SEO is a great career choice for those looking to make good money, find balance in their life and use creative skills.
There’s no shortage of jobs; demand is constantly on the rise, so anyone passionate about SEO can easily find an opportunity that gives them purpose and stability.
Although it’s a challenging industry with changing algorithm updates to deal with on a monthly basis, there’s a steep learning curve to SEO.
Is SEO a high-paying job?
SEO can be lucrative, with salaries ranging from competitive to high depending on the individual’s experience and qualifications. Those highly skilled in this field have opportunities to earn a substantial income.
So How Much Can I Make Doing SEO?
SEO professionals are in high demand and well-compensated. Recent research by Search Engine Journal found that 60% of SEO experts make more than the U.S. median salary or the same amount.
The salary of an SEO specialist can vary greatly. On average, they make $53,932 a year, and on the higher end, $86,902.
Your earnings will depend on your location, experience level, and position – an SEO Manager in New York can expect to earn between $100,000 – $113,000, while an SEO Manager in Colorado may make between $70,000 -$77,352 per year.
According to Glassdoor, the highest-paid position within this industry is that of an SEO director, with the average salary projected as $115,000 and the potential to earn up to $158,000 per year.
Is SEO a stressful job?
SEO can be stressful, especially when working with tight deadlines and trying to stay ahead of the competition.
However, it is also a gratifying job – allowing you to observe your successes in real-time.
The challenge that comes along with SEO can be both exciting and motivating, making it an excellent choice for those looking for something more than just another day job.
Is SEO A Safe Career Choice for Job Security?
The SEO industry is a giant in digital marketing, with predictions of impressive growth despite significant global disruption.
With an estimated CAGR of 19%, research suggests that by 2023 this remarkable market will reach $77.6 billion – quite the feat considering the current climate and that it will reach $122 billion in revenue by 2028.
Wth the vast majority of businesses now relying on digital marketing strategies to reach customers, SEO professionals have become invaluable. As demand soars and the field grows more competitive, employers increasingly seek experienced personnel to help them achieve their online goals.
It’s no secret that algorithmic shifts in search marketing alone can cause major upheavals in any industry; for SEOs, this is especially true. With constant alterations in search engine rankings and visibility, many professionals worry about job security and industry implications.
Though many have experienced layoffs due to algorithmic updates, the majority still report satisfaction with their career choice — likely because they trust themselves to keep up with these ever-evolving adjustments.
The Future Of SEO Careers?
Based on current trends, the growth of AI automation in marketing will continue in the coming years, albeit at a slower pace than in recent times. This has reduced manual labor tasks in certain areas, which have been replaced entirely by machines and robots.
The exact impact of this shift remains to be determined, but demand for skilled professionals in the field of SEO will remain high, far outweighing the immediate supply of experts that know SEO strategy.
Despite global economic fluctuations, a career in SEO can be lucrative for those who are appropriately equipped with the necessary tools and skills to succeed in this rapidly evolving industry.
What Type Of Skills For SEO?
An SEO specialist must possess fundamental skills in keyword research, on-page optimization, link building, technical SEO, content marketing, analytics and reporting, and the ability to use different content management systems such as WordPress, Shopify, Squarespace, Wix, and Magento.
- Keyword research involves identifying relevant keywords and optimizing content to rank for those keywords.
- On-page optimization improves a website’s structure, content, and images. Link building is acquiring high-quality links from other websites.
- Technical SEO involves optimizing a website’s technical aspects to ensure it is easily crawlable and accessible to search engines.
- Content marketing is creating and sharing valuable content with the target audience to attract and retain an audience and drive profitable customer action.
- Analytics and reporting involve tracking, analyzing, and reporting on a website’s performance and digital marketing campaigns – know how to use Google Analytics!
- Finally, an SEO specialist must be proficient in using different content management systems to create better quality content while optimizing search engine potential.
In your job interview, they will ask a series of SEO Specialist interview questions that will test your knowledge and require case study examples to get the role.
Getting Started With SEO – How To Get Your First Job?
For anyone looking to break into the field of SEO, no prior experience is necessary. At StudioHawk, we offer opportunities to individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.
Whether you have a degree in digital marketing or are just beginning your journey, we value enthusiasm and an eagerness to learn. With that in mind, there are plenty of ways to get started – from free courses online and industry publications to certificate programs at universities.
- Google’s SEO Starter Guide
- Google’s How Search Works
- Ahrefs Blog
- The SEO Periodic Table by Search Engine Land
- Yoast SEO Training
If you’re willing to put in some effort outside of working hours, you can give yourself a great head start on the competition!
Here’s how to nail your next SEO interview:
How To Advance Your Career In SEO?
Achieving success in SEO requires ambition and a clear plan of action.
To get the most out of your career, consider joining local network groups to increase your knowledge base and stay up-to-date with industry advancements.
There’s no better way to learn than from experienced peers who can offer valuable insights into best practices, tips, and techniques to help you succeed.
Starting to work with clients will help your SEO skills but you soft skills too. Working with a full marketing team outside of purely SEO increases your critical thinking skills, as dealing with marketing managers and business owners can be tricky.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose SEO as career?
Choosing a career in SEO offers benefits like high demand, career growth, top company collaborations, earning potential, flexible work arrangements, and success without extensive coding. SEO professionals are in demand as businesses rely on online presence, fostering continuous learning.
Partnering with leading companies enhances experience and reputation, while earnings are competitive. SEO allows flexible hours and location, improving work-life balance.
With a focus on content and user experience, SEO specialists can thrive without extensive coding knowledge. Overall, SEO presents a promising career choice, providing diverse advantages in the dynamic digital landscape.
Is SEO still in demand?
SEO remains a highly sought-after skill. With search engines constantly evolving, the need for SEO professionals who understand and can adapt to these changes is still strong.
Companies of all sizes realize the importance of having an effective SEO strategy to succeed in today’s digital marketplace.
As such, SEO specialists are still in high demand as they can provide invaluable insights into search engine optimization specialists how best to optimize websites and content for maximum visibility on major search engines like Google and Bing.
What is the salary of SEO beginners?
The starting salary for those beginning to work in SEO can vary greatly depending on the company and region. However, an entry-level professional may expect to earn an average of $40,000 annually.
Is it hard to learn SEO?
Learning SEO can be challenging and complex, but it does not have to be. It requires understanding of web development and design, content creation, and marketing principles. With dedication and focus on the fundamentals, anyone can quickly get up to speed with SEO knowledge.
References:
Grand View Research. 2018. “Artificial Intelligence Market Size, Share | AI Industry Report, 2025.” Grand View Research. 2018. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/artificial-intelligence-ai-market.
