Marketing Research Analysts

Earnings Information

Median annual earnings of operations research analysts were $60,190 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $45,640 and $78,420. The lowest 10 percent had earnings of less than $36,180, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $95,990. The average annual salary for operations research analysts in the Federal Government in non-supervisory, supervisory, and managerial positions was $89,882 in 2005.

Facts at a glance

• Employers generally prefer applicants with at least a master's degree in operations research or management science, or a closely related field such as computer science, engineering, business, mathematics, or information systems.

Summary of what this career entails

Earnings Potential
The marketing and sales industries hold a great deal of earnings potential.  Marketing managers make a median annual salary of approximately $104,000, according to a 2007 survey conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.  The salary provides a base, but a majority of the income is generated in marketing and sales from commissions. Commissions are generated from a percentage of the sales amounts. Marketing and sales industry workers can depend only on a portion of their salaries if they cannot produce positive sales numbers.

Marketing and Sales Facts at a Glance
Marketing and sales then come together to identify how to promote and sell the item to get the maximum amount of profits. Marketing and sales require common sense, but usually also an educational degree at a bachelor's level. Marketing requires a great deal of research in order to develop and produce a product. Sales people then target the intended audience and use their interpersonal skills to demonstrate the product to consumers. The sales portion requires persuasive speaking abilities. Marketing and sales work hand in hand to make the distribution of a new product possible. It may not always be a new product, but possibly a new market. Again, this requires research and pinpointing of how the product will benefit the new market of consumers.

Earnings Potential
For those with degrees in communications, salaries vary considerably.  News correspondents, for instance, earned a median annual salary of approximately $33,000 in May 2006, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  Nationally known broadcasters earn considerably more than this amount. On another part of the communications spectrum, public relations specialists earned a median annual salary of $47,350 in May of 2006.

Communications Degree Facts at a Glance
When studying communication, coursework can be expected in journalism, business, marketing, management and electives. Virtually every business requires someone to coordinate their advertising, speak with the media and various other groups like staff and customers. In the field of communication, any international or global business would benefit not only from strong business and communication background, but also from language courses as well. 

Earnings Potential
There is great earnings potential with a degree in business administration.  According to a survey by Robert Half International, finance directors earned between $79,000 and 184,000 in 2007. Large business organizations generally pay more than smaller ones and