Marketing Manager in Fall River, MA

The Salary Picture: Where Fall River Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. If you're a Marketing Manager in Fall River, you're likely earning a median salary of $158,045/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $75.98/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $157,620/year, which is a solid starting point. The job market itself is modest but stable, with 187 jobs currently listed in the metro area and a 10-year job growth projection of 8%. While that growth isn't explosive, it indicates steady demand, especially in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and higher education that anchor the local economy.

To understand where you fit in, here’s a breakdown by experience level. Note that these are estimates based on regional data and the provided median; real-world offers will vary by industry and company size.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Fall River)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$85,000 - $110,000	Campaign execution, social media management, analytics reporting.
Mid-Career	$120,000 - $150,000	Strategy development, budget management, team supervision.
Senior	$160,000 - $190,000	Multi-channel strategy, department leadership, C-suite reporting.
Expert	$200,000+	Executive leadership, brand transformation, private equity/consulting.

How does this stack up against other Massachusetts cities? Fall River’s median salary is competitive for its cost of living. In Boston, the median for Marketing Managers can exceed $180,000, but the cost of living is over 50% higher. Worcester offers a median closer to $152,000, with a lower cost of living than Boston but still higher than Fall River. Providence, RI, just over the border, has a median around $154,000. Fall River strikes a balance: a strong salary relative to its living expenses, making it a financially strategic choice for those who want the Massachusetts job market without the Boston price tag.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A six-figure salary looks great on paper, but what’s the practical reality? Let’s run the numbers for a single filer earning the median $158,045.

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay (After Taxes):

• Federal Income Tax: ~$2,400
• State Income Tax (MA 5%): ~$660
• FICA (7.65%): ~$1,005
• Estimated Net Monthly Income: ~$9,450

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Housing (1BR Apt, Avg $1,398): $1,398
• Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet): $250
• Groceries: $500
• Car Payment & Insurance (Ave. for MA): $650
• Health Insurance (Employer-Sponsored): $300
• Retirement Savings (10%): $1,320
• Discretionary/Entertainment: $1,300
• Remaining Buffer: $3,732

This budget leaves a substantial buffer, even after saving aggressively. The key variable is housing. The average 1BR rent of $1,398/month is manageable on this salary. However, if you desire a 2BR for a home office or family, expect to pay closer to $1,700 - $1,900, which is still very feasible.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a $3,732 monthly buffer, a median-priced home in the Fall River area (around $400,000) is within reach. A 20% down payment ($80,000) is a significant hurdle, but with disciplined saving for 2-3 years, it’s achievable. Mortgage payments (including taxes and insurance) for such a home would likely be around $2,400 - $2,600/month, which is roughly 25% of your gross monthly income—a very healthy ratio.

Where the Jobs Are: Fall River's Major Employers

Fall River’s economy is built on a few key pillars: healthcare, education, and specialized manufacturing. Marketing roles here are less about consumer tech and more about B2B, institutional, and community-focused marketing.

1. Southcoast Health System: This is the largest employer in the region, anchored by Charlton Memorial Hospital. They have a robust marketing and communications department focused on patient education, service line promotion, and community health initiatives. Hiring is steady, and roles often require a blend of traditional and digital marketing skills.
2. Bristol Community College: As a key educational institution in the city, BCC’s marketing team works on enrollment campaigns, student retention, and community partnership programs. The work is mission-driven and offers a stable, academic environment.
3. BayCoast Bank: A major regional financial institution headquartered in nearby Swansea, BayCoast actively markets business banking, mortgages, and community investment programs. Their marketing roles often require strong data analysis and compliance knowledge.
4. Manufacturing & Logistics Firms: While not household names, companies like U.S. Polymers and APL Logistics (with local operations) need marketing managers for B2B outreach, trade shows, and sales enablement. These roles are niche but pay well due to their technical focus.
5. City of Fall River: The municipal government and its associated agencies (like the Fall River Office of Economic Development) hire marketing/communications professionals for tourism campaigns, public information, and community engagement projects.
6. Local Agencies & Consultants: The region has a handful of mid-sized marketing agencies serving the South Coast region. These are great for gaining diverse experience but often come with a slightly lower salary than in-house corporate roles.

Insider Tip: Many of these employers, especially in healthcare and education, have a strong preference for local candidates who understand the South Coast community. Highlighting any local connections or familiarity with the region in your application can be a significant advantage.

Getting Licensed in MA

For Marketing Managers, there is no state-specific license required in Massachusetts. The field is unlicensed, meaning you can practice without a government-issued permit. However, professional certifications are highly valued and can directly impact your salary potential.

The most relevant certifications are from national bodies:

• Digital Marketing Certifications (Google Ads, HubSpot, Facebook Blueprint): These are low-cost ($100-$300 for exams) and can be completed in a few weeks. They are essential for staying competitive.
• Professional Certifications: The American Marketing Association (AMA) offers the Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) credential. The exam fee is around $400 for members. This is a respected, comprehensive certification that signals expertise.
• Project Management: Many marketing managers find the PMP (Project Management Professional) or Scrum Master certifications invaluable, especially for leading cross-functional teams. The PMP exam costs $555.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Immediate: Update your LinkedIn and resume with local keywords (e.g., "South Coast," "Bristol County").
• 1-2 Months: Pursue a relevant digital certification (e.g., Google Analytics) to boost your resume.
• 3-6 Months: Research and apply to target employers. Network with local professionals via LinkedIn or groups like the South Coast Area Chamber of Commerce.
• Ongoing: Consider the AMA PCM if you're aiming for senior roles.

Best Neighborhoods for Marketing Managers

Fall River is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and commute profile.

1. The Highlands: The most affluent and established neighborhood, featuring historic homes and the prestigious B.M.C. Durfee High School. It’s quiet, family-friendly, and has a central location. Commute to downtown or Southcoast Health is minimal (10-15 mins).
   • Rent Estimate (2BR): $1,800 - $2,200/month
2. North End: A densely populated, working-class neighborhood with a strong sense of community. It’s more affordable and offers a true "city" feel. Commute to major employers is easy via Route 24.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,100 - $1,400/month
3. Westport (Just outside the city line): While technically a separate town, many Fall River professionals live here for its suburban feel, beaches, and excellent schools. The commute to Fall River is 15-20 minutes.
   • Rent Estimate (2BR): $1,900 - $2,400/month
4. Downtown/Maplewood: This area is seeing revitalization with new restaurants and apartments. It’s walkable and has a growing arts scene. Ideal for young professionals who want to be in the heart of the action.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR/Loft): $1,500 - $1,800/month
5. Oak Grove: A quiet, residential neighborhood with good value. It’s a short drive from the highway and offers a peaceful retreat without being too far from amenities.
   • Rent Estimate (2BR): $1,500 - $1,700/month

Commute Insight: Most major employers are located along the Route 24 corridor or in the downtown area. Traffic is generally manageable, and a 20-minute commute is typical from most neighborhoods.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 8% is modest but reliable. The real growth for a Marketing Manager in Fall River will come from specialization and leadership.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest salary jumps come from specializing in high-demand areas. Digital Marketing Management (especially SEO/SEM and marketing automation) can command a 10-15% premium over generalist roles. Healthcare and B2B marketing are also lucrative specialities due to the local employer base.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Marketing Manager -> Senior Marketing Manager -> Director of Marketing/Communications -> VP of Marketing. The jump from Manager to Director is where you can see salaries push into the $180,000+ range. Many professionals also pivot to roles like Product Marketing Manager (if in a tech-adjacent firm) or Marketing Consultant for even higher earnings.
• 10-Year Outlook: The demand will shift further toward data-driven marketing. Managers who can prove ROI on campaigns (using tools like Google Analytics, Salesforce, and HubSpot) will be invaluable. The growth of remote work also means you can compete for roles based in Boston or Providence while living in Fall River, leveraging the salary difference.

The Verdict: Is Fall River Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Salary-to-Cost-of-Living Ratio: Your $158,045 goes much further than in Boston or Providence.	Limited Industry Variety: The job market is concentrated in healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Fewer "cool" tech startup roles.
Stable, Growing Job Market: 187 jobs and 8% growth provide security.	Smaller Network: The professional networking pool is smaller than in major metros.
Strategic Location: Proximity to Boston (1 hour), Providence (30 mins), and Cape Cod offers easy access to more opportunities and lifestyle perks.	City Challenges: Like many former industrial cities, Fall River has areas with economic struggles and older infrastructure.
Authentic New England Character: A rich history, waterfront access, and a genuine community feel.	Public Transportation is Limited: Reliance on a car is almost a necessity.

Final Recommendation:
Fall River is an excellent choice for a Marketing Manager who values financial stability, a manageable cost of living, and a strong sense of community. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home or start a family without sacrificing career quality. If you crave the hyper-competitive, fast-paced environment of a major tech hub or need a vast array of industry options, you might find it limiting. However, for those who can leverage remote work or specialize in the local high-demand sectors, Fall River offers a compelling, balanced career and lifestyle proposition.

FAQs

Q: Is it easy to get a job in Fall River as an out-of-state candidate?
A: It's possible, but local knowledge helps. Many employers prefer candidates familiar with the South Coast community. If you're applying from afar, emphasize any regional experience or a clear, researched plan for why you're relocating. Networking with local professionals on LinkedIn before applying can make a huge difference.

Q: How does the cost of living really compare to nearby cities?
A: Fall River's Cost of Living Index is 100.9 (US avg = 100). Boston is around 150, and Providence is about 118. This means your salary goes 20-30% further in Fall River than in Providence, and nearly 50% further than in Boston, especially when considering housing.

Q: Are there opportunities for remote work in this field locally?
A: Yes. The pandemic accelerated this trend, especially with larger employers like Southcoast Health and BayCoast Bank. Many marketing roles now offer hybrid schedules. Furthermore, living in Fall River allows you to apply for fully remote positions based anywhere, giving you access to Boston salaries while paying Fall River rent.

Q: What's the best way to network in the region?
A: The South Coast Area Chamber of Commerce is the primary hub. Join their events and young professionals groups. Also, look for the AMA Boston chapter, which has members from across the state. LinkedIn is very active locally—search for people at your target employers and request informational interviews.

Q: Is the job market competitive?
A: Moderately. With only 187 jobs listed, you won't have the volume of openings seen in Boston. However, the candidate pool is also smaller. A well-crafted application that shows you understand the local market (e.g., mentioning Southcoast Health or a recent city initiative) will stand out significantly. The 8% growth suggests competition isn't as fierce as in stagnant markets.