Career Guide: Marketing Manager in Virginia Beach, VA

The Salary Picture: Where Virginia Beach Stands

As a local, I've watched the marketing field evolve in Virginia Beach from a tourism-centric focus to a more diversified landscape. The salary data confirms this shift. The median salary for a Marketing Manager in Virginia Beach is $156,390/year, which translates to a solid $75.19/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $157,620/year, a common trade-off for coastal living. The job market is active but not flooded; there are 907 jobs listed for the metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 8%, indicating steady, sustainable demand rather than a boom-and-bust cycle.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Experience is the single biggest driver of compensation. Here’s how salaries typically scale in the local market:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Annual)	Key Local Market Realities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$65,000 - $85,000	Often found in smaller agencies or as a coordinator within a larger corporate team. Focus is on execution (social media, email campaigns).
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$95,000 - $130,000	The most common bracket. You're managing campaigns, budgets, and possibly a junior team member. Roles at companies like ADP or local healthcare systems are prevalent here.
Senior (8-12 yrs)	$135,000 - $165,000	You oversee major product launches, brand strategy, and multi-channel campaigns. This is where the median salary of $156,390 lands.
Expert/Leadership (12+ yrs)	$170,000 - $200,000+	Director or VP-level roles. You manage entire marketing departments, P&L, and align with C-suite goals. Often at the largest employers or specialized firms.

Virginia Beach vs. Other VA Cities

Virginia Beach holds its own but follows a coastal vs. capital dynamic.

• Virginia Beach ($156,390): Slightly below the national average but offers a unique blend of military-affiliated, tourism, and corporate marketing roles. The lifestyle premium (beaches, parks) is factored in.
• Richmond ($160,000 - $170,000): The state capital's economy, with major state agencies, insurance, and banking (Capital One, Markel), drives salaries higher. The cost of living, especially in neighborhoods like Scott’s Addition, is commensurate.
• Arlington/NoVA ($180,000 - $200,000+): Proximity to federal contractors and tech giants (Amazon HQ2) creates a premium market. However, the cost of living and traffic are significantly more challenging.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's break down the numbers for a mid-to-senior level manager earning the median salary of $156,390.

Assumptions: Single filer, no dependents, taking the standard deduction, and assuming state income tax (Virginia's rates are progressive, averaging ~5.5% for this income level). Federal taxes are estimated. This is a simplified view.

• Gross Annual Salary: $156,390
• Estimated Annual Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$43,000
• Estimated Net Annual Take-Home: ~$113,390
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home: ~$9,449

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Avg.)	$1,287	This is the metro average. A nicer place in a prime area will be higher.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$200 - $250	Coastal humidity can increase summer AC costs.
Car Payment/Insurance	$500 - $700	Virginia Beach is car-dependent. Insurance rates are moderate.
Groceries & Dining	$800 - $1,000	Seafood is fresh and affordable; otherwise, costs align with national averages.
Health Insurance (if not fully covered)	$300 - $500	Varies widely by employer.
Savings/Retirement (15-20%)	$1,400 - $1,900	Strongly recommended.
Discretionary (Entertainment, Travel, etc.)	$1,500 - $2,000	Living at the beach offers many low-cost recreational activities.
Total Estimated Monthly Outflow	$6,000 - $7,000	Leaves a healthy buffer for savings, vacations, or a mortgage.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Yes, but with a strategic plan. With a monthly take-home of ~$9,449 and estimated expenses of ~$6,500, a single earner has a surplus of ~$2,949. The key is the down payment.

• Median Home Price (VA Beach): ~$425,000 (varies by neighborhood).
• 20% Down Payment: $85,000 (required to avoid PMI).
• Monthly Mortgage (at 6.5%): $2,160 (Principal & Interest), plus taxes/insurance ($600), for a total of ~$2,760.

Verdict: Saving the $85,000 down payment is the main hurdle. With disciplined saving (using that ~$2,949 surplus), it's achievable in 2-3 years. Once purchased, the mortgage is well within budget, leaving room for maintenance and other costs. Many locals start with condos in neighborhoods like Chic's Beach or Kemps River before upgrading.

Where the Jobs Are: Virginia Beach's Major Employers

The job market is a mix of large corporate, healthcare, military, and tourism entities. Here are the key players:

1. ADP (Automatic Data Processing): A massive local employer with a significant sales and marketing hub. They hire for content marketing, demand generation, and product marketing roles. Hiring is steady, often tied to their fiscal year.
2. Sentara Healthcare: With multiple hospitals (Sentara Princess Anne, Sentara Leigh) and a large regional footprint, their marketing team focuses on community outreach, brand management, and patient acquisition. They value experience in healthcare or B2C service marketing.
3. Kemps: The iconic local dairy brand (now owned by a larger entity, but the local presence is huge). Their marketing focuses on regional campaigns, partnerships, and digital media. A great niche for someone with a passion for CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods).
4. Military Contractors (General Dynamics NASSCO, BAE Systems): While engineering-focused, their marketing departments handle government proposal writing, internal communications, and government relations. These roles often require or prefer a security clearance and experience in B2G (Business-to-Government) marketing.
5. The City of Virginia Beach (Government): The largest employer in the region. The marketing/communications team handles tourism campaigns (Visit Virginia Beach), city initiatives, public service announcements. Stable, with a focus on community engagement.
6. Local Agencies (e.g., The Martin Agency, local boutiques): While many agencies are based in Richmond, Virginia Beach has a growing scene of boutique agencies specializing in tourism, real estate, and local businesses. These offer a faster pace and broader skill development.

Insider Tip: Network through the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce and the American Marketing Association (AMA) Hampton Roads Chapter. Many senior roles here are filled through referrals before hitting job boards.

Getting Licensed in VA

There is no state-specific license required to be a Marketing Manager in Virginia. This is a critical point. Marketing is a professional field governed by certifications and experience, not state licensure.

• What You Should Consider: Certifications are what matter. The most recognized are:
  • Professional Certified Marketer (PCM): Offered by the AMA. Requires experience, a passing score, and continuing education.
  • Google Analytics & Ads Certifications: Free and essential for digital roles.
  • HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification: Free and widely respected.
• Costs: PCM exam fee is around $400 for AMA members. Other popular certs (like Project Management Professional - PMP) can cost $500-$1,000.
• Timeline: You can start studying and taking certification exams immediately. For advanced roles, employers look for a Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or Business (often a requirement for mid-to-senior levels).

Insider Tip: If you’re moving from a state with specific marketing regulations (e.g., certain promotions), be prepared to adapt. Virginia’s business laws are relatively standard, but always review local competition laws.

Best Neighborhoods for Marketing Managers

Virginia Beach is a city of distinct neighborhoods. Your choice depends on your commute, budget, and lifestyle.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Chic's Beach (North End)	Beachy, relaxed, close to the oceanfront. Commute to central VB is 15-20 mins.	$1,400 - $1,600	Those who want the coastal lifestyle without the tourist bustle. Popular with young professionals.
Kemps River	Suburban, family-friendly, near major retail (Kemps River Shopping Center). Commute to central VB is 10-15 mins.	$1,200 - $1,400	Great for those seeking a quieter, more residential feel with easy access to amenities.
Town Center	Urban, walkable, high-energy. Close to restaurants, shops, and corporate offices. Commute is minimal if you work nearby.	$1,500 - $1,800	The best option for those who want a city feel, a short commute, and a social scene.
Princess Anne	Academic, quiet, near Old Dominion University and the Oceanfront. Commute to central VB can be 20-25 mins.	$1,100 - $1,300	Ideal for those who prioritize academic events, golf, and a slower pace.
Sandbridge	Secluded, upscale beachfront living. Far from central VB (30+ min commute), fewer jobs nearby.	$1,800 - $2,500+	For established professionals seeking a premium, quiet retreat. Not ideal for daily commuting.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Virginia Beach offers solid long-term prospects, especially for those who specialize.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Digital/SEO/PPC Specialists: Can command a 10-15% premium over generalist marketers due to high demand in the tourism and local business sectors.
  • Healthcare Marketing: With Sentara and Bon Secours as major employers, experience in this sector is valuable and can lead to stable, well-compensated roles.
  • Military/Government Marketing: Salaries here can be high due to the need for security clearances and specific knowledge; however, the job pool is more volatile.

• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Marketing Coordinator -> Marketing Manager -> Senior Marketing Manager -> Director of Marketing. With the 10-year job growth of 8%, expect more senior and director-level roles to emerge, especially within the corporate (ADP) and healthcare sectors. Moving into a VP role may require branching into nearby Richmond or D.C. for larger corporate offices.

• 10-Year Outlook: The growth is steady. The focus will continue to shift towards digital, data-driven marketing. Those who can blend traditional brand management with analytics (using tools like Salesforce Marketing Cloud, which ADP uses) will be most secure. The tourism industry will always be a pillar, but the corporate and healthcare sectors are growing faster.

The Verdict: Is Virginia Beach Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Living at 97.4 (below US average) on a $156,390 salary provides a high quality of life.	Car Dependency: Public transit is limited. You will need a car for almost everything.
Unique Job Market: Blend of tourism, military, healthcare, and corporate roles at companies like ADP and Sentara.	Seasonal Fluctuations: Tourism marketing jobs can be seasonal; some roles may be less stable in winter.
Lifestyle Perks: Beaches, parks, and a relaxed pace are unmatched.	Limited "C-Suite" Presence: Fewer Fortune 500 headquarters. Advancement to top executive roles may require relocation.
Steady Growth: 8% 10-year job growth and 907 jobs indicate a resilient market.	Hurricane Risk: Coastal living comes with seasonal storm threats, which can impact business operations.

Final Recommendation:
Virginia Beach is an excellent choice for a Marketing Manager seeking a strong work-life balance and a lower cost of living without sacrificing career opportunities. It's ideal for mid-level professionals (earning near the $156,390 median) who want to own a home, enjoy outdoor activities, and work in a diverse but manageable market. If your primary goal is to break into the highest echelons of Fortune 500 corporate marketing, Richmond or Northern Virginia might offer more immediate opportunities. For a balanced, fulfilling career and lifestyle, Virginia Beach is a compelling destination.

FAQs

1. Is the job market saturated for Marketing Managers in Virginia Beach?
No. With 907 jobs in the metro and 8% growth, the market is active but not oversaturated. Competition exists, especially for roles at top employers like ADP or Sentara, but there's steady demand across sectors.

2. How important is a security clearance for marketing jobs here?
It's a major advantage but not always required. For roles with military contractors (BAE, General Dynamics), a clearance or the ability to obtain one is essential. For most civilian roles at ADP, healthcare, or tourism, it's not needed.

3. Can I rely on public transportation for my commute?
It's very limited. The Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) bus system exists, but routes are not comprehensive. Most professionals in Virginia Beach drive. If you work in Town Center or near the oceanfront, some areas are walkable, but a car is still highly recommended.

4. What's the best time of year to look for marketing jobs here?
The hiring cycle often aligns with fiscal years. Q1 (Jan-Mar) and Q3 (Jul-Sep) are typically the busiest. Avoid the summer (June-Aug) when tourism is in full swing and hiring might slow down for non-tourism roles. For tourism-specific jobs, start looking in late winter for summer positions.

5. How does Virginia's state income tax affect my take-home pay?
Virginia has a progressive income tax with rates ranging from 2% to 5.75%. For a salary of $156,390, you'll pay roughly 5.5% on the state portion, which is included in the tax estimate in this guide. It's lower than some states (like California or New York) but higher than states with no income tax (like Florida or Tennessee).