If you’ve ever received a well-designed promotional email from a brand, there’s a good chance it was crafted by someone working in an email marketing position. Email marketing is one of the most powerful ways businesses connect with customers, and it takes a team of skilled people to make it work.
In this article, we’ll walk through what email marketing positions are, the types of jobs you can find, what each role involves, the skills you need, and how to start your career in this growing field.
Table of Contents
What is Email Marketing?
Email marketing is a form of digital marketing where businesses send emails to people to promote products, share updates, or build relationships. These emails can include things like:
- Newsletters
- Promotional offers
- Event invites
- Product launches
- Customer service follow-ups
While it may sound simple, there’s a lot of strategy and creativity involved. And that’s where email marketing professionals come in.
Why Email Marketing Still Matters
You might think email is old-fashioned compared to social media or video content. But actually, email marketing is still one of the most cost-effective and high-performing marketing channels.
Here’s why:
- High return on investment (ROI): For every $1 spent, email marketing can bring back around $36.
- Direct communication: It goes straight to the user’s inbox.
- Personalization: You can tailor messages based on a user’s behavior or interests.
- Measurable results: You can track open rates, clicks, and conversions easily.
That’s why companies continue to invest in email marketing — and why there are so many job opportunities in this space.
Common Email Marketing Positions
Let’s take a closer look at the most popular email marketing positions. Some of these are entry-level, while others are for more experienced professionals.
Email Marketing Specialist
What they do: This is one of the most common roles. An email marketing specialist writes, designs, and sends email campaigns. They also track how those emails perform and look for ways to improve them.
Skills needed:
- Writing and editing
- Basic design (like using Canva or Adobe tools)
- Understanding email platforms like Mailchimp or Klaviyo
- Analyzing open and click rates
Email Marketing Manager
What they do: Managers lead the email strategy. They plan campaigns, manage a team (or freelancers), and work with other departments like sales and design.
Skills needed:
- Strong communication and leadership
- Project management
- Advanced knowledge of email tools
- Strategy and planning
CRM or Lifecycle Marketing Manager
What they do: These pros focus on the entire customer journey. They create automated email flows that guide users from their first visit to making a purchase—and beyond.
Skills needed:
- Knowledge of customer relationship management (CRM) tools
- Email automation
- Segmentation and personalization
- Data analysis
Email Copywriter
What they do: This role focuses on writing the actual email content. It’s about crafting subject lines, body copy, and calls-to-action that get people to open and click.
Skills needed:
- Creative writing
- Understanding buyer psychology
- Attention to detail
- A/B testing headlines and copy
Email Designer
What they do: These folks handle the look and layout of email campaigns. They ensure the email looks good on desktop and mobile and follows brand guidelines.
Skills needed:
- HTML/CSS
- Email design tools like Figma or Adobe XD
- Mobile optimization
- UX/UI knowledge
Email Marketing Analyst
What they do: Analysts focus on numbers. They dig into data to find what’s working (and what’s not) and help the team make data-driven decisions.
Skills needed:
- Google Analytics
- Excel or data visualization tools
- A/B testing
- Understanding KPIs like open rate, CTR, conversion rate
Where Email Marketers Work
Email marketers can work almost anywhere. That includes:
- Marketing agencies: Supporting several clients at once
- E-commerce brands: Promoting sales and new products
- Tech companies: Engaging users through onboarding and updates
- Non-profits: Sharing stories and asking for donations
- Freelancing: Offering services to various clients remotely
Remote work is also very common in this field. Many companies hire email marketing professionals from anywhere in the world.
What Skills Do You Need for Email Marketing Jobs?
No matter what position you go for, there are some key skills that help you succeed in email marketing:
Writing and Communication
Clear and engaging writing is at the heart of email marketing. Whether you’re writing a subject line or explaining campaign results, communication is key.
Attention to Detail
One small mistake in an email can be a big deal. You need to double-check links, grammar, and formatting every time.
Creativity
You’ll need to come up with fresh ideas to catch people’s attention in a crowded inbox.
Data Analysis
Understanding campaign performance helps you improve. You don’t need to be a math whiz, but you should feel comfortable looking at basic data.
Tech Tools
Email marketing tools like Mailchimp, Klaviyo, Constant Contact, and HubSpot are popular in this space. Learning how to use them gives you a big advantage.
How to Start a Career in Email Marketing
Interested in breaking into the field? Great news: you don’t need a special degree, and there are plenty of ways to get started.
Learn the Basics
Start by learning how email marketing works. You can find free resources online or take a beginner course on sites like:
- Coursera
- HubSpot Academy
- Skillshare
- Udemy
Practice with Tools
Try out free email tools like Mailchimp or Brevo (formerly Sendinblue). Create a few mock campaigns just for practice — even a fake newsletter for your favorite hobby will help you learn.
Build a Portfolio
Even if you haven’t worked with real clients yet, you can create sample emails and explain your strategy. This shows potential employers what you can do.
Apply for Entry-Level Roles or Freelance Projects
Look for jobs like:
- Email marketing assistant
- Marketing intern
- Freelance email writer
Websites like LinkedIn, Upwork, and Indeed are great places to search.
Keep Learning and Growing
Email marketing is always changing. Stay up-to-date with trends, test new ideas, and grow your skills. Over time, you can move up into more senior roles.
Average Salary for Email Marketing Positions
Here’s a rough idea of how much these roles can pay (keep in mind it varies by location and experience):
| Position | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| Email Marketing Specialist | $55,000 – $75,000 |
| Email Marketing Manager | $70,000 – $100,000 |
| CRM/Lifecycle Marketing Manager | $80,000 – $110,000 |
| Email Copywriter (Freelance or In-house) | $40,000 – $90,000 |
| Email Designer | $50,000 – $85,000 |
| Email Analyst | $60,000 – $95,000 |
Freelancers can often charge per email, per campaign, or hourly — sometimes earning even more with experience.
Is Email Marketing a Good Career?
Absolutely! Here’s why many people enjoy working in this field:
- Creative and analytical mix: You get to write, design, and dig into data.
- Flexible work: Many roles offer remote or freelance options.
- High demand: Businesses of all sizes rely on email marketing.
- Room to grow: You can specialize in copywriting, design, strategy, or data.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to switch careers, email marketing offers solid opportunities and room to grow.
Final Thoughts
Email marketing positions are a great option for anyone who enjoys writing, designing, and working with digital tools. From entry-level roles to senior management, there’s something for everyone — and the demand continues to grow.
If you’re thinking about stepping into the world of email marketing, start by learning the basics, practicing with tools, and building your skills. With time and effort, you could land a rewarding job or build a successful freelance career.
