Marketing Salaries: How Much Does a Social Media Manager Make for 2025?

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Social media platforms have become essential digital marketing channels for organizations of any size around the world. Aside from being cost-effective, these platforms make reaching target audiences easier and faster. Additionally, they provide a valuable space for information discovery, where users can effortlessly explore topics like “what does it take to become an actuary?" or “what does an actuary do?" with a simple click. What is more, it has made marketing a two-way street—consumers have access to the same main social-media functions that businesses do, allowing them to feel empowered. So it is no longer surprising that there is now a growing demand for social media management jobs.

As of 2023, LinkedIn has over 11,000 listings for social media manager jobs in the United States (US). While the average annual salaries for this position may vary across states, data shows that the average is higher than the $45,760 median annual wage for all US occupations [US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2022]. If this is a career path you would like to pursue but are unsure of whether it is worth it, our team at Research.com created this extensive guide detailing the average annual income of social media managers by US state.

Social Media Manager Salary Table of Contents

What does a Social Media Manager do?
Social Media Manager Salary by State
Social Media Manager Salary by Experience Level
What is the role of education in elevating social media management careers?
Salaries of Occupations Related to Social Media Management
How can creative writing skills boost a social media manager’s impact?
What alternative career paths can expand a social media manager’s expertise?
What emerging trends are shaping the future of social media management?
How can social media managers avoid burnout and maintain work-life balance?
What role does visual design play in boosting social media engagement?
How does remote work influence social media manager roles for 2025?
Understanding the Financial Trajectory of a Social Media Management Career
What are the best educational paths for a social media management career?
What advanced digital tools and techniques can enhance a social media manager’s success?
What certifications are needed to advance as a social media manager?

What does a Social Media Manager do?

A social media manager is a professional that oversees the social media presence of a brand—be it a business, a product, or an individual. Social media managers are in charge of planning, creating, and publishing digital content for marketing projects. They lead the measurement and assessment of content performance based on key metrics, including reach, impressions, and engagement rate, which provide insights into their marketing progress.

Typically, social media managers who are employed in medium to large organizations are part of the marketing team. They may report to the marketing director or the head of content. Moreover, their work requires coordination and collaboration with other teams, such as sales, graphics, and public relations, to ensure that all teams are aligned and are working toward the same goals.

Social media managers may be required to have a bachelor’s degree in digital marketing, business marketing, public relations, communications, or other related fields such as npo management programs. Considering the responsibilities of the job, aspiring social media professionals may need to focus on developing the following fundamental skills:

Communication
Writing
Research
Organization
Analytical thinking
Time management
Project management
Creativity
Technology

The significance of digital marketing is demonstrated by the national retail e-commerce sales in the US. In the first quarter of 2023, the e-commerce segment accounted for approximately $272.6 billion of retail sales in the country (US Census Bureau, 2023). Furthermore, social media platforms have proved to be capable of easily bringing in about $27 billion in sales in 2020 (McKinsey & Company, 2022). Thanks to social commerce, consumers are able to browse through selections of products and complete their transactions directly on social media.

Social Media Manager Salary by State

The growing financial benefits of social media marketing positively influence the job outlook for business administration majors who specialize in digital marketing. So it is only natural for individuals interested in the job to ask, “How much do social media managers make?"

Generally, they earn an average annual salary of $70,287 and the average hourly rate for social media manager jobs is between $24 and $47 (Zippia, 2023). However, to answer the question more specifically, the Research.com team explored the average annual salaries of social media managers across US states in this section. We also discuss the varied industries that are flourishing in these states, which may be viewed as career opportunities for professionals in the field as marketing is essential for any business to succeed.

Washington — $89,087

Washington has the highest average annual social media manager salary in the US (Zippia, 2023). The state finished 2022 with 236,796 operational business establishments (US BLS, 2023). Currently, LinkedIn has at least 190 job listings for the position in Seattle, the state’s largest city and the location of technology giant Amazon. Washington is also home to Microsoft.

California — $88,236

California provides professionals with an average annual social media manager salary of $88,236 (Zippia, 2023). The state—home to technology hotspot Silicon Valley—had 1,768,793 business establishments by December 2022 (US BLS, 2023). Many large technology corporations are headquartered in Silicon Valley alone, including Apple, Google, and Adobe. Aside from these companies, California is also globally known for its entertainment industry and tourism.

Nevada — $87,105

Nevada has an average annual social media manager salary of $87,105 (Zippia, 2023). The state reached 105,283 in its total number of business establishments by the end of 2022 (US BLS, 2023). Nevada is famous for its tourism and gaming industry as well as its natural resource technologies and mining. Hospitality and tourism alone provide residents with tens of thousands of jobs.

Oregon — $86,846

The average annual social media manager salary in Oregon is $86,846 (Zippia, 2023). Business establishments in the state grew by 6.7% in one year, between 2021 (176,154) and 2022 (188,004) (US BLS, 2023). Oregon serves as the main headquarters of the global sports brand Nike and it is also the largest softwood lumber producer in the country. Thus, the state counts retail, agriculture, and tourism as some of its major employment segments.

New Mexico — $81,743

New Mexico has an average annual social media manager salary of $81,743 (Zippia, 2023), ranking fifth in this list of highest-paying states for the position. However, the state has relatively fewer businesses than the majority of US states. Between December 2021 and December 2022, only 469 new businesses were launched, bringing the state total slightly up from 67,068 to 67,537 (US BLS, 2023).

Arizona — $78,150

The average annual social media manager salary in Arizona is $78,150 (Zippia, 2023). The state had a 10.4% growth in businesses between 2021 (191,756) and 2022 (211,683) (US BLS, 2023). Arizona has over 1,200 aerospace and defense companies and is home to large manufacturing companies, including Intel and Frito Lay. Moreover, the state’s natural destinations are regularly used as locations for film and digital media productions.

New York — $78,098

New York has an average annual social media manager salary of $78,098 (Zippia, 2023). By the end of 2022, the state welcomed 11,777 new businesses, going from a total of 671,758 in 2021 to 683,535 in 2022 (US BLS, 2023). The state is known for several industries, such as financial services, retail, and healthcare. Famous historical landmarks and scenic spots also attract hundreds of millions of tourists yearly—221 million in 2021 (Empire State Development, n.d.). Moreover, Wall Street is located in the financial district of Lower Manhattan in New York, providing many entry-level jobs to executive-level careers in business.

Connecticut — $75,652

The average annual social media manager salary in Connecticut is $75,652 (Zippia, 2023). The state added 8,884 new businesses in 2022, ending the year with 142,768 business establishments (US BLS, 2023). Its key industries also include aerospace and defense, financial services, and manufacturing.

Utah — $75,513

The $75,513 average annual social media manager salary in Utah, the ninth-highest-paying state for the position, is noticeably still higher than the average for the entire country. It is also almost $20,000 higher than the median annual wage for all US occupations. The state approved 10,633 new business establishments by December 2022, boasting a total of 137,277 businesses. Utah focuses on a handful of industries to lead its economic growth, including manufacturing, aerospace, and financial services.

New Jersey — $72,123

New Jersey ranks 10th with an average annual social media manager salary of $72,123 (Zippia, 2023). It had a 5.9% increase in its number of business establishments between 2021 and 2022, launching 18,493 new organizations in a year and totaling 331,151 (US BLS, 2023). The state depends on several industries, such as pharmaceuticals and life sciences, financial services, and technology.

Social Media Manager Salary by Experience Level

The average salary of social media manager jobs may also vary based on professional experience level. Entry-level social media managers may have no prior work experience but are hired based on their education, training, and existing skills. Their responsibilities may include content creation and basic social media analytics. They must also be trained to schedule publishing content during the best times to post on social media. Professionals who are just starting their careers in the field have an average salary of $49,575. Meanwhile, entry-level workers with one to three years of experience earn an average annual salary of $56,605 (Karten, 2021).

In contrast, the annual mid-level social media marketing salary is $64,320 on average (Karten, 2021). Professionals at this level have three to five years of experience and may be responsible for project management, marketing strategy development, and advanced analytics.

Further above the career ladder, senior-level roles have an average social media manager salary between $78,129 (fiveseven years) and $93,099 (sevennine years) yearly. Senior social media managers may be in charge of their own team, overseeing each aspect of campaigns, from budgeting and content strategy to execution and assessment.

Moreover, the social media specialist salary of professionals with nine to 15 years of work experience is $101,563, while veterans with over 15 years in the marketing field may earn $113,333 each year on average (Karten, 2021).

What is the role of education in elevating social media management careers?

Education plays a pivotal role in carving out successful careers in social media management. While many professionals enter the field with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or related disciplines, those who pursue advanced educational credentials often unlock more lucrative and rewarding opportunities.

For individuals aiming to elevate their expertise and broaden their career prospects, enrolling in a comprehensive marketing online degree program can be immensely advantageous. Such programs provide specialized knowledge in emerging marketing trends, analytical tools, and strategic content creation. They also emphasize practical skills such as data interpretation and audience targeting, which are crucial in today’s tech-driven marketing landscape.

Additionally, the pursuit of education beyond basic qualifications demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning—a trait highly valued by employers. By combining foundational knowledge with advanced concepts and practical application, professionals can position themselves as thought leaders in the field.

Ultimately, investing in education not only boosts earning potential but also provides the agility required to adapt to the ever-evolving demands of digital marketing. With the right educational resources and training, aspiring social media managers can build a robust skill set, ensuring long-term career stability in this competitive profession.

Salaries of Occupations Related to Social Media Management

Brand campaigns often utilize different marketing channels to execute strategies efficiently. Marketing teams also collaborate with other teams in their organizations for their execution. Thus, social media managers often coordinate with related teams, including public relations and sales.

But if you are looking to explore different career paths within the realm of marketing and may have thought, ‘How do I become business consultant?’ there are a lot of positions to choose from. The following roles may interest professionals who are looking to transition to occupations that require relevant work experience.

Public Relations Specialist. What is a public relations degree and what can you do with it? Public relations specialists establish and maintain good relationships between their employers or clients and stakeholders, such as consumers and the media. They ensure that their organization or clients have a positive reputation through systematic communications plans, well-produced media materials, and well-executed events. In 2021, public relations specialists in the US had a median annual wage of $62,800 and a faster-than-average employment outlook of 8% between 2021 and 2031 (US BLS, 2022).
Advertising Sales Agent. Advertising sales agents sell advertising space on various media channels to organizations and individuals. They work to gain and retain clients by providing them with essential advertising details, such as the benefits of the different kinds of advertising and the cost of advertising. In 2021, these professionals earned a median annual wage of $52,340 but have been forecasted to decrease in employment by 8% between 2021 and 2031 (US BLS, 2022).
Marketing Manager. Marketing managers lead their own teams and collaborate with other team heads to coordinate project planning and execution. They oversee all aspects of campaigns, such as content plans, finances, and promotions, among other project areas. In 2022, marketing managers in the US had a median annual wage of $140,040 (US BLS, 2023). Employment for the role has been projected to grow by 10% between 2021 and 2031 (US BLS, 2022).

How can creative writing skills boost a social media manager’s impact?

A strong command of creative writing enables social media managers to craft narratives that not only promote brand identity but also resonate deeply with target audiences. Merging analytic insights with storytelling techniques can elevate the efficacy of campaigns, infusing content with authenticity and engagement that data alone cannot achieve. Leveraging refined writing skills fosters adaptability across various digital formats, ensuring that each message remains persuasive and on-brand. Exploring specialized academic programs—including reading our article What can you do with a masters in writing?—can further enhance creative capabilities and strategic communication techniques essential for today’s competitive social media landscape.

Become a Successful Social Media Manager

The field of marketing offers many career opportunities that are rewarding in many essential ways. Social media management, in particular, not only helps professionals earn more than the median annual wage for all US occupations. The job also helps them develop key skills that are necessary in an ever-evolving business world.

Moreover, social media management is headed toward aggressive advancement considering the following: (1) the necessity of marketing in any industry; (2) the rate at which technology is booming today; and (3) the vision of moving the world to the cloud—a vision gradually turning into reality daily. Individuals aspiring to be part of this digital revolution may start by exploring their education and training options, such as affordable business degree programs. Deciding to pursue a career as a social media manager is one step closer for you to become successful.

What alternative career paths can expand a social media manager’s expertise?

Beyond traditional brand-focused roles, professionals can leverage their skills in digital communication and strategic content creation to explore varied career trajectories. This includes opportunities in agency consulting, freelancing, and entrepreneurial ventures focused on content production and digital engagement. A robust background in communications further enables career transitions into public relations, corporate communications, and media planning. For insights into diversifying professional opportunities, consider exploring What jobs can you get with a communications degree?.

What emerging trends are shaping the future of social media management?

Digital transformation, AI integration, and evolving consumer privacy regulations are redefining content strategies and audience engagement. Social media managers must adapt to rapid algorithm updates and the increasing prominence of short-form and ephemeral content to stay competitive. Enhancing strategic storytelling with sophisticated analytics is crucial, as is mastering the balance between technological efficiency and creative authenticity. Investing in advanced creative training—such as pursuing a cheapest online bachelors in creative writing degree—can provide unique insights to elevate narrative skills and maintain brand integrity in a dynamic digital landscape.

How can social media managers avoid burnout and maintain work-life balance?

Social media managers face rapidly shifting trends and high content demands that can contribute to burnout. Implementing structured work routines, leveraging time management strategies, and setting clear boundaries are effective measures to sustain productivity. Integrating mindfulness practices and periodic self-assessments helps in identifying stressors early, while cultivating a supportive professional network further mitigates work-related pressures. Additionally, advancing skills through specialized training—such as pursuing an accelerated online social media marketing degree—can offer insights into managing workload efficiently and fostering personal well-being without compromising career progression.

What role does visual design play in boosting social media engagement?

Visual design is crucial in enhancing social media campaigns by capturing attention and effectively communicating brand messages. Strategic use of imagery, consistent branding, and creative layouts can significantly increase audience interaction and drive conversion. Enhancing skills in graphic design enables social media managers to produce compelling visuals that resonate with target demographics. Pursuing a graphic design online degree can provide the expertise needed to integrate professional design elements seamlessly into digital marketing strategies.

How does remote work influence social media manager roles for 2025?

Remote work has significantly impacted the nature of social media management, creating new opportunities and challenges for professionals in the field. With more companies embracing flexible work models, social media managers must adapt to these changes to stay competitive and efficient. Here are some key aspects to consider:

Increased demand for remote positions. The shift to remote work has expanded job opportunities for social media managers, as many organizations now prioritize digital presence. Professionals can manage social media campaigns from anywhere, allowing them to work for companies located globally, leading to a more diverse range of job prospects.
Flexible work schedules. Social media operates 24/7, so remote work enables managers to adopt flexible schedules. This flexibility can be advantageous for responding to real-time events, engaging with audiences in different time zones, and ensuring consistent content updates.
Challenges with collaboration and communication. Remote social media managers must overcome challenges in coordinating with teams, such as marketing, sales, and public relations, which are often crucial for campaign success. Effective use of collaboration tools like Slack, Trello, and Zoom is essential to maintain seamless communication and project alignment.
Emphasis on self-discipline and time management. Remote work requires strong self-management skills, as social media managers must juggle multiple tasks, including content creation, scheduling, analytics, and engagement, without direct supervision. Time management tools and productivity apps can help professionals stay organized and meet deadlines.
Access to global talent. Remote work opens the door for organizations to hire top talent from anywhere, increasing competition for social media manager roles. It is crucial for professionals to continuously upskill in areas like data analytics, content strategy, and platform-specific expertise to stand out in this competitive job market.

Understanding the Financial Trajectory of a Social Media Management Career

A career in social media management not only offers creative opportunities but also holds significant financial potential. With the rise of digital marketing across industries, social media managers enjoy competitive salaries and growth prospects. Understanding the financial trajectory in this field can help aspiring professionals plan their career paths strategically.

Entry-Level Salaries and Growth Potential

Social media managers typically start their careers with entry-level salaries averaging around $49,575 annually (Karten, 2021). Within the first three years, these professionals often see salary increases as they gain experience, specialize in specific platforms, and demonstrate measurable success in campaigns.

Senior Roles and Beyond

Mid-level roles, requiring three to five years of experience, offer average annual salaries of $64,320, while senior-level positions, often with leadership responsibilities, can command salaries of over $93,099 annually for those with seven to nine years of experience (Karten, 2021). Professionals with over 15 years of experience often pivot to broader marketing or leadership roles, earning upwards of $113,333 annually.

Cross-Industry Earning Potential

Social media management is not limited to any single industry, and professionals in high-demand sectors like finance, technology, and healthcare often enjoy higher-than-average compensation. For instance, those with a background in finance or business can transition into related roles with significant earning potential, as highlighted in finance major salary insights. This versatility makes social media management an attractive and flexible career option.

What are the best educational paths for a social media management career?

To succeed in social media management, it's essential to have a solid educational foundation. While a degree in marketing or communications is often beneficial, there are also numerous online programs that can provide specialized knowledge and skills. For those looking to pursue a degree in social media marketing, exploring affordable online options is a great starting point. You can find a list of the social media marketing degree online programs, which can help you launch or advance your career in this field.

What advanced digital tools and techniques can enhance a social media manager’s success?

Mastery of specialized digital tools is key to optimizing campaign performance and audience engagement. Leveraging platforms that streamline content scheduling, comprehensive analytics, and social listening enables managers to tailor strategies in real time. Utilizing AI-powered insights and automation tools can uncover nuanced trends, improve content personalization, and increase operational efficiency without compromising creative quality. Integrating multimedia production software and advanced reporting dashboards also supports data-driven decision making, ultimately reinforcing a manager’s strategic authority. For further specialization, pursuing an affordable online master's degree in communications can significantly broaden technical expertise and leadership capabilities.

What certifications are needed to advance as a social media manager?

As social media management becomes more specialized, obtaining relevant certifications can be a game-changer for career advancement. While a degree in marketing or communications is often a strong foundation, certifications from recognized platforms can help demonstrate expertise and improve job prospects. These certifications showcase a commitment to staying current with ever-evolving social media trends, tools, and best practices, which is highly valued by employers in a competitive job market.

One of the most well-known certifications is the HubSpot Social Media Certification, which covers key topics like social media strategy, content creation, and performance analysis. This certification is valuable for professionals looking to expand their knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of social media marketing.

Another popular certification is Hootsuite’s Social Marketing Certification, which focuses on the practical aspects of managing social media campaigns across multiple platforms. It covers areas such as content creation, community management, and social advertising, which are crucial for any social media manager.

For those aiming to demonstrate more advanced expertise, Google’s Analytics Certification is also highly beneficial. Google Analytics is an essential tool for measuring social media campaign performance, and mastering it can help social media managers analyze data more effectively, optimize campaigns, and drive business results.

Additionally, Facebook Blueprint offers certifications that focus specifically on Facebook and Instagram marketing. These credentials are valuable for social media managers who specialize in paid social media advertising or want to deepen their knowledge of Facebook’s advertising platform.

For those looking to broaden their skills even further, pursuing a more comprehensive program like accelerated marketing degree programs online can be a great option. These programs often include courses on social media marketing and related fields, allowing individuals to earn certifications in a faster, more flexible manner.

Key Insights

Growing Demand: Social media management is a rapidly growing field, with over 11,000 job listings in the US as of 2023. This high demand is driven by the necessity for businesses to maintain a strong online presence.
Competitive Salaries: Social media managers earn an average annual salary of $70,287, which is significantly higher than the median annual wage for all US occupations.
Regional Salary Variation: The highest-paying states for social media managers include Washington ($89,087), California ($88,236), and Nevada ($87,105). These variations are influenced by the presence of major industries and large corporations in these states.
Essential Skills: Key skills for social media managers include communication, writing, research, organization, analytical thinking, time management, project management, creativity, and technology.
Career Advancement: Experience significantly impacts salary. Entry-level social media managers earn around $49,575, while those with over 15 years of experience can earn up to $113,333 annually.
Related Career Paths: Professionals in social media management can transition to related roles such as public relations specialists, advertising sales agents, and marketing managers, with competitive salaries and positive job outlooks.

FAQ

1. What does a social media manager do?

A social media manager oversees the social media presence of a brand, creating and publishing content, managing digital marketing campaigns, analyzing performance metrics, and coordinating with other departments to ensure cohesive marketing strategies.

2. What is the average salary of a social media manager in the US?

The average annual salary for a social media manager in the US is $70,287. However, this can vary based on location, experience, and the specific industry.

3. What skills are essential for a social media manager?

Essential skills for a social media manager include strong communication, writing, research, organization, analytical thinking, time management, project management, creativity, and proficiency with digital technology and social media platforms.

4. How does experience impact the salary of a social media manager?

Experience significantly impacts salary. Entry-level social media managers earn around $49,575, while those with one to three years of experience earn about $56,605. Mid-level managers earn approximately $64,320, and those with over 15 years of experience can earn up to $113,333 annually.

5. What are the highest-paying states for social media managers?

The highest-paying states for social media managers are Washington ($89,087), California ($88,236), and Nevada ($87,105). These states have a high concentration of major industries and large corporations that drive up salary averages.

6. What are some related career paths for social media managers?

Related career paths include public relations specialists, advertising sales agents, and marketing managers. These roles often require similar skills and experience and offer competitive salaries.

7. What education is typically required to become a social media manager?

A bachelor’s degree in digital marketing, business marketing, public relations, communications, or related fields is typically required. Additional certifications and ongoing training in social media and digital marketing tools can also be beneficial.

8. How important is technology proficiency for a social media manager?

Technology proficiency is crucial for a social media manager. Familiarity with various social media platforms, digital marketing tools, and analytics software is essential for creating effective campaigns and measuring their success.

9. What industries offer the most opportunities for social media managers?

Industries such as technology, entertainment, retail, hospitality, and financial services offer significant opportunities for social media managers due to their heavy reliance on digital marketing and online presence.

10. How can aspiring social media managers improve their career prospects?

Aspiring social media managers can improve their career prospects by gaining relevant education, building a strong portfolio of work, staying updated with the latest social media trends and tools, and gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions. Networking and continuous learning through certifications and courses are also beneficial.

References