In the digital 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]

The average marketing salaries of social media marketing personnel vary of certain important factors like type of industry, working experience, location of your company, etc. Whether you’re applying for your first social media manager job or you’re looking to level up, you need to know what kind of salary to expect.

 Factors Influencing the Social Media Manager’s Salary

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 hiring of social media manager and their salaries.

These factors are:

1. Industry Sector

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.

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 Age Disparity
Source- Builtin

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 depends on different positions. These are:

1. Senior Marketing Director

 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.

Senior Marketing Director salaries

The average total pay is $1.94L(including additional cash compensation of $94K).

2. Senior Marketing Manager

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.

Senior Marketing Manager salaries

The average total pay is $1.52L (including additional cash compensation of $ 52K).

3. Senior Influencer Manager

Senior Influencer Manager

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.

 Senior Influencer Manager salaries

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 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

Freelancers

Freelance social media managers 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

Hourly Rates

The social media manager hourly rate compensation can vary widely depending on experience and location. The average hourly pay is $500.

3. Project-Based Rates

 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. [SourceBuiltin]

4. Full-Time Positions

Full Time Managers

Full-time social media managers typically receive a consistent salary with benefits. As they work on-site properly they are accustomed to view 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 Managers

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.

Final Words

It is clear that the demand for social media managers continues to rise as most businesses recognize the importance of creating an online presence across all social media platforms. The role of a social media manager is diverse, offering various career paths and compensation levels. Whether you’re a freelancer, part-time employee, or aiming for senior manager positions, there’s immense potential for growth in this field.

Employers increasingly seek candidates who can respond to the dynamic demands of online engagement while fostering meaningful connections. As more employees look to specialize, honing skills and understanding the market’s salary trends will pave the way for rewarding opportunities in social media management.

Social media manager salary varies on different factors such as years of experience, industry, geographical location, and sometimes even gender, but despite all these factors, no employee should be underpaid or exploited.

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 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 on social media manager salaries?

Remote work can influence salaries based on the employer’s location and cost of living considerations. Some companies offer location-based pay, while others provide uniform salaries regardless of location. According to Built In, the average total compensation for a social media manager reported in the U.S. is $104,596. [Source- Builtin]

4. What is the difference between working as a freelancer and as a full-time marketing manager in terms of salary?

Freelance social media managers often have variable incomes based on client volume and project rates, with an average base salary of $50,000 per year. [Source- Glassdoor] In contrast, full-time social media managers receive a steady salary, averaging $73,547 [Source- Builtin] annually in the U.S

5. What is the average total compensation of a social media manager in different countries?

Australia: The average salary for a social media manager is A$80,000 per year. [Source- Glassdoor]

United Kingdom: The average salary for a social media manager is £33,122 per year. [Source- Glassdoor]