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Search Engine Optimization Specialist III Salary in the United States

How much does a Search Engine Optimization Specialist III make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Search Engine Optimization Specialist III in the United States is $127,219 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $61.

However, a Search Engine Optimization Specialist III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $146,669
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $115,698 to $137,400
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $105,209
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Search Engine Optimization Specialist III Salaries

A Search Engine Optimization Specialist III's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Search Engine Optimization Specialist III Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Search Engine Optimization Specialist III's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Search Engine Optimization Specialist I (2-4 years): $80,461
  • Search Engine Optimization Specialist II (4-7 years): $97,261
  • Search Engine Optimization Specialist III (7+ years): $127,219
  • Search Engine Optimization Manager (7+ years): $119,378
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Search Engine Optimization Specialist I2-4 years$80,461
Search Engine Optimization Specialist II4-7 years$97,261
Search Engine Optimization Specialist III7+ years$127,219
Search Engine Optimization Manager7+ years$119,378
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How Do Search Engine Optimization Specialist IIIs Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Search Engine Optimization Specialist IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $140,857.
  • California: $140,323.
  • Massachusetts: $138,452.

Top Paying Cities for Search Engine Optimization Specialist III

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $160,461
  • San Francisco: $158,704
  • Oakland: $155,360

What Skills Can Increase a Search Engine Optimization Specialist III's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 5.63% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Organic Search (Mentioned in 3.86% Job Postings): Organic search, also known as natural search, refers to unpaid search results. In contrast to paid search results (pay-per-click advertising).
  • Bing (Mentioned in 2.16% Job Postings): A web search engine owned and operated by Microsoft. The service has its origins in Microsoft's previous search engines: MSN Search, Windows Live Search and later Live Search.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 5.63%
Organic Search 3.86%
Bing 2.16%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Search Engine Optimization Specialist III's salary.

  • Google AdWords: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • Innovation: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Presentation: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Google AdWords $137,397
8%
Innovation $136,124
7%
Presentation $133,580
5%
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Search Engine Optimization Specialist III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Search Engine Optimization Specialist III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $142,414. While startup companies pay approximate $120,479.

Search Engine Optimization Specialist III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $120,479
Growth Stage 51~500 $127,421
Established 501~5000 $137,526
Enterprise 5000+ $142,414

Search Engine Optimization Specialist III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Search Engine Optimization Specialist III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 45% above the average. In contrast, Search Engine Optimization Specialist positions in Media or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Search Engine Optimization Specialist III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Search Engine Optimization Specialist III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$184,468$89.045%
Internet$171,746$83.035%
Pharmaceuticals$165,385$80.030%
Financial Services$159,024$76.025%
Aerospace & Defense$152,663$73.020%

Search Engine Optimization Specialist III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Search Engine Optimization Specialist III's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$115,698
Average $127,219/year
$137,400
$9,642
Average $10,602/month
$11,450
$2,225
Average $2,447/week
$2,642
$56
Average $61/hour
$66
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $137,400 $11,450 $2,642 $66
Average $127,219 $10,602 $2,447 $61
25th Percentile $115,698 $9,642 $2,225 $56

Search Engine Optimization Specialist III Salary Growth & Career Path

Search Engine Optimization Specialist III

Next Role

For a Search Engine Optimization Specialist III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Search Engine Optimization Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $119,378 - a projected growth of -6% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Search Engine Optimization Specialist III

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Search Engine Optimization Specialist III

Here are companies hiring for Search Engine Optimization Specialist III and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Search Engine Optimization Specialist III

1. Where can a Search Engine Optimization Specialist III earn the most?

A Search Engine Optimization Specialist III's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Search Engine Optimization Specialist III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Search Engine Optimization Specialist III is $160,461.

2. What is the highest pay for Search Engine Optimization Specialist III?

The highest pay for Search Engine Optimization Specialist III is $146,669.

3. What is the lowest pay for Search Engine Optimization Specialist III?

The lowest pay for Search Engine Optimization Specialist III is $105,209.

4. What are the responsibilities of Search Engine Optimization Specialist III?

Monitors site-wide daily performance metrics and uses SEO tools and techniques to optimize site traffic, improve user experience, and increase conversions. Conducts keyword research, search behavior analyses, technical audits, and content gap analyses. Utilizes website analytics and a variety of SEO tools to create reports, audits and dashboards to identify areas for optimization. Conducts competitive research and deploys the latest developments in SEO. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Search Engine Optimization Specialist III?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Search Engine Optimization Specialist III roles, with salaries approximately 45% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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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