for B2B and tech companies. Free.
• Professional Marketer (PCM®) from the American Marketing Association: A respected, broad certification. Costs around $400 for non-members and requires passing an exam.
• Industry-Specific Certifications: For healthcare (e.g., healthcare marketing certs) or manufacturing (e.g., technical marketing), specialized certifications can set you apart.

Timeline to Get Started: You can begin your job search immediately. There is no state-mandated waiting period or licensing application. If you're targeting a role that heavily uses specific platforms (like Salesforce Marketing Cloud or Adobe Experience Cloud), consider getting a platform-specific certification, which can take 1-3 months of study.

Best Neighborhoods for Marketing Managers

Where you live in Everett defines your commute and lifestyle. Here’s the local breakdown:

1. Downtown Everett/Waterfront: The urban core. Walkable, with the Port of Everett's new marina, the Schack Art Center, and a growing food scene. Ideal for those who want to be near the action and work at Boeing, Providence, or City Hall. Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,700 - $2,200. Commute to major employers is under 10 minutes.
2. North Everett (Rucker Hill/Baker Heights): Established, quiet neighborhoods with historic homes and great views of the Sound. Family-friendly, with good schools. A 10-15 minute drive to downtown or the I-5 corridor. Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,600 - $2,000.
3. South Everett (Airport/Seaway Blvd): More suburban, with newer apartment complexes and easy access to I-5 and I-405. Close to the Everett Mall area and PACCAR. Commute is easy, but less walkable. Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,500 - $1,900.
4. Mill Creek: Technically its own city but part of the Everett metro. A master-planned community with a central "town center," excellent schools, and a highly affluent, professional demographic. Popular with families and senior managers. Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,900 - $2,400+. Commute to Everett is 15-20 minutes.
5. Martha Lake: A more residential, wooded area near the Alderwood Mall and Lynnwood border. Great for those who work on the south side of the county or want easy access to Seattle via I-5. Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,700 - $2,100.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-5 and I-405 can be brutal. If you work at Boeing's Everett site (north end), living in North Everett or Mill Creek saves you from the worst southbound traffic. If you work in downtown Everett, living there eliminates the commute entirely.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Everett's marketing career path is less about vertical climbs in massive corporate ladders and more about strategic lateral moves and specialization.

• Specialty Premiums: You can command a 10-20% salary premium over the median by specializing in:

  • B2B Industrial Marketing: For companies like Fluke or PACCAR.
  • Healthcare Marketing: For Providence or Premera.
  • Technical Marketing: Bridging the gap between engineering and sales for Boeing or aerospace suppliers.
  • Public Sector/Gov't Marketing: For the City of Everett or port authorities.

• Advancement Paths: A common path is:

  1. Start at a local agency (like Sparklite or Sage Island) to build a diverse portfolio.
  2. Move in-house to a mid-sized company (e.g., The Everett Clinic).
  3. Target a senior role at a major employer (Boeing, Premera, Providence).
  4. Consider a director-level role at a smaller company or a startup in the growing tech/advanced manufacturing scene.

• 10-Year Outlook (8% Growth): The growth is steady, not explosive. This means competition will increase, but the demand will remain. The key to longevity will be adapting to data-driven strategies and understanding the unique economic drivers of our region—advanced manufacturing, maritime, and healthcare. The 10-year job growth of 8% suggests that while new roles will appear, the market will become more competitive, making continuous skill development crucial.

The Verdict: Is Everett Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Salary Premium vs. National Average	Car-Dependent city; limited public transit.
Path to Homeownership is realistic on a marketing salary.	Cost of Living Index (113.0) is still above national average, driven by housing.
Diverse Industry Base (Aerospace, Healthcare, Tech, Port)	"Big Company" Focus – fewer pure-play marketing roles at startups.
Central Location to Seattle, Tacoma, and the Cascades.	Weather – gray, drizzly winters from Nov-April.
No State Income Tax boosts net pay.	Limited Nightlife compared to Seattle or Portland.

Final Recommendation: Everett is an excellent choice for a mid-career Marketing Manager (5-15 years of experience) who is financially savvy, values stability, and wants to own a home without a 2-hour commute. It's less ideal for someone seeking a pure startup culture or a vibrant, 24/7 urban scene. If your career aligns with our dominant industries—especially B2B, industrial, or healthcare marketing—Everett offers a powerful combination of high earning potential and a manageable, community-focused lifestyle.

FAQs

1. Is the salary of $163,767 truly attainable for an average Marketing Manager in Everett?
Yes, this is the median salary, meaning half of all Marketing Managers in the metro area earn more, and half earn less. Senior and leadership roles at major employers like Boeing, Premera, or Providence regularly exceed this figure. Entry-level roles will be lower, but the ceiling is high.

2. How competitive is the job market with only 222 jobs listed?
The 222 figure represents a stable, growing market, not a saturated one. It indicates consistent demand rather than a hiring frenzy. Competition exists for the best roles, but with the right experience and a targeted approach (networking with local industry groups), opportunities are solid.

3. Do I need to live in Everett to work there?
Not necessarily. Many professionals commute from nearby cities like Marysville, Lake Stevens, or even across the sound to Kingston (via ferry). However, living in Everett itself eliminates the notorious I-5 traffic and integrates you into the local business community.

4. What's the best way to network locally?
Join the Everett Chamber of Commerce, the Snohomish County Tech Council, and the American Marketing Association's Seattle Chapter. Attend events hosted by the Port of Everett or at the Angel of the Winds Arena. Many local employers recruit directly through these channels.

5. How does the lack of state income tax factor into my decision?
It's a huge financial advantage. Compared to a state like California or Oregon, you'll take home significantly more per dollar earned. This directly contributes to Everett's affordability and the ability to save for a home on the median salary. Always calculate your net pay, not just gross, when comparing offers.