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Search Engine Optimization Manager Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Search Engine Optimization Manager in the United States is $119,378 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $57.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $147,114
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $111,383 to $133,896
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $104,104
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Search Engine Optimization Manager Salaries

A Search Engine Optimization Manager'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 Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Search Engine Optimization Manager'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 Managers 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 Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $132,175.
  • California: $131,674.
  • Massachusetts: $129,919.

Top Paying Cities for Search Engine Optimization Manager

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: $150,571
  • San Francisco: $148,923
  • Oakland: $145,784

Search Engine Optimization Manager Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Search Engine Optimization Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $133,637. While startup companies pay approximate $113,054.

Search Engine Optimization Manager Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $113,054
Growth Stage 51~500 $119,568
Established 501~5000 $129,050
Enterprise 5000+ $133,637

Search Engine Optimization Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Search Engine Optimization Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Search Engine Optimization Manager positions in Transportation or Software & Networking typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Search Engine Optimization Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Search Engine Optimization Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$143,254$69.020%
Business Services$143,254$69.020%
Construction$143,254$69.020%
Energy & Utilities$143,254$69.020%
Healthcare$143,254$69.020%

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

Understanding how a Search Engine Optimization Manager'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
$111,383
Average $119,378/year
$133,896
$9,282
Average $9,948/month
$11,158
$2,142
Average $2,296/week
$2,575
$54
Average $57/hour
$64
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $133,896 $11,158 $2,575 $64
Average $119,378 $9,948 $2,296 $57
25th Percentile $111,383 $9,282 $2,142 $54

Most common benefits for Search Engine Optimization Manager

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

Common company salaries for Search Engine Optimization Manager

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

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FAQ about Search Engine Optimization Manager

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

A Search Engine Optimization Manager'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 Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Search Engine Optimization Manager is $150,571.

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

The highest pay for Search Engine Optimization Manager is $147,114.

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

The lowest pay for Search Engine Optimization Manager is $104,104.

4. What are the responsibilities of Search Engine Optimization Manager?

Manages an SEO team to optimize site traffic, improve user experience, and increase conversions. Oversees and monitors keyword research, search behavior analyses, technical audits, and content gap analyses. Uses SEO reports, audits and dashboards to identify areas for optimization and leads projects to implement those findings. Conducts competitive research and deploys the latest developments in SEO. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a head of a unit/department. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1-3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.

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

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Search Engine Optimization Manager roles, with salaries approximately 20% 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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