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Search Engine Optimization Consultant Salary in California

How much does a Search Engine Optimization Consultant make in California?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Search Engine Optimization Consultant in California is $99,000 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $117,519
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $89,273 to $108,694
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $80,417
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Search Engine Optimization Consultant Salaries

A Search Engine Optimization Consultant'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 Consultant Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Search Engine Optimization Consultant'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): $95,036
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $95,332
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $96,514
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $99,998
  • Expert (over 8 years): $102,992
Levels Salary
Entry Level Search Engine Optimization Consultant$95,036
Intermediate Level Search Engine Optimization Consultant$95,332
Senior Level Search Engine Optimization Consultant$96,514
Specialist Level Search Engine Optimization Consultant$99,998
Expert Level Search Engine Optimization Consultant$102,992
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How Do Search Engine Optimization Consultant 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 Consultants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $99,377.
  • California: $99,000.
  • Massachusetts: $97,681.

Top Paying Cities for Search Engine Optimization Consultants

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:

  • Los Angeles: $99,171
  • West Hollywood: $99,099
  • Dodgertown: $99,170

Search Engine Optimization Consultant Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Search Engine Optimization Consultant 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 Internet and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 18% above the average. In contrast, Search Engine Optimization Consultant positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Search Engine Optimization Consultant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Search Engine Optimization Consultant

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Internet$116,820$56.018%
Software & Networking$113,850$55.015%
Pharmaceuticals$112,860$54.014%
Financial Services$108,900$52.010%
Aerospace & Defense$106,920$51.08%

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

Understanding how a Search Engine Optimization Consultant'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 September 01, 2026
$89,273
Average $99,000/year
$108,694
$7,439
Average $8,250/month
$9,058
$1,717
Average $1,904/week
$2,090
$43
Average $48/hour
$52
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $108,694 $9,058 $2,090 $52
Average $99,000 $8,250 $1,904 $48
25th Percentile $89,273 $7,439 $1,717 $43

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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