Marketing Manager in Irving, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Irving Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Irving’s marketing salary landscape is shaped by its unique position in the DFW metro. It’s not Dallas proper, but it’s not a suburb in the traditional sense—it’s a corporate hub with deep ties to the tech and logistics industries. This drives compensation that consistently outpaces the national average.

For a Marketing Manager in Irving, the median salary is $159,180/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $76.53/hour. This puts you ahead of the national average for the role, which sits at $157,620/year. While the difference might seem minor on paper, in practice it means a significant edge in purchasing power within the local market. The metro area supports 508 jobs for this role, indicating a stable, though not hyper-competitive, job market. With a 10-year job growth projection of 8%, the outlook is steady but not explosive—ideal for those seeking stability over high-risk, high-reward startup environments.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in Irving follow a clear progression, heavily influenced by the specific industry you’re in. Tech and healthcare marketing roles typically command the highest premiums.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Irving Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$105,000 - $125,000	Campaign execution, social media management, basic analytics.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$135,000 - $165,000	Strategy development, team leadership, budget management.
Senior	8-12 years	$165,000 - $200,000	Departmental oversight, cross-functional leadership, major vendor negotiation.
Expert/VP	12+ years	$200,000+ (often with bonus/equity)	C-suite advisory, global strategy, P&L ownership.

Comparison to Other Texas Cities

Irving holds a strong middle ground. It pays more than San Antonio and Austin (where cost of living is now often higher) but doesn’t quite match the peak salaries found in specialized Dallas neighborhoods like Uptown or Legacy West in Plano.

City	Median Salary (Marketing Manager)	Key Industries	Notes
Irving	$159,180	Tech, Logistics, Healthcare	Balanced market, moderate competition.
Dallas	~$162,000	Finance, Tech, Consulting	Higher ceiling but fierce competition and longer commutes.
Austin	~$158,000	Tech, Startup Ecosystem	More volatile, higher cost of living.
San Antonio	~$148,000	Healthcare, Military, Tourism	Lower cost of living but also lower salary potential.

Insider Tip: Your salary negotiation power in Irving is highest when targeting employers in the "Las Colinas" or "Valley View" corridors. These areas house corporate campuses for companies in tech and professional services, where marketing roles are directly tied to revenue.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. A median salary of $159,180 in Texas is a strong position. Texas has no state income tax, which is a massive advantage, but you still have federal taxes, FICA, and other deductions.

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay (After Taxes):
Assuming you file single and take the standard deduction, your take-home pay would be approximately $9,500 - $10,000/month. This is a conservative estimate; your actual take-home could be higher if you contribute to pre-tax benefits like a 401(k) or HSA.

The Rent Reality:
The average 1BR rent in Irving is $1,291/month. However, this is an average across the city. In prime areas, you’ll pay more.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a Marketing Manager in Irving:

• Gross Monthly Pay: ~$13,265
• Estimated Take-Home: ~$9,600
• Rent (1BR in a good area): $1,400 - $1,800
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): $200 - $300
• Groceries & Household: $600 - $800
• Car Payment, Gas, Insurance: $500 - $800 (Highly variable)
• Health Insurance (Employer Plan): $200 - $400
• Entertainment & Dining: $400 - $600
• Savings/Investment: $2,000 - $3,000

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, but with caveats. The median home price in Irving is around $400,000 - $450,000. With a $159,180 salary and a good credit score, you can likely afford a home in the $400,000 - $500,000 range. The key is your debt-to-income ratio. If you have minimal other debt, a 20% down payment ($80k - $100k) would keep your monthly mortgage, taxes, and insurance under $3,000, which is manageable on your take-home pay. Many marketing professionals I know in Irving choose to live in nearby suburbs like Coppell or Southlake for more space, accepting a 15-20 minute commute for better school districts and larger yards.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. A median salary of $159,180 in Texas is a strong position. Texas has no state income tax, which is a massive advantage, but you still have federal taxes, FICA, and other deductions.

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay (After Taxes):
Assuming you file single and take the standard deduction, your take-home pay would be approximately $9,500 - $10,000/month. This is a conservative estimate; your actual take-home could be higher if you contribute to pre-tax benefits like a 401(k) or HSA.

The Rent Reality:
The average 1BR rent in Irving is $1,291/month. However, this is an average across the city. In prime areas, you’ll pay more.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a Marketing Manager in Irving:

• Gross Monthly Pay: ~$13,265
• Estimated Take-Home: ~$9,600
• Rent (1BR in a good area): $1,400 - $1,800
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): $200 - $300
• Groceries & Household: $600 - $800
• Car Payment, Gas, Insurance: $500 - $800 (Highly variable)
• Health Insurance (Employer Plan): $200 - $400
• Entertainment & Dining: $400 - $600
• Savings/Investment: $2,000 - $3,000

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, but with caveats. The median home price in Irving is around $400,000 - $450,000. With a $159,180 salary and a good credit score, you can likely afford a home in the $400,000 - $500,000 range. The key is your debt-to-income ratio. If you have minimal other debt, a 20% down payment ($80k - $100k) would keep your monthly mortgage, taxes, and insurance under $3,000, which is manageable on your take-home pay. Many marketing professionals I know in Irving choose to live in nearby suburbs like Coppell or Southlake for more space, accepting a 15-20 minute commute for better school districts and larger yards.

Where the Jobs Are: Irving's Major Employers

Irving’s job market is anchored by a mix of Fortune 500 headquarters, major logistics players, and healthcare systems. Marketing roles here are less about brand storytelling for small businesses and more about B2B demand generation, corporate communications, and market expansion.

1. ExxonMobil (Corporate Campus, Las Colinas): While their global HQ is in Houston, their massive Las Colinas campus is a major employer for downstream and corporate marketing roles. They hire for brand strategy, internal communications, and digital marketing for their lubricants and chemicals divisions. Hiring is steady but competitive; they value experience in complex, regulated industries.

2. American Airlines (HQ, Irving): A cornerstone of the local economy. Marketing roles here span from customer loyalty program management to corporate communications and B2B sales support. The work environment is fast-paced and data-heavy. Insider tip: Networking at the Irving Chamber of Commerce events is key here, as hiring often happens through internal referrals.

3. Cotiviti (formerly Verscend Technologies): A major healthcare analytics and payments company. They are constantly hiring marketing managers, especially those with experience in B2B healthcare technology. The marketing focus is on lead generation, content creation for white papers, and webinar campaigns. This is a growing sector in Irving, tied to the presence of Baylor Scott & White and other medical providers.

4. The Dallas Stars (American Airlines Center): While the team plays in Dallas, their corporate offices are in Irving. They offer roles in digital marketing, fan engagement, and partnership marketing. This is a highly competitive, creative space with a strong emphasis on social media and event-driven campaigns.

5. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center (Irving): This is a major healthcare employer. Marketing roles here are focused on community outreach, physician relations, and patient acquisition. The work is strategic and often involves navigating strict healthcare marketing regulations (HIPAA). This is a stable sector with consistent hiring.

6. CEVA Logistics (Headquarters, Irving): As a global logistics leader, CEVA’s marketing team works on B2B lead generation, trade show presence, and thought leadership in supply chain. This is a great niche for marketers who want to work in a fast-moving, international industry.

Hiring Trends: The most active hiring is in tech-adjacent marketing (like at Cotiviti) and healthcare marketing. Roles at large corporations like Exxon or American Airlines are more stable but have longer hiring cycles. Remote work is common, but hybrid models are the new standard in Irving, with 2-3 days in the office for many marketing teams.

Getting Licensed in TX

Good news—there are no state-specific licenses required to practice marketing in Texas. You don’t need a state license like a nurse or a realtor. However, certifications are crucial for career advancement and are often expected for senior roles.

State-Specific Requirements & Costs:

• No State License: The Texas Department of State Health Services or the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation does not regulate marketing.
• Professional Certifications: The most valuable are from the American Marketing Association (AMA) and Google.
  • AMA Professional Certified Marketer (PCM): ~$495 for members, ~$695 for non-members.
  • Google Ads & Analytics Certifications: Free, but require passing exams.
  • HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification: Free.

Timeline to Get Started:
You can start applying for jobs immediately. For certifications:

• Google Certifications: Can be achieved in 1-2 weeks of focused study.
• AMA PCM: Requires more study, typically 2-3 months of prep. It’s highly recommended for mid-to-senior level roles and can boost starting salary negotiations.

Insider Tip: In Irving, a certification in Project Management (PMP) or Agile/Scrum is increasingly valuable for marketing managers in tech and corporate roles, as it shows you can manage complex campaigns and cross-functional teams efficiently.

Best Neighborhoods for Marketing Managers

Choosing where to live in Irving depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a local’s breakdown:

1. Las Colinas / Valley View:

   • Commute: 5-15 minutes to most major corporate offices.
   • Lifestyle: Upscale, urban feel with walkable areas like the Toyota Music Factory. Lots of young professionals.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,600 - $2,200
   • Best For: Those who want to be in the heart of the action with a minimal commute.

2. Coppell (Bordering Irving):

   • Commute: 10-20 minutes to Irving offices, 25-35 to Dallas.
   • Lifestyle: Suburban, family-friendly, excellent school districts. More space for your money.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,400 - $1,700
   • Best For: Marketing managers with families or those seeking a quieter, community-oriented life.

3. South Irving (Near UNT Dallas):

   • Commute: 15-30 minutes to most offices, depending on traffic.
   • Lifestyle: More affordable, diverse, with a growing arts scene. Your dollar goes further here.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,100 - $1,400
   • Best For: Early-career professionals or those prioritizing affordability and a longer commute.

4. Southlake (Grapevine Area):

   • Commute: 20-30 minutes to Irving offices.
   • Lifestyle: Affluent, top-tier schools, upscale shopping and dining. Very suburban.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,800 - $2,500+
   • Best For: Senior managers with families who can afford the premium and value school quality above all.

5. Valley Ranch:

   • Commute: 10-20 minutes to most Irving offices.
   • Lifestyle: A hidden gem. Master-planned community with parks, trails, and a strong sense of community. More residential feel than Las Colinas.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,300 - $1,600
   • Best For: A balanced lifestyle with convenience and green space.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 8% in the Irving metro indicates a stable, maturing market. The path forward is less about explosive startup growth and more about specialization and corporate ladder climbing.

Specialty Premiums:

• B2B Tech Marketing: +10-15% above base. High demand for marketers who can speak the language of software sales and SaaS.
• Healthcare Marketing: +5-10% above base. Requires navigating complex regulations but offers incredible stability.
• Data-Driven/Digital Marketing: +10% above base. Skills in marketing automation (Marketo, HubSpot), SEO/SEM, and data analytics are non-negotiable for advancement.

Advancement Paths:

1. Individual Contributor to Manager: Typically 5-7 years. You’ll need to demonstrate campaign success and basic team leadership.
2. Manager to Senior Manager/Director: 8-12 years. This requires managing larger budgets, cross-functional projects, and mentoring. An MBA can be helpful here but is not always required.
3. Director to VP: 12+ years. This is about strategic vision, P&L ownership, and C-suite communication. Your network within the DFW metro is critical.

10-Year Outlook:
The marketing field is evolving. In Irving, expect a continued shift toward digital-first strategies, even in traditional industries like logistics and healthcare. The marketers who thrive will be those who combine creative storytelling with hard data analysis. The 8% growth suggests that while new roles will be created (especially in digital niches), competition for senior positions will remain high. Building a reputation in a specific industry (e.g., "the go-to healthcare marketing person in Irving") will be more valuable than being a generalist.

The Verdict: Is Irving Right for You?

Irving offers a compelling package for marketing managers: a strong salary, a stable job market, and a strategic location in the DFW powerhouse. It’s not the most glamorous city, but it’s practical, affordable, and full of opportunity.

Pros	Cons
Median Salary ($159,180) is above national average with no state income tax.	Can be suburban and car-dependent; lacks the walkable urban core of Dallas or Austin.
Strategic location in DFW with easy access to two major airports and the entire metro.	Job growth (8%) is steady, not explosive; fewer cutting-edge startup roles compared to Austin.
Diverse, stable industries (tech, healthcare, logistics) provide job security.	Cost of living index (103.3) is slightly above average; rents in prime areas are high.
Affordable housing relative to other major metros, even in desirable neighborhoods.	Cultural scene is more subdued; you'll commute to Dallas for major concerts and museums.
Strong corporate network for career advancement and networking.	Competition for top-tier roles is intense at major employers like Exxon and American Airlines.

Final Recommendation:
Irving is an excellent choice for mid-career to senior Marketing Managers who prioritize career stability, financial comfort, and a manageable lifestyle. It’s ideal for those in B2B, healthcare, or logistics marketing. If you crave the energy of a startup scene