Aptly
Careers · Business and financial operations

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

Market research analysts and marketing specialists study markets to understand customer needs, competition, and sales potential. They gather data on pricing, competitors, and distribution methods to guide marketing campaigns and business decisions. This work occurs in offices, corporations, agencies, and online environments across all industries.

$78,760median pay, U.S., per year
$58,350–$108,310middle half earn
900Kemployed in the U.S.
HighAI exposure · AI tools can speed up many tasks. Skills in using them will matter, and some roles may change.
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against market research analysts and marketing specialists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Find out in 15 minutes See openings

A day in the work

A typical week involves designing surveys or focus groups, analyzing sales data and competitor information, and preparing reports on market trends. Analysts might review website analytics one day, conduct interviews with customers the next, and create presentations summarizing findings for management. Work varies between independent research, collaborative strategy meetings, and presenting recommendations to stakeholders.

Who this work suits

Enterprising
75Investigative
60Conventional
60Artistic
26Social
25Realistic
1

Holland code EIC. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.

You enjoy investigating problems systematically and persuading others with data-driven insights. You tend to be detail-oriented about numbers and patterns, yet also strategic about business outcomes and competitive positioning.

What it takes

Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience).

Skills that matter most

Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningWritingCritical ThinkingSpeakingActive LearningComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision Making

Knowledge areas

English LanguageSales and MarketingAdministration and ManagementCustomer and Personal ServiceAdministrativeMathematics (knowledge)

Who is hiring

86open roles like this on employer career sites
38employers hiring
25posted in the last 7 days
Remote · NY · CAwhere most openings are

Openings right now

Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.

Pay by state

State25th pctMedian75th pctEmployed
Massachusetts$77,220$101,810$133,46039,710
Delaware$78,040$101,270$135,8803,570
New York$72,600$98,580$129,43080,500
District of Columbia$74,990$98,090$132,3006,340
Washington$67,590$95,120$139,56024,460
California$65,290$94,700$134,630119,070
Colorado$64,380$93,050$126,67027,880
New Jersey$68,150$88,190$113,48022,990
Minnesota$63,850$87,510$123,72021,280
Rhode Island$63,270$86,240$103,3403,210
Oregon$60,860$79,150$107,99011,310
Illinois$60,210$79,120$104,80040,560
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico

Certifications people in this field hold

Training

Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.

Job titles in this occupation

Related occupations

Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against market research analysts and marketing specialists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Find out in 15 minutes See openings

O*NET-SOC 13-1161.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.