Looking for higher-paying salaries and the strongest opportunities in marketing and creative work? Experience with marketing technology and tools is now a must. Whether it’s copywriting, design or marketing analytics, tech skills have become part of every role.The payoff is real: Robert Half's 2026 Salary Guide reveals that 78% of marketing and creative leaders offer higher salaries to candidates with specialized skills, especially those with expertise in digital marketing, AI and machine learning, marketing automation, data analytics and web design and development. And according to the salary data, roles in content strategy, digital project management, marketing analytics and UX design are projected to see higher than average salary growth next year. . This combination of creativity and technology will define marketing and creative jobs in demand in 2026 and beyond.Here are 10 higher-paying creative jobs right now:
See Product Designer Salaries and Similar JobsProduct designers help shape the look and feel of digital tools we use every day, from mobile apps to full websites. These professionals blend visual design, user research and interaction design to build products that are both aesthetically appealing and easy to use. It’s a collaborative role that involves working closely with developers and product managers to address potential user problems and meet business goals. Product designer is one of the higher-paying creative jobs because it calls for a mix of design talent, strategic thinking and cross-functional collaboration. Most employers look for strong skills with tools like Figma, Sketch or Adobe Creative Suite, plus a portfolio that shows a candidate can take a product from idea to launch.Typical responsibilities:Design end-to-end product experiences from concept to launchCreate wireframes, prototypes and high-fidelity mockupsConduct user research and usability testing to inform design decisionsWork with developers to make sure designs are practical and well executedNational midpoint starting salary: $128,000
2. UX researcher
See UX Researcher Salaries and Similar JobsThese professionals focus on understanding how people interact with products and what they expect from them. That means talking to users, running studies and digging into the data to spot patterns and problems. Strong communication and analytical skills are key—this role is all about asking the right questions and making sense of the answers.
Typical responsibilities: Plan and run user research using both qualitative and quantitative methodsAnalyze results and turn them into practical design recommendationsShare findings with developers and other team membersWork closely with UX designers and product managers to guide product directionNational midpoint starting salary: $123,000
3. Product manager
See Product Manager Salaries and Similar JobsTurning customer needs into real products takes vision, coordination and collaboration. That’s the heart of what product managers do. They guide development, prioritize features and make sure what gets built delivers meaningful benefits to customers—whether that’s solving a problem, making life easier, or creating a more enjoyable experience. That’s why it’s one of the in-demand marketing jobs.Typical responsibilities:Define product vision, strategy and roadmapGather and prioritize input from customers and internal teamsWork with design, engineering, marketing and sales to build, launch and market productsUse product data and feedback to guide improvementsNational midpoint starting salary: $119,250
4. UX designer
See UX Designer Salaries and Similar JobsAs design and technology continue to overlap, UX designers are in high demand. They map out how users interact with websites and products, planning everything from flows to wireframes. AI is reshaping the role, and designers who can use tools like Uizard for rapid prototyping or Attention Insight for AI-powered heatmaps have an edge. It’s a creative job with a technical core, and success hinges on understanding user needs, clear thinking and strong collaboration.Typical responsibilities:Run user research to uncover needs and roadblocksBuild wireframes, flows and interactive prototypesDesign clear, user-friendly interfacesWork closely with developers, UX researchers and product managersNational midpoint starting salary: $119,000
5. Marketing analytics manager
See Marketing Analytics Manager Salaries and Similar JobsMarketing analytics managers turn campaign data into applicable insights. They dig into CRM platforms, automation tools and dashboards to track performance and show what’s working—and what’s not. It’s a role that blends business savvy with technical and analytical skills, making it one of the marketing jobs in demand. Some roles lean more toward strategy, while others lean more toward data engineering. Either way, you’ll likely need strong Excel skills, some SQL experience, and proficiency with tools like Tableau or Domo.Typical responsibilities:Work with marketing, sales, operations and IT to improve performanceRun market research to spot customer trends and behaviorsBuild reporting dashboards that turn numbers into clear insightsNational midpoint starting salary: $117,750
6. Art director
See Art Director Salaries and Similar JobsArt directors lead the visual side of creative projects, from ad campaigns and websites to print materials and branded content. Many specialize in formats such as digital, print or video, and often partner with senior copywriters to shape campaign concepts. This is one of the more established creative career paths, especially for designers with leadership skills and a strong portfolio. Many employers look for five to eight years of experience, Adobe Creative Suite fluency and at least some familiarity with digital tools and code.Typical responsibilities:Lead teams of designers, production artists, photographers and freelance creativesWork with marketing and advertising teams to shape campaign strategyPresent creative ideas, run client meetings and oversee brand execution across channelsNational midpoint starting salary: $102,000
7. Digital marketing manager
See Digital Marketing Manager Salaries and Similar JobsFrom SEO and paid ads to email and social, today’s digital campaigns need clear direction and crisp execution. That’s where a digital marketing manager comes in, leading efforts to grow brand visibility, traffic and sales across all digital channels. It’s one of the marketing jobs in demand in 2026, especially for people who can blend creative thinking with digital campaign expertise and sharp analytical skills.Typical responsibilities:Develop and manage digital campaigns that promote products or servicesWork closely with marketing teams, vendors and external partnersTrack customer data and report on campaign resultsNational midpoint starting salary: $100,750
8. Digital project manager
See Digital Project Manager Salaries and Similar JobsA digital project manager coordinates internal teams to make sure tasks and deliverables are completed on time, within budget and to the expected quality. They also ensure that projects align with broader business goals—not just get delivered, but make a meaningful impact. Strong communication, collaboration and organizational skills are key in this detail-heavy role.Typical responsibilities:Oversee digital projects such as website builds, mobile apps, e-commerce launches and advertising campaignsDevelop and communicate project plans and budgets, delegate tasks and set deadlinesTrack project performance and assess outcomesNational midpoint starting salary: $97,250
9. Content strategist
See Content Strategist Salaries and Similar JobsCrafting the right message—and getting it to the right audience—is what drives results in marketing. Enter the content strategist. These professionals craft content plans that serve both business goals and customer needs, making sure every piece is relevant, engaging, easy to find and worth sharing. It’s one of the top marketing careers for people who can think big, stay organized and bring clarity to complex ideas. Many roles require project management experience, along with a solid understanding of user experience, SEO and SEM.Typical responsibilities:Build and manage editorial calendars, style guides and content frameworksRecommend the best channels for content delivery and track how users engageOversee freelancers or team members, manage budgets and support content integration across platformsNational midpoint starting salary: $92,750
10. Marketing automation specialist
See Marketing Automation Specialist Salaries and Similar JobsWhether it’s a welcome email or a social media ad, much of today’s digital marketing runs on automation. A marketing automation specialist makes that happen, designing workflows, managing tools and ensuring the technical side supports the strategy. It’s one of the marketing jobs in demand as companies look to personalize outreach at scale. The role requires fluency in CRM platforms and email and social media tools, as well as the ability to collaborate effectively with designers and marketers. HTML skills and a degree in marketing or computer science are often a plus.Typical responsibilities:Build and manage automated campaigns across email and digital platformsTrack performance and share insights to help refine future campaignsOversee lead generation and nurturing, including scoring and segmentationNational midpoint starting salary: $82,750
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Explore higher-paying creative jobs and plan your next move
Roles like product designer, UX researcher, UX designer, and product manager may sound similar, but each plays a unique part in creating great digital experiences. Designers focus on aesthetics and usability, researchers uncover user insights, product managers set priorities and strategy, and UX designers map out interactions. Together, they ensure products are not only functional but intuitive, enjoyable, and aligned with business goals.Whether you’re looking to grow in your current role or explore new opportunities, understanding the latest trends in the marketing and creative fields is key. The 2026 Salary Guide From Robert Half offers a deep dive into what higher-paying marketing and creative jobs are available, what skills are in demand and what latest trends are impacting compensation. Check it out to make sure you’re ready to seize the next big opportunity in your career.
