Salary boons for marketing professionals hinge on sector choices, says new report

Marketing professionals in Hong Kong can expect a notable salary increase if they switch jobs within similar industries for the same function, according to the latest Hong Kong Salary Benchmark 2019 report by HR consultancy Michael Page. According to the report, Hong Kong professionals who secure a new position in 2019 can expect to receive a 12 - 20% average salary increase salary if they switch to a job in similar industries for the same function. The top industries looking for marketing professionals were found to be consumer and retail, industrial and manufacturing, property and construction, technology, media and telecommunications were. Marketing roles in demand include brand manager, digital marketing manager/director, and new media/content manager. In general, marketing professionals at higher grades - such as managers and directors - in the property and construction industries earn higher salaries than in other industries such as consumer and retail, technology, media, and telecommunications. The report pointed out the trending skills for the industry are digital and new media marketing, e-commerce experience, and an innovative mindset. The report found that 70% of job seekers have a favourable view of the city's economic situation. Hong Kong’s employment landscape is buoyed not just by hi-tech specialisms and businesses, but also by the city’s traditional economic drivers such as financial services, property development, and hospitality. It explained that the announcement of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) outline development plan is anticipated to be another driver for Hong Kong’s employment landscape. Strategic management roles and service roles that are highly communicative are expected to remain in high demand for talent. Specific skills in demand include big data analysis and data optimisation, setting up and developing eCommerce and mobile payment systems, as well as digital performance marketing and online content strategy creation. Howard Chan, regional director, Michael Page Hong Kong sees the rising trend of “slash careers"; employees providing contract services to different companies simultaneously, instead of having one full-time job. Employers are also becoming increasingly open to contract hires. Contract positions are now in demand within financial services as well as multinationals. “As a market, Hong Kong was traditionally more interested in full-time hires, but this has been changing recently. We see a spike in demand for contracting hires. This is a win-win situation as the millennial and Gen-Z workforce increase their focus on personal growth and work-life balance,” Chan said.  In February this year, Morgan McKinley released its own salary guide, estimating what marketing professionals should expect to be paid in 2019.