A nationwide 2026 salary survey of higher‑education marketing professionals found a modest median pay increase to $75,000 and that three out of four respondents received raises in the past year. Despite gains, 52% said pay remains uncompetitive with other industries and 74% have considered leaving higher education for private‑sector roles. Hybrid work is the most common and preferred arrangement; marketing teams reported increased scope, visibility and staffing pressures tied to enrollment competition and digital expectations. Campus leaders should weigh targeted compensation, career ladders, and flexible work options to retain marketing talent central to recruitment and institutional branding.