Social Media Manager Salary Value?
In the age of social media, the role of social media manager is essential for agencies and small business owners. But what does this responsibility translate to in terms of compensation, and what is the current salary that social media manager professionals can expect?
Well, the average social media manager salary in the States is $92,885 (including average additional cash compensation of $19,338). Social media manager salary calculator tools can help professionals estimate their potential earnings based on location, experience, and industry factors from the latest compensation survey. [Builtin]
Curious about how much a social media manager earns? Explore top social media manager jobs and average salary range. With social platforms driving brand growth like never before and the average salary social media professionals command continuing to rise, this role has become a must-have for every social media marketing agency and small business.
Factors Influencing the Social Media Manager’s Salary
The compensation social media manager professionals receive is influenced by industry sector, geographic location, and gender. These factors impact salary decisions for both professionals and employers.
These factors are:
1. Industry Sector(basic pay by field)
Social media manager salaries vary across different industries:
- Tech Companies: Social media managers in the technology sector earn an average of $76,786.
- Manufacturing: In the manufacturing industry, the average is $71,841.
- Finance: Those in the finance sector receive an average of $68,394.
- Retail: Social media managers in retail earn an average of $68,247.
- Small Business: Small business marketing manager salary averages $58,500, with compensation varying based on company revenue and growth stage.
2. Geographic Location
Salaries also differ based on location:
A. Major Cities:
- New York City, NY: Average salary is $76,908.
- Los Angeles, CA: Average salary is $71,380.
- Chicago, IL: Average salary is $66,974.
B. Regions:
- Central Region (e.g., Central Region Cloudflare Austin): Average salary is $85,563.
- Eastern Region (e.g., Baltimore, MD): Average salary is $65,625.
- Western Region (e.g., Phoenix, AZ): Average salary is $76,571.
- Northern Region (e.g., Kansas City, MO): Average salary is $75,875.
- Southern Region (e.g., Albuquerque, NM): Average salary is $69,500.
3. Gender Pay Disparity
Gender also plays a role in salary differences:
- Men: Average salary is $88,557.
- Women: Average salary is $967,987. [Sources Builtin]
How Much Does a Social Media Manager Earn?
Social media manager earnings vary based on experience, industry, and location. The earnings depend on different positions in the digital marketing business. These are:
1. Senior Marketing Director
They craft long-term strategies driving business growth. They connect brands with target audiences through innovative marketing campaigns. They shape marketing goals and align execution with organizational objectives.
The average total pay is $1.94L(including additional cash compensation of $94K) (90th percentile)
2. Senior Marketing Manager
They execute marketing strategies across channels for seamless campaign delivery. They connect team members with stakeholders while optimizing resources to meet goals. They handle campaign planning, team leadership, and market analysis.
The average total pay for Senior Marketing Managers who handle social media content strategy is $1.52L (including additional cash compensation of $ 52K), reflecting the premium for senior-level social media strategy roles.
3. Senior Influencer Manager
Average salary of social media specialist in building strategies to enhance brand visibility through influencer partnerships. They nurture meaningful connections with influencers to amplify brand presence. Their role also involves maintaining the brand’s security by ensuring partnerships align with ethical and professional standards. For example the salary of influencer manager hometap Boston is $135K.
The average total pay is $1.54L (including additional cash compensation of $54K).
Social Media Manager Salary according to Job Skills and Roles
Paid social media manager compensation varies by employment type and responsibilities. These distinctions affect potential earnings and career paths in social media management.
Below is an overview of average salaries for different roles:
1. Freelancers
Social media manager freelance often work remotely, managing online communities for various clients. According to Built In, the average salary for a Social Media Manager in Remote positions is $89,221 in 2025, making remote social media management a competitive career option. [Source- Builtin]
2. Hourly Rates
The social media manager’s hourly rate compensation can vary widely depending on experience and location in 2025. The average hourly pay is $50 for social media managers working on hourly contracts.
3. Project-Based Rates
Project-based social media managers receive compensation per project based on scope and complexity, with average project-based pay reaching $96,377. [Source– Builtin]
4. Full-Time Positions
Full-time social media managers typically receive a consistent salary with benefits. As they work on-site properly they are accustomed to viewing this site properly and are perfect for managing social media roles. The average base salary for a Social Media Manager in the United States is $73,547 (social media manager salary US), with total compensation averaging $92,885. The base rate for social media manager positions represents the fixed annual compensation before bonuses and additional cash compensation, while total compensation includes performance bonuses, stock options, and other monetary benefits. [Source- Buitin]
5. Part-Time Positions
Part-time social media managers work fewer hours and may not receive full-time benefits. The part time social media manager salary typically ranges from $20-35 per hour(see social media manager salary per month estimates), though the average pay ultimately depends on responses gathered from clients based on your work.
6. Assistant Social Media Manager
Entry-level professionals who support senior social media managers with content creation, community management, and campaign execution. Assistant social media managers handle daily posting schedules, respond to comments, and assist with social media analytics reporting. Their role involves learning advanced social media strategies while managing routine tasks.
The average total pay for assistant social media manager positions is $45,000 (including additional cash compensation of $5K). Assistant social media managers typically earn between $38,000-$52,000 annually, depending on company size and location.
7. Small Business Marketing Managers
Marketing managers at small businesses who handle social media responsibilities earn between $45,000-$65,000 annually, with compensation varying based on company size and additional marketing duties beyond social media management.
Related: A guide to social media internships to help you get started on your career path.
Final Words
As businesses prioritize online presence, demand for skilled professionals is rising—making hiring a social media manager critical. From freelancers to senior roles, salaries in this field vary based on experience, industry, and location.
Employers seek specialists who manage engagement, build connections, and adapt quickly. Understanding social media team structure helps businesses define roles and set fair expectations. Salary trend awareness helps businesses and professionals ensure fair pay and success in social media management. Review the job description and apply today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can social media managers enhance their earning potential?
Social media managers can increase their earnings by acquiring advanced skills for top marketing jobs, such as data analytics and content strategy, obtaining relevant certifications, and gaining experience in high-demand industries. Pursuing leadership roles (like chief marketing officer) and staying updated with industry trends and the functioning of social media management tools also contribute to higher compensation.
2. What are the pay structures for social media managers in startup jobs?
Startup social media managers receive base salary plus equity, with lower base pay than established companies but potential long-term equity rewards. Startup job opportunities appear on platforms like Built In.
3. What is the impact of remote work or outsourcing work on social media manager salaries?
Remote work and outsourced social media widen the talent pool, creating competitive salaries. Businesses hire global professionals at varied rates, benefiting startups and small brands with limited budgets. Top-tier talent with proven results commands higher pay regardless of location.
4. What is the difference between working as a freelancer and as a full-time marketing manager in terms of salary?
Shubham Agrawal is a passionate content writer, with over a year of experience in this field. He excels in creating content in informative and creative way that aligns with readers. He juggle with words to create an engaging content.
