As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Search Engine Optimization in the United States is $78,414 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, a Search Engine Optimization's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Search Engine Optimization'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Search Engine Optimization'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Search Engine Optimization | $77,695 |
| Intermediate Level Search Engine Optimization | $77,900 |
| Senior Level Search Engine Optimization | $79,235 |
| Specialist Level Search Engine Optimization | $84,238 |
| Expert Level Search Engine Optimization | $85,951 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Optimizations. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 7% |
| WordPress | 3.72% |
| B2B | 1.85% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
B2B
|
$82,334 |
5%
|
|
Making An Impact
|
$82,334 |
5%
|
|
Web Development
|
$80,766 |
3%
|
|
Content Creation
|
$79,982 |
2%
|
|
Content Marketing
|
$79,982 |
2%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$79,982 |
2%
|
Understanding how a Search Engine Optimization'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Search Engine Optimization can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $80,814 in 2023 to around $79,747 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Search Engine Optimization salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $80,814 |
| 2024 | $80,719 |
| 2025 | $79,747 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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