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Search Engine Optimization Specialist I Salary in the United States

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

As of February 01, 2026, the average salary for a Search Engine Optimization Specialist I in the United States is $80,426 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $102,494
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $73,499 to $91,977
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $67,192
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View as table View as graph 25% $73,499 10% $67,192 90% $102,494 75% $91,977 $80,426 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Search Engine Optimization Specialist I Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $91,977 $7,665 $1,769 $44
Average $80,426 $6,702 $1,547 $39
25th Percentile $73,499 $6,125 $1,413 $35
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Key Factors That Influence Search Engine Optimization Specialist I Salaries

A Search Engine Optimization Specialist I'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 Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Search Engine Optimization Specialist I'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): $80,426
  • Search Engine Optimization Specialist II (4-7 years): $97,251
  • Search Engine Optimization Specialist III (7+ years): $127,195
  • Search Engine Optimization Manager (7+ years): $119,351
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Search Engine Optimization Specialist I2-4 years$80,426
Search Engine Optimization Specialist II4-7 years$97,251
Search Engine Optimization Specialist III7+ years$127,195
Search Engine Optimization Manager7+ years$119,351
$80,426 Search En...
$97,251 Search En...
$127,195 Search En...
$119,351 Search En...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Search Engine Optimization Specialist Is

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: $101,441
  • San Francisco: $100,444
  • Oakland: $98,216

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 7% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • WordPress (Mentioned in 3.72% Job Postings): WordPress is a free and open-source content management system written in PHP and paired with a MySQL or MariaDB database with supported HTTPS.
  • B2B (Mentioned in 1.85% Job Postings): B2B (business-to-business), a type of electronic commerce (e-commerce), is the exchange of products, services or information between businesses, rather than between businesses and consumers (B2C).
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 7%
WordPress 3.72%
B2B 1.85%
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 I's salary.
  • B2B: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Making An Impact: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Web Development: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
B2B
 $84,447
5%
Making An Impact
 $84,447
5%
Web Development
 $82,839
3%
Content Creation
 $82,035
2%
Content Marketing
 $82,035
2%
Collaboration
 $82,035
2%
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Search Engine Optimization Specialist I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Search Engine Optimization Specialist I'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 February 01, 2026
$73,499
Average $80,426/year
$91,977
$6,125
Average $6,702/month
$7,665
$1,413
Average $1,547/week
$1,769
$35
Average $39/hour
$44
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $91,977 $7,665 $1,769 $44
Average $80,426 $6,702 $1,547 $39
25th Percentile $73,499 $6,125 $1,413 $35

Search Engine Optimization Specialist I Salary Growth & Career Path

Search Engine Optimization Specialist I
Search Engine Optimization Specialist II
Search Engine Optimization Specialist III

For a Search Engine Optimization Specialist I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Search Engine Optimization Specialist II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $97,251 - a projected growth of 21% over your current level.

Salaries of jobs related to Search Engine Optimization Specialist I

Most common benefits for Search Engine Optimization Specialist I

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401(k)
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Pension
Time Off (days)
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FAQ about Search Engine Optimization Specialist I

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

A Search Engine Optimization Specialist I'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 I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Search Engine Optimization Specialist I is $101,441.

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

The highest pay for Search Engine Optimization Specialist I is $102,494.

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

The lowest pay for Search Engine Optimization Specialist I is $67,192.

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

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. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 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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