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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 January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Search Engine Optimization Specialist III in the United States is $127,191 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): $146,624
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $115,557 to $137,363
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $104,965
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View as table View as graph 25% $115,557 10% $104,965 90% $146,624 75% $137,363 $127,191 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Search Engine Optimization Specialist III Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $137,363 $11,447 $2,642 $66
Average $127,191 $10,599 $2,446 $61
25th Percentile $115,557 $9,630 $2,222 $56
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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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $121,114
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $121,982
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $123,371
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $125,455
  • Expert (over 8 years): $128,254
Levels Salary
Entry Level Search Engine Optimization Specialist III$121,114
Intermediate Level Search Engine Optimization Specialist III$121,982
Senior Level Search Engine Optimization Specialist III$123,371
Specialist Level Search Engine Optimization Specialist III$125,455
Expert Level Search Engine Optimization Specialist III$128,254
$121,114 0 yr
$121,982 < 2 yrs
$123,371 2-4 yrs
$125,455 5-8 yrs
$128,254 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Search Engine Optimization Specialist IIIs

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: $160,426
  • San Francisco: $158,849
  • Oakland: $155,326

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.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 5.63%
Organic Search 3.86%
Bing 2.16%
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
 $137,366
8%
Innovation
 $136,094
7%
Presentation
 $133,551
5%
Account Management
 $133,551
5%
Planning
 $132,279
4%
B2B
 $132,279
4%
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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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on January 01, 2026
$115,557
Average $127,191/year
$137,363
$9,630
Average $10,599/month
$11,447
$2,222
Average $2,446/week
$2,642
$56
Average $61/hour
$66
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $137,363 $11,447 $2,642 $66
Average $127,191 $10,599 $2,446 $61
25th Percentile $115,557 $9,630 $2,222 $56

Search Engine Optimization Specialist III Salary Growth & Career Path

Search Engine Optimization Specialist III
Search Engine Optimization Manager

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 $119,347 - a projected growth of -6% over your current level.

Salaries of jobs related to Search Engine Optimization Specialist III

Salary Trends for Search Engine Optimization Specialist III

Salaries for a Search Engine Optimization Specialist III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $114,600 in 2023 to around $114,046 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Search Engine Optimization Specialist III salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Search Engine Optimization Specialist III Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$114,600
2024
$114,758
2025
$114,046
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $114,600
2024 $114,758
2025 $114,046
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Search Engine Optimization Specialist III

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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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 $160,426.

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

The highest pay for Search Engine Optimization Specialist III is $146,624.

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

The lowest pay for Search Engine Optimization Specialist III is $104,965.

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.

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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