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How much does a SEM/SEO Strategist make?

As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a SEM/SEO Strategist in the United States is $70,690. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $62,890 to $77,990, with most professionals earning between $55,789 and $84,636.

SEM/SEO Strategist Salaries by Percentile
Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $77,990 $6,499 $1,500 $37
Average $70,690 $5,891 $1,359 $34
25th Percentile $62,890 $5,241 $1,209 $30

Average Salary

25% $62,890 10% $55,789 90% $84,636 75% $77,990 $70,690 50%(Median)
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How much does a SEM/SEO Strategist make by hour, week, month, and year?

Salary.com provides you with accurate and diversified SEM/SEO Strategist salary data based on specialized databases to help you get a fairer salary. The average annual pay for a SEM/SEO Strategist is about $70,690 a year, this translates to an approximate hourly rate of $34, a monthly salary of about $5,891, and a weekly pay of around $1,359 . Click the switch button below to see more details about SEM/SEO Strategist hourly pay, weekly pay, monthly pay, and so on.

Last Updated on April 01, 2025

How Does Experience Level Affect a SEM/SEO Strategist's Salary?

An entry-level SEM/SEO Strategist with less than 1 year of experience earns about $67,197. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $67,780. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $68,944. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $71,997, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $74,503.

Levels Salary
Entry Level SEM/SEO Strategist $67,197
Intermediate Level SEM/SEO Strategist $67,780
Senior Level SEM/SEO Strategist $68,944
Specialist Level SEM/SEO Strategist $71,997
Expert Level SEM/SEO Strategist $74,503
$67,197 0 yr
$67,780 < 2 yrs
$68,944 2-4 yrs
$71,997 5-8 yrs
$74,503 > 8 yrs
Last Updated on April 01, 2025
Entry Level 5%
Mid Level 4%
Senior Level 2%
Top Level 2%
Experienced 5%
View as graph
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

How much does salary of SEM/SEO Strategist vary from city to city?

Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.

For example, as of April 01, 2025:
  • In San Francisco, CA, the average yearly salary for a SEM/SEO Strategist is $88,290.
  • In New York, NY, the average annual salary is $81,990.
  • In Boston, MA, a SEM/SEO Strategist earns $78,890 per year.

What is the salary trend of SEM/SEO Strategist?

As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in SEM/SEO Strategist compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $71,384 in 2023 to approximately $71,873 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of SEM/SEO Strategist salary trends, click here.)

Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.

Average Annual Salary of SEM/SEO Strategist Over Time

2020
$???
2021
$???
2022
$???
$71,384
2023
$71,873
2024
$71,515
2025
2026
$???
Last Updated on April 01, 2025
2020
$???
2021
$???
2022
$???
2023
$71,384
2024
$71,873
2025
$71,515
2026
$???
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

SEM/SEO Strategist Salary by Year

Year Average Annual Salary
2020 View More
2021 View More
2022 View More
2023 $71,384
2024 $71,873
2025 $71,515
2026 View More
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

Job Openings of SEM/SEO Strategist

Salary.com job board provides millions of SEM/SEO Strategist information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see SEM/SEO Strategist job openings or enter a new job title here.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Base Salary 69.7%
Bonuses 0.0%
Social Security 5.3%
401k/403b 2.9%
Disability 1.4%
Healthcare 8.2%
Pension 3.8%
Time Off 8.6%
Core Compensation
Core Compensation Median % of Total
Base Salary $70,690 69.7%
Bonus $0 0.0%
Value of Benefits
Core Compensation Median % of Total
Social Security $5,408 5.3%
401K/403B $2,969 2.9%
Disability $1,414 1.4%
Healthcare $8,352 8.2%
Pension $3,817 3.8%
Time Off $8,700 8.6%
Total Compensation $101,350 100%
Core Compensation is based on averages for this job and does not reflect personal factors used to determine your projected salary range.
Value of Benefits indicates the employer's expected contribution and paid time off.
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

FAQ about SEM/SEO Strategist

1. How much does a junior SEO specialist make in the US?

The estimated total pay for a Junior SEO Specialist in the US ranges from $66,090 to $86,390 per year, with a mid-salary of $75,790. These figures reflect the salary range based on industry data and provide a comprehensive view of potential earnings in this role.

2. Is SEO more expensive than SEM?

SEO vs SEM: How Much They Cost In the long term, SEO is often regarded as more cost-effective, as it builds credibility without click-related expenses. However, continuous investment in content creation and website optimization is also required. For SEM/SEO strategists, salaries range from $66,090 to $86,390, reflecting the expertise needed in both areas.

3. How much can you get paid for SEO?

The salary for an SEM/SEO Strategist typically ranges from $66,090 to $86,390 annually, with a median salary of around $75,790. This reflects the growing demand for SEO expertise in various industries, highlighting the potential for competitive compensation in this field.

4. Is SEO a profitable career?

Yes, SEO is a profitable career with strong income potential. Salaries for SEM/SEO Strategists range from $66,090 to $86,390, with a median of $75,790. As digital markets continue to grow, the demand for skilled professionals in this field is expected to rise, making it a promising career choice.

5. How much does a SEO strategist make in the US?

As of now, the salary for an SEO Strategist in the United States ranges from $66,090 to $86,390 annually, with a median salary of approximately $75,790. This reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise in the field.

6. Is SEO still in demand?

SEO remains in high demand, driven by Google's 99,000 search queries per second and 5 billion daily searches. As businesses strive to optimize their content for this vast audience, the role of SEM/SEO Strategists is crucial, with salaries ranging from $66,090 to $86,390, reflecting the importance of effective search strategies in today's digital landscape.

About Our Data

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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The average salary for a SEM/SEO Strategist is $70,690 per year in the United States, updated at April 01, 2025.
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