VP of Marketing Salary.
Across 30 U.S. cities.
$235,000
national median salary
$175,000 to $310,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$337,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$245,000
Austin, TX
Lowest Paying
$205,000
Indianapolis, IN
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average VP of Marketing salary in the United States is $235,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $175,000 at the 25th percentile to $310,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $337,000, while Austin offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Marketing budget size, attribution to pipeline, and company growth stage create the widest pay variation.
VP of Marketing salary by city
What you should know
Marketing budget size, attribution to pipeline, and company growth stage create the widest pay variation. VPs owning demand generation with clear revenue attribution earn more than those in brand or communications-focused roles. B2B SaaS and fintech companies pay at the top of market for marketing leaders.
Senior directors of marketing earn $145,000 to $185,000. VPs of marketing at growth-stage startups start at $185,000 to $250,000. VPs at mid-market companies make $230,000 to $290,000. VPs at large enterprises earn $280,000 to $350,000 in base with total comp of $400,000 to $700,000.
Performance bonuses of 20 to 35% of base tied to marketing-sourced pipeline, lead quality, and brand metrics are standard. Equity grants at growth companies add $80,000 to $300,000 in annualized value. Conference and event budgets provide professional development benefits.