Social Media Manager Salary Value?
In the age of social media, the role of social media manager is important for agencies and small business owners. But what does this responsibility translate to in terms of compensation? Well the average social media manager salary in the States is $92,885 (including average additional cash compensation of $19,338). [Builtin]
Curious about how much a social media manager earns in today’s online world? With social platforms driving brand growth like never before, this role has become a must-have for every social media marketing agency and small business.
Factors Influencing the Social Media Manager’s Salary
Several factors influence the average salary of a social media manager, including industry sector, geographic location, and gender. Understanding these factors can help professionals and employers make informed decisions regarding their salaries.
These factors are:
1. Industry Sector
Salaries vary across different industries according to social media manager description:
- 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.
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?
The earnings of a social media manager can vary significantly based on experience, industry, and location. The earnings depend on different positions. These are:
1. Senior Marketing Director
Responsible for crafting long-term strategies that drive business growth. They ensure strong connections between the brand and its target audience through innovative marketing campaigns. Their role involves shaping overall marketing goals and ensuring their execution aligns with organizational objectives.
The average total pay is $1.94L(including additional cash compensation of $94K).
2. Senior Marketing Manager
Focused on executing marketing strategies across channels, ensuring seamless campaign delivery. They bridge the connection between team members and stakeholders, optimizing resources to meet performance goals. Their responsibilities include campaign planning, team leadership, and market analysis.
The average total pay is $1.52L (including additional cash compensation of $ 52K).
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
The compensation for a paid social media manager varies based on employment type and associated responsibilities. Understanding these distinctions can help in evaluating potential earnings and career paths within 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 is $89,221. [Source- Builtin]
2. Hourly Rates
The social media manager’s hourly rate compensation can vary widely depending on experience and location. The average hourly pay is $500.
3. Project-Based Rates
Project-based social media managers are compensated per project, with rates influenced by project scope and complexity. The average project-based pay is $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 U.S. is $73,547, with total compensation averaging $92,885. [Source- Buitin]
5. Part-Time Positions
Part-time social media managers work fewer hours and may not receive full-time benefits. The average pay depends on responses gathered from the clients based on your work.
Related: A guide to social media internships to help you get started on your career path.
Final Words
As businesses prioritize their online presence, the demand for skilled professionals is rising—making hiring a social media manager more important than ever. From freelancers to senior roles, salaries in this field vary based on experience, industry, and location.
Employers now seek specialists who can manage engagement, build connections, and adapt quickly. A clear understanding of social media team structure also helps businesses define roles better and set fair expectations. Understanding salary trends helps both businesses and professionals ensure fair pay and long-term success in social media management.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can social media managers enhance their earning potential?
Social media managers can increase their earnings by acquiring advanced skills, 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?
In startups, social media managers often receive a combination of base salary and equity. While base salaries might be lower than in established companies, equity offers potential long-term rewards. To explore opportunities, you can find startup jobs on platforms like Built In.
3. What is the impact of remote work or outsourcing work on social media manager salaries?
Remote work and outsource social media have widened the talent pool, often leading to more competitive social media manager salaries. Businesses can now hire skilled professionals globally, sometimes at lower costs. This flexibility benefits startups and small brands with tight budgets. However, top-tier talent with proven results still 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.