The average cost of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) services varies considerably based on several factors, including the provider’s location, the scope of work, and the complexity of the project. Data indicates that the United States currently has the highest average cost for SEO services, at $113.54 per hour. This report examines the average costs associated with SEO, drawing on data from Clutch, Ahrefs, and other sources.
Hourly Rates for SEO Services
According to Clutch agency data, the average cost of SEO services is $82.88 per hour. However, a significant range exists within this average. Of 62,862 SEO firms listed on Clutch, 37,714 report an hourly rate. The distribution of these rates is as follows:
| Rate | # of Firms | % of Firms |
|---|---|---|
| Under $25 | 6,561 | 17.40% |
| $25 – $49 | 9,695 | 25.71% |
| $50 – $99 | 7,036 | 18.66% |
| $100 – $149 | 9,328 | 24.73% |
| $150 – $199 | 4,368 | 11.58% |
| $200 – $300 | 530 | 1.41% |
| $300+ | 196 | 0.52% |
This data suggests that a substantial portion of SEO firms (approximately 42%) charge between $25 and $99 per hour. However, nearly 25% charge between $100 and $149 per hour. A smaller percentage operate at rates exceeding $150 per hour.
Monthly Retainer Costs
Ahrefs surveyed 439 SEO service providers and found that SEO services cost an average of $2,917 per month. However, this figure ranges significantly, from as low as $500 to over $10,000 per month, depending on project scope, location, business size, and other variables. The average cost for businesses of all sizes is reported as ranging from $2,500 to $7,500 per month. Micro-enterprises tend to have higher hourly rates but lower overall monthly costs due to the smaller scale of their SEO requirements. Project-based costs for larger businesses exhibit the greatest variability, indicating a wider range of project scopes.
Geographic Variations in SEO Costs
The cost of SEO services is influenced by the geographic location of the service provider. The United States has the highest average cost, at $113.54 per hour. Australia follows closely at $104.13 per hour, and Canada is third at $103.03 per hour. A breakdown of average SEO costs per hour across different countries is provided below:
| Country | # of Firms | % of Firms | Average Cost per Hour | Cost per Hour Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 19,892 | 31.64% | $113.54 | $100 – $149 |
| India | 6,593 | 10.49% | $24.63 | Under $25 |
| Canada | 2,389 | 3.80% | $103.03 | $100 – $149 |
Services Included in SEO Retainers
The actual cost of SEO is dependent on the complexity of the website, the competitiveness of the industry, specific SEO goals, the scope of services required, and the experience level of the SEO provider. A typical monthly SEO retainer includes the following services:
- On-Page SEO Optimization
- Keyword Research
- Technical SEO Audits
- Content Creation
- Link Building
- Local SEO Management (if applicable)
- Monthly Performance Reporting
- Ongoing Strategy Adjustments
However, most SEO experts will tailor a plan to a business’s specific current and future goals.
Top SEO Agencies in the United States
Several agencies are recognized for their performance and expertise in delivering effective SEO solutions. According to rankings based on data from Clutch, DesignRush, Ahrefs, and Semrush, the following agencies are prominent:
- WebFX (Organic Traffic/mo: 2,262,303)
- Thrive Agency (Organic Traffic/mo: 1,000,240)
- Coalition Technologies (Organic Traffic/mo: 551,841)
- SEO.com (Organic Traffic/mo: 247,874)
- Orbit Media (Organic Traffic/mo: 197,398)
- Brafton (Organic Traffic/mo: 165,217)
- Ninjapromo (Organic Traffic/mo: 124,827)
- Outerbox (Organic Traffic/mo: 122,888)
- Zo Agency (Organic Traffic/mo: 109,559)
- Hawksem (Organic Traffic/mo: 103,010)
WebFX is identified as the highest-performing SEO agency in the U.S., with three decades of experience and a large in-house team. On The Map Marketing is also highlighted for its accessibility and focus on small to mid-sized businesses.
Methodology for Ranking SEO Agencies
The ranking of top SEO agencies in the USA is based on a data collection process analyzing over 500 companies. The data was categorized and weighted as follows:
- Brand Authority (30%)
- Cost Evaluation (-20%)
- Client Satisfaction Score (60%)
- Employee Satisfaction Score (30%)
This methodology aims to provide a balanced assessment of agency performance, considering client success, expertise, and affordability. The study notes that no agency paid for inclusion or ranking.
Conclusion
The cost of SEO services in the United States is substantial, with an average hourly rate of $82.88 and a monthly retainer cost averaging $2,917. The United States represents the most expensive market for SEO services, with an average hourly rate of $113.54. Costs vary significantly based on the provider, scope of work, and geographic location. Businesses should carefully consider their specific needs and budget when selecting an SEO provider.