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Digital Marketing hiring trends, hot jobs & top salaries: 2026 Workforce Planning Guide

Addison Group
Addison Group shares digital marketing hiring trends for 2026

The 2026 digital marketing labor market is shaped by rapid technological change and strong demand for skilled talent. Digital media delivers an endless stream of content optimized for engagement and advertising, while streaming channels and social media platforms increasingly leverage advanced ad tech and artificial intelligence (AI) to connect advertisers with consumers. Although global digital ad spending has slowed due to recession fears, it’s still forecasted to reach $1 trillion by 2026.1 This growth supports a
robust digital marketing job market even amid short-term uncertainty.

Job growth for digital marketing professionals is projected at 6% through 20322, slightly above the national average. Market research analysts and digital marketing managers are among the top 100 jobs in the nation.3 Other in-demand roles include SEO specialists, marketing and content strategists, and positions focused on AI, automation, and personalization.

At the same time, technology is reshaping the workforce. Entry-level and junior roles in copywriting, coding, and graphic design are increasingly impacted as AI automates repetitive tasks. However, AI is
unlikely to replace most digital marketing jobs entirely. Human expertise remains essential for managing campaigns, interpreting data, and making strategic decisions. Addison Group has found that professionals who develop strong technical skills and a digital-first mindset will be better positioned for success.

“Today’s marketing world rewards agility and data literacy and candidates with data specialties will certainly stand out in today’s job market.”

Mike Weast, President, IT & Digital Marketing

Talent staying put amid uncertainty

Despite overall growth, economic uncertainty and tighter ad budgets are affecting hiring behavior. Current data suggests hiring for digital marketing positions is roughly 25% below pre pandemic levels.4 Recent tariffs and expected ad budget reductions—more than 60% of advertisers expect a 6%-10% decline in budgets in the months ahead— have led marketing professionals to stay in their current roles longer.5

This dynamic creates a paradox: while marketing professionals are more likely than employees in other functions to explore new opportunities over the next six months6, fewer openings and cautious hiring intensify competition, particularly for high-profile brands and leadership positions.

Delays or overly complicated hiring processes can result in lost candidates, as many top professionals are off the market within 10 days of receiving an offer.7 Employers who emphasize flexibility, offer sign-on bonuses, and provide training opportunities will gain a competitive advantage.

Digital Marketing statistic that says, "Job growth is projected to grow 6% through 2023."

Real world experience is non-negotiable

From AI-powered avatars to voice cloning, rapid marketing technology evolution makes practical experience essential. Employers will focus less on formal education and more on proven problem-solving abilities and experience in developing engaging, multi-platform content.

Recruiters increasingly rely on applicant tracking systems (ATS) to identify candidates with relevant skills. Professionals who can demonstrate hands-on experience with AI, Python, SQL, and other data management technologies are highly sought after and can command 20-30% higher compensation than peers without these advanced skills.8

The digital marketing labor market is growing, but both employer and candidate success will hinge on adaptability. Employers who move quickly and invest in skills development will secure the best talent, while professionals who master AI and data-driven tools will command the greatest opportunities.

In-demand roles

  • Market Research Analysts
  • Digital Marketing Managers
  • SEO Specialists
  • AI/Automation Strategists

Highest-paid Digital Marketing salaries

Titles National averages
e-Commerce Director$164,722
User Experience (UX) Designer$118,398
Digital Marketing Manager$112,794
User Interface (UI) Designer $107,132
Web Developer$105,048

For more valuable insights and national averages of salaries across hundreds of roles in administrative, digital marketing, finance, accounting, healthcare, human resources, and information technology, download your free copy today.

Download the Workforce Planning Guide
  1. https://www.marketingdive.com/news/magna-latest-to-downgrade-global-ad-spending-forecast-expects-979b/750871/#:~:text=While%20the%20global%20ad%20market,pass%20$400%20billion%20in%20revenue.
  2. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm
  3. https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/rankings/the-100-best-jobs
  4. https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/IHLIDXUSTPMARK
  5. https://www.emarketer.com/content/us-ad-growth-slows-2025-economic-uncertainty-looms
  6. https://www.staffingindustry.com/news/global-daily-news/73-of-us-workers-plan-to-stay-in-jobs
  7. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/true-cost-delays-hiring-processes-how-slow-decision-making-costs-yxtlf/
  8. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-ai-proficiency-must-have-marketing-skill-2025-nantha-kumar-l-uivyc/