The Burnout Numbers Are In [282]

Last week, I released the 2026 MarCom Society Salary Survey. 358 professionals participated, making it the largest report in four years.

The median salary rose to $85,000-$89,000, up from $80,000-$84,000 in 2025. About 35% now earn six figures. Real progress.

But I want to talk about what's underneath those numbers.

For the first time, we asked about burnout and career outlook. Over half of respondents rated their burnout at 7 or higher on a 10-point scale. More than half. These are professionals consistently running on fumes.

Then there's the career path question. 60% said their school has no clear career advancement path for marketing professionals. Not "somewhat unclear." No clear path. Period.

When people can't see where they're going, they start looking for the exit. And sure enough, about 27% indicated some likelihood of leaving their role within one to three years. Nearly 13% are actively searching right now.

I share this not to paint a grim picture. I share it because we can't fix what we don't measure.

If you're a marketing professional, use this report in your next conversation with your Head of School. If you're a Head of School, this data is telling you something important about the people running your brand and enrollment marketing. Listen before your best people start looking elsewhere.

Download the full 2026 MarCom Society Salary Survey here: https://mcs.pub/2026

Thanks,
Brendan

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Hello, book clubbers! Our next book is Building a StoryBrand 2.0: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen by Donald Miller.

Grab your copy on Amazon here and start reading: https://amzn.to/4a2OXPt

I've read this book and cannot recommend it more highly. You can read more about it in the Library here: https://community.marcomsociety.org/c/library/building-a-storybrand-2-0-clarify-your-message-so-customers-will-listen-donald-miller

I hope you join us!!

RSVP today: https://community.marcomsociety.org/c/book-club-a4bfab/building-a-storybrand-2-0-clarify-your-message-so-customers-will-listen

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