In recent years, the digital world has transformed how we live, work, shop, and communicate. But in 2024, this transformation has done something even more powerful — it has redefined the job market in India. From traditional IT roles to growing creative tech spaces, one industry that has outpaced nearly all others is digital marketing.
In this blog post, we break down real data and insights to compare the growth of digital marketing jobs vs other major sectors in India. Whether you’re a student, job seeker, or career switcher, this information can help you understand where the real opportunities lie.
India’s Job Landscape in 2024: An Overview
Let’s start with the big picture.
According to multiple employment studies and hiring reports:
- India added over 8.2 million new jobs across industries in 2024.
- Digital and tech-based roles accounted for over 30% of those openings.
- Remote and freelance-friendly roles have increased by 25% YoY.
Among these, digital marketing jobs showed the fastest growth in both metro and Tier-II cities.
Growth of the Digital Marketing Sector in 2024
Industry Value
As per Lurnable’s 2024 Report:
- The digital marketing industry in India is valued at ₹539 billion (US$6.5 billion) in 2024.
- That’s a 19.7% increase compared to ₹450 billion in 2023.
- The sector is projected to reach ₹700+ billion by 2026.
This growth is driven by increased online presence of businesses, rising ad spends, and content consumption across platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Job Creation
- Over 900,000 new digital marketing jobs were created in 2024 alone.
- Roles include:
- SEO Specialists
- Social Media Managers
- Performance Marketers (Google Ads, Meta Ads)
- Content Creators
- Email Marketers
- Influencer Managers
- Marketing Automation Experts
“Digital marketing jobs are no longer limited to agencies. Startups, MSMEs, ed-tech, healthcare, and even political campaigns now hire full-time or freelance marketers.” – Digital India Jobs Outlook Report, 2024
Comparison: Digital Marketing vs Other Sectors (2024 India)
Sector | Jobs Created (2024) | YoY Growth | Avg Starting Salary |
Digital Marketing | 900,000+ | 25% ↑ | ₹3–7 LPA |
IT & Software | 650,000 | 12% ↑ | ₹3–8 LPA |
BPO & Customer Support | 420,000 | 8% ↑ | ₹2.5–5 LPA |
Teaching/Edu-Tech | 280,000 | 6% ↑ | ₹2.8–6 LPA |
Banking/Finance | 250,000 | 4% ↑ | ₹3–7 LPA |
Retail & Sales | 230,000 | 3% ↑ | ₹2–5 LPA |
Source: IndiaSkills 2024 Labour Trend Survey
Insight: Digital marketing has officially overtaken traditional BPO and even parts of the IT sector in hiring speed and salary growth for entry-level roles.
Where Are These Jobs Coming From?
Company Types Hiring Digital Marketers:
- E-commerce brands (Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho)
- Startups & MSMEs
- EdTech platforms
- Healthcare & pharma
- Political consulting firms
- Real estate and local businesses
- Personal brands & influencers
️ City-Wise Distribution:
- Metro Cities: Delhi NCR, Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad
- Tier II Boom: Coimbatore, Kochi, Indore, Surat, Bhubaneswar
“Demand for digital marketers in Tier-II cities grew by 20% in 2024 due to increasing digital adoption by local businesses.” – AdvisorsIndia Hiring Study
Top Roles in Demand (2024)
Role | Avg. Salary | Growth Rate (YoY) |
SEO Specialist | ₹3.5–5.5 LPA | 18% ↑ |
PPC/Google Ads Expert | ₹4.5–7 LPA | 25% ↑ |
Social Media Manager | ₹4–6.5 LPA | 22% ↑ |
Content Strategist | ₹4–6 LPA | 20% ↑ |
Digital Marketing Executive | ₹3–5 LPA | 20% ↑ |
Performance Marketer | ₹6–9 LPA | 28% ↑ |
These roles now compete with core IT and Finance roles in both pay and promotion opportunities.
Skills That Drive This Growth
Employers are not just looking for degrees—they’re hiring for skills and practical exposure. The top digital marketing skills companies demanded in 2024 were:
- Google Ads & Analytics
- Meta (Facebook & Instagram) Ads
- SEO Optimization
- Content Creation (Reels, Blogs, Video)
- Email Funnels & CRM Tools
- AI tools (ChatGPT, Jasper, Copy.ai)
- Canva & basic design
Bonus: Candidates with certifications from Google, HubSpot, or Meta had 3x more chances of getting shortlisted.
What Does This Mean for Job Seekers?
If you are:
- A student looking for a future-proof career
- A job switcher frustrated by your current field
- A homemaker or career re-starter
- A freelancer wanting steady clients
Digital marketing is your best bet in 2025.
Unlike traditional careers that require long degrees or technical knowledge, digital marketing welcomes learners from all backgrounds. With a 3–6 month course and a solid portfolio, you can start applying for real jobs.
Why Companies Prefer Digital Marketers
“Digital marketers bring in measurable ROI. We can track exactly what campaigns work, which ad drives leads, and how much revenue content brings. That’s why this role is irreplaceable.”
– HR Head, SaaS Startup, Bengaluru
Key reasons companies love digital marketers:
- Cost-effective hiring (freelancers/interns/full-time)
- Can scale marketing faster
- Bring creativity + strategy
- Don’t need an MBA
- Adapt quickly to new tools & AI
How to Learn Digital Marketing & Get Hired
To ride the digital marketing wave, consider enrolling in a practical course that teaches:
✅ SEO, Paid Ads, and Social Media
✅ Content & Design Basics
✅ Tools like Canva, ChatGPT, Google Ads
✅ Live Projects + Job Support
GrowWithDigitalExperts offers flexible weekday and weekend batches with 100% job assistance and internship opportunities. You’ll work on real-time projects and get mentor support to build your confidence.
Visit: www.growwithdigitalexperts.com
Final Infographic Snapshot:
Digital Marketing vs Other Sectors – India 2024
Category | Digital Marketing | Others (IT, BPO, Edu, etc.) |
Job Openings | 900,000+ | Avg. 300,000 |
Growth Rate | 25% ↑ | 4% – 12% |
Avg. Starting Pay | ₹4–6 LPA | ₹2.5–5.5 LPA |
Entry Barriers | Low | Moderate to High |
Tools Used | Canva, ChatGPT, Meta Ads, SEO Tools |
Excel, CRMs, Legacy Systems |
Final Thoughts
2024 proved that digital marketing isn’t just a trend—it’s a career revolution. As other industries face slowdowns or hiring freezes, digital marketing is booming with fresh energy, global clients, and future-proof roles.
If you’re serious about building a career in a growing field, now is the perfect time to start.