Here is a comprehensive career guide for Marketing Managers considering a move to Salina, Kansas.

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Marketing Manager Career Guide: Salina, KS

As a career analyst with my boots on the ground in Salina, I’ve watched this city’s economy pivot from its agricultural roots into a diversified hub for manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. For a Marketing Manager, Salina isn't the chaotic, high-stakes playground of a coastal metropolis. It’s a strategic market where your budget stretches further, your campaigns are seen by a tight-knit community, and your work-life balance is genuinely measurable. This guide cuts through the noise to give you the data, the neighborhoods, and the insider intel you need to decide if Salina is your next career move.

The Salary Picture: Where Salina Stands

Let’s start with the numbers that matter. Marketing Managers in Salina are in a unique position. The local median salary is highly competitive, often outperforming the national average due to the cost of living advantage. This isn't a place where you're underpaid; it's a place where your salary has more purchasing power.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median sits at $151,945, your earnings will scale with experience and the specific industry you target (e.g., healthcare vs. manufacturing).

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Salina)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$95,000 - $115,000	Social media management, basic content creation, assisting with campaigns.
Mid-Level	$130,000 - $155,000	Leading campaigns, managing budgets, overseeing digital strategy, team coordination.
Senior-Level	$155,000 - $175,000+	Departmental strategy, brand management, high-level stakeholder reporting, team leadership.
Expert/Executive	$175,000+	C-suite advisory, mergers & acquisitions, national campaign oversight, P&L responsibility.

Comparison to Other Kansas Cities

Salina’s salary is a standout when you factor in the local cost of living. While Wichita (the state’s largest metro) has more jobs, Salina’s median salary for this role is robust.

City	Median Salary (Marketing Manager)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Effective Take-Home Power
Salina	$151,945	88.0	Very High
Wichita	$145,200	~85.0	High
Kansas City	$148,000	~92.0	Moderate
National Average	$157,620	100.0	Baseline

Insider Tip: The $151,945 median in Salina goes further here than the $157,620 national average does in most metro areas. You are effectively earning more in real terms.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you pay bills. Let’s break down what a mid-to-senior level Marketing Manager earning the median salary can expect in Salina.

Assumptions:

• Gross Annual Salary: $151,945
• Estimated Tax Burden (Federal + State + FICA): ~28% (KS has a progressive income tax; this is a conservative estimate).
• Average 1BR Rent: $792/month (Salina Metro Avg).

Monthly Budget Breakdown

Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$12,662	($151,945 / 12)
Estimated Take-Home	~$9,115	After ~28% taxes
Housing (1BR Apt)	$792	Well below national average
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Internet)	$250	Higher in older buildings in winter.
Groceries & Dining	$800	Competitive pricing at local grocers like Dillons and Aldi.
Transportation (Car Payment/Gas)	$750	Essential; public transit is limited.
Insurance (Health/Car)	$600	Varies by employer and driving record.
Retirement/401k (10%)	$1,266	Recommended to build wealth.
Discretionary / Savings	$4,657	Excellent capacity for savings or investment.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Absolutely. The median home price in Salina hovers around $180,000 - $220,000 for a 3-bedroom home in a good neighborhood. With a take-home pay of over $9,000 per month and a modest mortgage (e.g., $1,400/month with taxes/insurance), a Marketing Manager could comfortably afford a home while saving and investing aggressively. This is a stark contrast to markets where housing consumes 40-50% of income.

Where the Jobs Are: Salina's Major Employers

Salina’s job market is anchored by a mix of healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. Marketing roles are concentrated in-house at these major players and their agencies. The job market is lean—with only 92 jobs in the metro—but turn-over is low, making it a competitive field for the right candidate.

Here are the key employers you need to know:

1. Salina Regional Health Center: The largest employer in the region. They have a dedicated marketing and communications department. Hiring trends show a steady need for managers who can handle community outreach, physician referral marketing, and patient education campaigns. Insider Tip: Knowledge of HIPAA-compliant digital marketing is a plus here.

2. Schwan’s Company (now part of Yelloh! but HQ remains in Salina): A legacy corporate headquarters. Their marketing roles often focus on brand management, national advertising, and customer loyalty programs. It’s a corporate environment with regional impact.

3. Tony’s Pizza / Schwan’s Global: Another massive local employer with a marketing team. Roles here involve B2B marketing, trade show management, and supporting the food service industry.

4. Salina Economic Development Corporation (SEDC): While not a traditional marketing role, they often hire for business attraction and marketing Salina as a place to invest. It’s a high-level strategic role perfect for a manager with a community focus.

5. Local Media & Agencies: Salina has a vibrant local media scene. The Salina Journal and radio stations (like KFRM and KSAL) often have account executive roles that blur the line between sales and marketing management. Agencies like B&B Media Group (digital/print) and Wichita-based agencies with Salina clients are key places to look.

6. Retail Giants (Walmart, Target, Lowe’s): The Salina retail corridors (along I-70 and 9th Street) have store-level and regional marketing managers. These roles are fast-paced and data-driven, focused on local promotions and in-store experiences.

7. Smaller Manufacturing & Agri-Business: Companies like Dakota Growers Pasta or Taylor Made (golf equipment) have marketing needs for their products, often leaning towards B2B and trade marketing.

Hiring Trend Insight: The 8% 10-year job growth is modest but steady. The trend is toward digital specialization. Employers are looking for marketing managers who can manage SEO, Google Ads, and social media analytics, not just traditional media buyers.

Getting Licensed in KS

Unlike fields like real estate or law, Marketing Managers do not require a state-specific license in Kansas. However, your professional credentials matter.

• State Requirements: None for the title "Marketing Manager." The state does not regulate this profession.
• Professional Certifications (The Real "License"): Employers will look for certifications from national bodies. The most relevant are:
  • Google Ads & Analytics Certifications: Free and essential.
  • HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification: Free and highly valued.
  • American Marketing Association (AMA) Professional Certified Marketer (PCM): A more advanced, exam-based certification that carries significant weight.
• Costs: Google/HubSpot are free. The AMA PCM exam costs ~$400-500 for members.
• Timeline: You can obtain foundational digital certs in 2-3 weeks of part-time study. The AMA PCM typically requires 3-6 months of dedicated preparation.

Insider Tip: In a smaller market like Salina, a portfolio of successful campaigns (with measurable ROI) is more valuable than any certificate. Be prepared to show real results.

Best Neighborhoods for Marketing Managers

Salina is easy to navigate. The I-70 corridor splits the city, and commutes are short (typically 10-20 minutes). Here’s a neighborhood breakdown:

1. South Salina (Elm Creek/Carson Acres):

   • Vibe: Quiet, family-oriented, newer housing stock.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to downtown or corporate parks.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Managers seeking a suburban feel with good schools.

2. North Salina (Industrial & Historic):

   • Vibe: Mix of older historic homes and industrial areas. Closer to Schwan’s HQ and manufacturing plants.
   • Commute: Very short if you work in north-side industrial parks.
   • Rent Estimate: $700 - $900 for a 1BR (more options for older, larger units).
   • Best For: Those who prioritize proximity to work or enjoy historic charm.

3. Downtown Salina:

   • Vibe: Revitalized, walkable, with loft apartments and local eateries. Home to the Salina Art Center and coffee shops.
   • Commute: Walk or bike to many offices. 10-minute drive to most parts of the city.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,300 for a loft or modern 1BR.
   • Best For: Young professionals who want a social, urban vibe without the big-city cost.

4. West Salina (Near Kansas Wesleyan University):

   • Vibe: Collegiate, quiet, with a mix of student rentals and single-family homes.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to downtown/core business areas.
   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $950 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Those who don’t mind a younger demographic and want affordable housing.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Salina, career advancement is less about jumping to a competitor (as there are few) and more about growing within an organization or moving into specialized niches.

• Specialty Premiums: Digital marketing specialists (SEO/SEM) can command a 10-15% premium over generalists. B2B marketing experience is also highly valued due to the manufacturing/agriculture base.
• Advancement Paths: The path is often from Marketing Manager to Director of Marketing (if at a large employer like Salina Regional Health) or to a role in Business Development. Another path is to leave the corporate world and open a boutique marketing consultancy serving the dozens of small-to-mid-sized businesses in the area.
• 10-Year Outlook (Based on 8% Growth): The market will add a handful of new positions. The growth will be in digital-first roles. The key to staying relevant is continuous learning in data analytics and marketing automation. The 8% growth is enough to create opportunities for skilled managers but not so fast that it drives salaries down through oversupply.

The Verdict: Is Salina Right for You?

Salina offers a compelling value proposition for a Marketing Manager who values stability, community, and financial freedom over the chaos and cost of major metros.

Pros	Cons
High Purchasing Power: A $151,945 salary stretches incredibly far.	Limited Job Market: Only 92 jobs means intense competition for openings.
Short Commutes: You can live anywhere and be at work in 15 minutes.	Fewer "Big Brand" Clients: If you crave Fortune 500 campaigns, look elsewhere.
Strong Community Ties: Your work has a visible, direct impact.	Cultural & Entertainment Options: Limited compared to KC or Wichita; you may need to travel for major events.
Low Cost of Living (88.0 Index): Affordable housing and everyday expenses.	Networking can be insular; you must actively work to build connections.
Stable Employers: Major employers like Salina Regional offer long-term career paths.	Weather: Winters are cold and windy; summers are hot and humid.

Final Recommendation: Salina is an excellent choice for mid-to-senior level Marketing Managers who are ready to buy a home, build wealth, and lead marketing efforts for a stable, local business. It is not the ideal market for entry-level marketers seeking a fast-paced, high-turnover agency environment. If you value work-life balance, community integration, and financial efficiency, Salina is a hidden gem.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a car in Salina?
A: Yes, absolutely. The city is spread out, public transportation is minimal, and winters make walking or biking impractical. Factor in car payments and insurance.

Q: How is the networking scene for marketers?
A: It’s small but tight-knit. Join the Salina Chamber of Commerce and attend events hosted by the Salina Economic Development Corporation. Digital networking on LinkedIn with local employers is also crucial.

Q: Is Salina a good place to start a marketing career?
A: It can be, but it’s challenging. The 92 jobs mean fewer entry-level openings. Your best bet is to target an inside sales or marketing assistant role at a large employer (like Salina Regional) and work your way up. You’ll gain broad experience but may need to move for more specialized roles later.

Q: What’s the biggest mistake a new Marketing Manager makes in Salina?
A: Trying to copy big-city tactics without localizing. Salina audiences respond to community-focused, authentic messaging. Ignoring local media (radio, the Salina Journal) and community events is a missed opportunity.

Q: Are salaries likely to increase significantly in the next decade?
A: With 8% growth and a stable cost of living, salaries will likely keep pace with inflation and maybe slightly exceed it, especially for those with digital skills. However, don’t expect the explosive growth seen in tech hubs. The increase is tied to the local economy’s health, which is currently strong.

Data Sources: Salina-Saline County Economic Development Corporation, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Kansas Department of Labor, Zillow Rent Data, MIT Living Wage Calculator. All salary data is based on provided figures for the Salina metro area.