What is the Average Salary for a Digital Marketing Professional?
Ever stop dead in your tracks while scrolling through social media, captivated by a clever ad or a sidesplitting brand video, and think, “I can totally do this!”
But then the thought hits you: “Wait, is there even a way to get paid for this?”
Well, there absolutely is.
Digital marketing is a goldmine of opportunity, offering a dynamic career that mixes your creativity with strategic thinking. Plus, your online skills translate into real cash.
The numbers don’t lie: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports digital marketers average a cool $63,000 a year, with some soaring as high as $160,000!
Let Blinkist be your digital marketing guru! Our guide breaks down the secrets behind those impressive salaries (spoiler: it’s not just fancy titles!).
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The Top 5 Digital Marketing Salaries
Let’s now show off some of the hottest digital marketing jobs to set your sights on, along with their average salaries.
1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Specialist Salary
The SEO specialist acts as the architect of organic web traffic, ensuring that a website ranks high in search engine results through content optimization and backlink strategies.
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Average Salary: According to Indeed.com, an SEO Specialist earns around $63,000 on average.
2. Email Marketing Specialist Salary
Expert in the art of email, this specialist devises email campaigns to nurture leads, spotlight products and services, and forge enduring customer ties.
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Average Salary: Glassdoor notes that an Email Marketing Specialist typically earns $70,000.
3. Content Marketing Specialist Salary
As the digital realm’s wordsmith, this specialist is tasked with creating engaging blog posts, website copy, and social media content to captivate and retain the target audience.
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Average Salary: Indeed.com lists the average salary for a Content Marketing Specialist at $74,000.
4. Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Specialist Salary
This guru of advertising steers online ad campaigns on platforms like Google Ads, aiming to boost web traffic and conversions with precision.
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Average Salary: According to Salary.com, a PPC Specialist’s average salary stands also at $74,000.
5. Social Media Manager Salary
A maestro of social platforms, this role involves crafting compelling content, upholding the brand’s voice across channels, and nurturing online communities to enhance brand awareness and loyalty.
- Average Salary: Salary.com reports that a Social Media Manager makes about $115,000 on average.
But this is just a taste of the diverse opportunities available in digital marketing. Whether you’re a creative writer, a data enthusiast, or a social media expert, there’s a perfect digital marketing niche waiting for you, with the potential to earn a competitive salary.
How to Get a High Salary in Digital Marketing
And now that you’re fired up about the earning potential in digital marketing, let’s get down to brass tacks. The good news is the salary range for digital marketers is impressive, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation.
There’s a bit of a range, and where you land in that spectrum can depend on a whole mix of factors. And no, it’s not just about whether you’ve got a diploma hanging on your wall (though, admittedly, that bit of paper doesn’t exactly hurt your chances).
The Must-Haves to Become a Digital Marketer:
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Experience & Expertise
Just like in any field, experience is king (or queen) in digital marketing. The more years you have under your belt, showcasing successful campaigns and a proven track record, the more valuable you become to companies.
Additionally, specializing in a specific area, like SEO or social media advertising, can further boost your earning power.
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Industry & Company Size
The industry you work in can significantly impact your salary. For example, digital marketers working in finance or tech typically command higher salaries compared to those in non-profit or education.
Similarly, larger corporations with bigger budgets often offer more competitive salaries than smaller startups.
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Location, Location, Location
Cost of living plays a role in digital marketing salaries as well. Digital marketers in major metropolitan areas like New York can make up to $80k a year, while digital marketing salaries in Austin, Texas, are as high as $63,000.
How to Get a Higher Digital Marketing Salary
Ready to dial up the digits on your digital marketing paycheck? Let’s map out your journey to a more lucrative horizon.
1. Formal Education:
While not always mandatory, a bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or a related field can provide a strong foundation in marketing principles, consumer behavior, and market research.
2. Online Courses & Certifications:
The beauty of digital marketing is its accessibility. Numerous online platforms offer comprehensive digital marketing courses and certifications at various price points.
These courses can equip you with practical skills in SEO, social media marketing, content marketing, and analytics. Consider platforms like Coursera, edX, Udemy, or HubSpot Academy.
3. YouTube (Free Sources!)
YouTube can also be your fast track to mastering digital marketing. You can check out free tutorials, case studies, and expert-led courses on every digital marketing topic imaginable.
For example, here, with this 10 hour course for Digital Marketing beginners.
4. Build Your Portfolio:
Showcase your skills and creativity by building a strong online portfolio. This could include samples of your writing, social media content you’ve created, or case studies highlighting successful marketing campaigns you’ve managed (even if volunteer work).
Google Drive offers a straightforward, organized way to present your work, making it easy to share with prospective employers or clients. Take a look at their Portfolio guide.
5. Networking & Industry Involvement:
Connect with other digital marketing professionals through online communities, attend industry events, and participate in webinars to stay updated on the latest trends and gain valuable insights.
Building a strong network can open doors to new opportunities.
If you’re just starting out and the idea of networking seems daunting, don’t worry. We’ve got your back with “How to Network: The Best Networking Tips For Beginners In 2024.”
Whether it’s your first industry mixer or an online meet-up, these tips will help you build a robust network that could unlock doors to exciting new opportunities and collaborations.
6. Level Up Your Marketing IQ with Blinkist (Free Trial Included!)
Ready to supercharge your digital marketing knowledge and stand out from the crowd? Here’s where Blinkist comes in!
Imagine having access to a massive library (over 7,500 books!) on Marketing, Finance, and Business – all condensed into bite-sized “blinks” that fit seamlessly into your busy schedule.
With Blinkist, you can:
- Get marketing insights from industry leaders in minutes.
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- Stay ahead of the competition with fresh perspectives.
And if you are ready to dive deeper, right now, checkout our carefully selected list of the 28 best Digital Marketing books to speed up your learning journey.
The best part? We’re offering you a free 7-day trial to explore the Blinkist library and discover how it can improve your digital marketing journey.
This isn’t just about reading about marketing – it’s about putting that knowledge into action and getting a digital marketing salary that reflects your expertise!
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