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Salaries and Costs
Marketing pay in Edinburgh tracks just under London, with strong demand keeping ranges healthy, A Marketing Assistant often sits around £22,000 to £27,000, a Marketing Executive lands near £26,000 to £32,000, and a Senior Executive can reach £32,000 to £38,000, Marketing Managers tend to sit between £42,000 and £55,000, Heads of Marketing run from £65,000 to £85,000, and director level packages can pass £100,000 where revenue impact is clear, Day rates for contractors vary, £200 to £450 is common for mid to senior digital briefs, Temp pay rates for hands on roles can run from £14 to £30 per hour, Agency costs vary by service, many recruitment agencies work on 15 percent to 25 percent of basic salary for permanent hires, with executive search priced higher on retained terms, For temps and contractors, expect a charge rate that covers pay, holiday, NI, and margin, Ask for a clear breakdown of recruitment fees before sign off.
Qualifications
Hiring managers in Edinburgh often look for a mix of practical experience and recognised training, CIM and CIPR remain strong signals, Vendors such as Google Analytics, Meta, HubSpot, and Adobe add weight for digital and content heavy roles, Degrees in marketing, communications, or business help, though a portfolio with clear results can carry equal value, For regulated campaigns, GDPR awareness and CAP Code knowledge matter, Recruiters and recruitment consultants will test for these early in the process.
Regional Or Geographic Variations
The city centre, New Town, and the West End house a mix of agencies and in house teams, Leith and the Shore keep a lively creative scene, Edinburgh Park and The Gyle draw corporate and tech marketing teams, Haymarket and Waverley make commuting from Fife, West Lothian, and East Lothian straightforward, Good tram and rail links widen the catchment for candidates who want hybrid weeks, Local recruiters know how these commuter links affect time to hire and retention.
Local Hiring Challenges
Digital specialists are in short supply, Paid search, paid social, CRM, analytics, and marketing operations move fast, so strong people get multiple offers, Remote options from big city employers can pull candidates away, Employers that act quickly, share salary bands early, and keep interviews tight, tend to secure talent, Staffing agencies can help by pre booking interview slots and giving candidates clear feedback within set timelines, This reduces drop out and keeps your brand in good shape.
Key Sectors And Employers In The Region
Financial services, fintech, and professional services offer stable brand and campaign roles, Tech and games add growth focused positions in product marketing and lifecycle, Tourism, culture, and events spike around summer and year end, Higher education and research bring steady demand for communications and content, Local businesses in food, drink, and hospitality top up seasonal hiring, Recruiters who cover both permanent and contract work can shift supply to match these peaks.
Roles And Career Paths
Common briefs cover Digital Marketing Executive, Content and Social Manager, SEO and PPC Specialist, Email and CRM Manager, Brand and Product Marketing Manager, PR and Communications Manager, Events Manager, and Marketing Analyst, Progression routes tend to run from assistant to executive, then to manager, senior manager, and head of function, Senior paths split into brand leadership, growth and performance, or communications and corporate affairs, Executive search comes into play for VP and director roles, where stakeholder influence and board exposure sit at the core.
Entry Requirements
For entry level roles, employers like internships, student projects, or placements, A short portfolio that shows campaign goals, metrics, and lessons learned helps, Clear writing, spreadsheet comfort, and tool literacy are must haves, Candidates should register with an agency and keep profiles current, Local employers benefit when jobseekers share work samples and references up front, This speeds shortlisting and cuts first stage questions.
Industry Specific Training Or Licences
Few licences are mandatory in marketing, though ad buying and data handling rely on good practice, Meta and Google certifications remain helpful signals, Email work calls for knowledge of deliverability and consent, Events roles may ask for basic safety training for venues, Recruiters use quick skills checks to confirm these points before interview.
Seasonal Trends
Edinburgh’s festival season drives spikes in content, events, and PR, Summer tourism and winter celebrations add short term briefs for social, brand activation, and partnerships, Temp agencies can react fast with candidate pools for weekend and evening work, Contract work rises when new product cycles hit in tech and finance around Q2 and Q4, Businesses planning ahead secure the best people, leaving late movers to pay higher rates or widen commutes.
Quick Facts And FAQs
Do recruitment agencies in Edinburgh cover both temporary and permanent marketing roles,
Yes, most recruiters handle temporary, permanent, and contract work,
Can staffing agencies help with hard to fill digital roles,
Yes, recruiters use networks, talent pools, and targeted search to source PPC, SEO, and CRM specialists,
What do marketing recruitment fees look like in the city,
Permanent fees often sit between 15 percent and 25 percent, with retained search higher,
How fast can I hire staff for peak season,
Two to four weeks is common if interviews are tight and offers are clear,
Where should a jobseeker start when new to the market,
Register with an agency, refresh your CV and portfolio, and set alerts for roles near Edinburgh Park, The Gyle, and central postcodes,
Can agencies help with pay rates and banding,
Yes, recruiters share current salaries and pay rates by role and level, which helps with budget planning,
Are executive search firms active in Edinburgh,
Yes, senior brand and growth mandates run year round across finance, tech, and education,
Do recruiters support workforce retention,
Yes, agencies gather candidate feedback during notice periods and probation, which helps spot issues early for local businesses and employers.
How Recruitment Agencies Help In Edinburgh
Recruitment agencies, recruiters, and employment firms reduce time to hire for local employers, Staffing agencies shape briefs, match shortlists, and manage references, Executive search helps secure leaders who can build teams and drive growth, For candidates and jobseekers, a good consultant keeps you close to roles that fit, Whether you need to hire staff or find employees for a new launch, or you want to register with an agency for better roles, you can use marketing recruitment agencies in Edinburgh to cover both day to day needs and long term plans, With clear salary bands, realistic agency costs, and a focus on the local job market and labour market, you can build a workforce that lasts.