The data indicates a range of salaries within the search engine optimization (SEO) and broader digital marketing fields in the United States. Average compensation varies significantly based on job title, experience level, and geographic location. This article summarizes available salary data for SEO-related positions, drawing exclusively from the provided sources.
Average Salaries for SEO Roles
The average base salary for an SEO Manager in the U.S. is reported as $81,314, with total compensation averaging $89,292 when including additional cash compensation, such as bonuses, which average $7,978. Another source indicates an average base salary of $79,145 for SEO Managers in 2025. This source also notes additional cash compensation of approximately $5,552. A further data point suggests an average salary of $81,915 per year as of February 2025.
Salary ranges for SEO Managers are reported as $35,000 to $200,000. Entry-level positions may start at $49,044 annually, while top-tier positions in high-cost cities can reach $136,818 per year. The highest reported salary for an SEO Manager is $114,000 per year.
Salary Variations by Related Marketing Positions
Several related marketing positions demonstrate varying compensation levels. Marketing Assistants earn an average of $55,171, while SEO Specialists average $55,430. Marketing Coordinators earn $59,059, and Marketing Associates earn $61,058. Public Relations Specialists average $61,353, and Event Planners earn $64,866. Community Managers average $68,770, and Copywriters earn $73,567. Social Media Managers earn $74,536, and Email Marketing Managers earn $79,911. Market Research Analysts earn $81,245.
Positions with higher average salaries include Public Relations Managers ($85,412), Marketing Specialists ($87,859), Content Marketing Managers ($88,460), Digital Marketing Managers ($88,998), Marketing Analysts ($89,181), Marketing Managers ($94,738), Marketing Project Managers ($94,767), Marketing Operations Managers ($97,867), Brand Managers ($104,911), Senior Marketing Managers ($119,050), Product Marketing Managers ($120,379), Senior Product Marketing Managers ($142,392), Directors of Marketing ($150,471), Directors of Product Marketing ($175,336), Vice Presidents of Marketing ($201,971), and Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) ($225,908).
Geographic Salary Differences
Significant salary variations exist based on location. The following cities report higher-than-average salaries for SEO Managers:
- San Francisco, CA: $112,825
- New York, NY: $104,336
- Philadelphia, PA: $84,878
- Austin, TX: $80,436
- Atlanta, GA: $79,245
- Denver, CO: $77,865
- Los Angeles, CA: $77,254
- San Diego, CA: $76,850
- Chicago, IL: $73,323
Other cities with notable salaries for related roles include:
- Seattle, WA: Average tech salary of $157,200 (includes SEO specialists)
- Washington, DC: $124,557 for high-level SEO expertise
- Phoenix, AZ: $75,251 for SEO Team Leaders
- Orlando, FL: $69,162 for SEO Team Leaders
- Bristol, PA: $61,467 for SEO Team Leaders
- Mohall, North Dakota: $161,595 for SEO Executives
Lower-paying locations include:
- Spokane, WA: $62,983
- Naperville, IL: $62,188
- Houston, TX: $54,737
- Grand Rapids, MI: $50,779
Salary Based on Experience Level
Compensation generally increases with experience. For SEO Managers, entry-level roles or positions at smaller companies may offer $49,044 annually. The most common salary range is around $81,915 per year. Senior-level positions, particularly at major establishments, can reach $239,725 annually.
For SEO Team Leaders, salaries range from $38,220 for entry-level positions to $45,343 for senior roles. Mid-level positions average $41,630 per year.
Factors Influencing Salary Increases
The data suggests several ways SEO professionals can increase their earning potential:
- Change of Employer: Seeking employment with a company willing to pay higher salaries for the same skills.
- Level of Education: Obtaining advanced degrees may qualify individuals for promotions and increased income.
- Managing Experience: Overseeing junior SEO professionals can increase earning potential.
Specific Role Salary Expectations
The data highlights salary expectations for several specialized SEO roles:
- SEO Content Strategist: Median income of $80,582 per year, ranging from $58,180 to $111,609.
- SEO Team Leader: Entry-level: $38,220, Mid-level: $41,630, Senior: $45,343.
- SEO Executive: $56,618 to $239,725.
Conclusion
The provided source materials demonstrate that salaries for SEO professionals and related marketing roles in the U.S. vary considerably. Job title, experience level, and geographic location are key factors influencing compensation. SEO Manager roles average between $79,145 and $81,915 annually, with potential for significant increases based on experience and location. Individuals seeking to maximize their earning potential should consider pursuing advanced education, gaining management experience, and targeting positions in high-demand, high-cost cities.