How Much Does a Social Media Manager Make in 2025?
A social media manager plans and manages social media strategies to build brand awareness, engage users and customers, and drive growth for a company or agencies. As more companies recognize the value of social media in the digital market, demand for this role is growing.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% job growth for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers, which often includes social media responsibilities, from 2024 to 2034. This career involves making an impact through creative content, responding to thousands of followers daily, and using data-driven strategies to challenge outdated approaches and find new ways to connect.
Salaries for social media managers remain competitive in 2025. According to Salary.com, the average salary is $112,740 per year or $54 per hour as of August 01, 2025. Social media managers' pay varies based on experience level, skills, industry, company size, and location, which we'll explore in this salary guide. The average total compensation, including bonuses, makes this role worth the effort for those passionate about building a brand's online presence.
What Is the Average Social Media Manager Salary?
The social media manager average salary in the United States is $112,740 per year, as of August 01, 2025. For hourly wages, social media managers earn an average of $54 per hour, with rates ranging from $43 to $65 per hour.
2025 Social Media Manager Average Salary: $112,740 per year ($54 per hour)
The average weekly and monthly salaries for social media managers are $2,168 and $9,395, respectively.
What Is the Pay Range for a Social Media Manager?
According to Salary.com, the salary range for social media managers starts at $89,547 and can reach $134,882 per year, with most earnings falling between $100,600 and $124,330.
Social Media Manager Salary Range: $89,547 to $134,882 per year ($43 to $65 per hour)
| Percentile | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $43 | $1,722 | $7,462 | $89,547 |
| 25th Percentile | $48 | $1,935 | $8,383 | $100,600 |
| 50th (Median) | $54 | $2,168 | $9,395 | $112,740 |
| 75th Percentile | $60 | $2,391 | $10,361 | $124,330 |
| 90th Percentile | $65 | $2,594 | $11,240 | $134,882 |
Salaries vary based on factors like education, experience, and location, making it easy to see how these elements shape earning potential.
Social Media Manager Salary Factors
Several factors impact a social media manager's salary, including education, location, experience, and skills. Below, we break down each factor to explain how it influences earnings in this dynamic job.
Years of Experience
The average salary for social media managers ranges from $108,210 per year for entry-level to $113,951 for those with over eight years of experience. Building a portfolio over time can significantly boost earnings.
| Level | Years of Experience | Average Salary (Per Year) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level Social Media Manager | < 1 year | $108,210 |
| Intermediate Level Social Media Manager | 1-2 years | $108,754 |
| Senior Level Social Media Manager | 2-4 years | $110,022 |
| Specialist Level Social Media Manager | 5-8 years | $111,472 |
| Expert Level Social Media Manager | 8+ years | $113,951 |
Place of Work
The BLS doesn't provide specific salary data for social media managers, but their role overlaps with Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers, who manage marketing efforts, including social media campaigns.
| Place of Work | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Management of companies and enterprises | $169,840 |
| Manufacturing | $168,210 |
| Finance and insurance | $167,610 |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | $165,080 |
| Wholesale trade | $158,120 |
Social media managers in management of companies and enterprises industries earn the most, while other industries may offer lower salaries. Companies in tech or media often pay a premium for managers who can contribute innovative ideas.
Skill Set
Social media managers with in-demand skills can increase their salaries. Real-time job posting data indicates that skills like advertising and data privacy are highly valued in the industry.
| Skill | Demand | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Advertising | 10.00% | +8.40% |
| Data Privacy | 10.50% | +8.24% |
| Content Marketing | 10.50% | +8.17% |
| Digital Design | 10.50% | +8.06% |
| Digital Advertising | 10.50% | +7.78% |
| Web Content Development | 10.80% | +7.77% |
| Social Media Monitoring | 10.50% | +7.77% |
| Social Media Management | 10.30% | +7.77% |
Social Media Manager Salary by City and State
Location significantly affects a social media manager's salary. This data helps track salary trends, negotiate pay, or plan a career in the field. Reviewing stats by region can help professionals match their skills to high-paying opportunities.
Highest Paying States for Social Media Managers
Based on Salary.com, California offers the highest average salary for social media managers at $124,360 per year, followed by the District of Columbia at $124,830.
- California: $124,360 ($60 per hour)
- District of Columbia: $124,830 ($60 per hour)
- Massachusetts: $122,700 ($59 per hour)
- New Jersey: $122,200 ($59 per hour)
- Washington: $122,250 ($59 per hour)
Social Media Manager Salary by State/Territory
| State/Territory | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $122,040 |
| Alabama | $103,580 |
| Arkansas | $101,850 |
| Arizona | $109,860 |
| California | $124,360 |
| Colorado | $115,030 |
| Connecticut | $120,490 |
| District of Columbia | $124,830 |
| Delaware | $114,180 |
| Florida | $106,680 |
| Georgia | $108,740 |
| Hawaii | $117,840 |
| Iowa | $107,900 |
| Idaho | $105,250 |
| Illinois | $114,920 |
| Indiana | $108,220 |
| Kansas | $107,360 |
| Kentucky | $106,090 |
| Louisiana | $107,200 |
| Massachusetts | $122,700 |
| Maryland | $116,250 |
| Maine | $109,930 |
| Michigan | $111,030 |
| Minnesota | $115,370 |
| Missouri | $107,120 |
| Mississippi | $100,550 |
| Montana | $106,440 |
| North Carolina | $107,140 |
| North Dakota | $111,370 |
| Nebraska | $106,220 |
| New Hampshire | $113,980 |
| New Jersey | $122,200 |
| New Mexico | $104,420 |
| Nevada | $111,580 |
| New York | $119,860 |
| Ohio | $109,780 |
| Oklahoma | $104,240 |
| Oregon | $114,490 |
| Pennsylvania | $112,240 |
| Rhode Island | $116,890 |
| South Carolina | $105,640 |
| South Dakota | $102,460 |
| Tennessee | $105,360 |
| Texas | $109,970 |
| Utah | $107,960 |
| Virginia | $113,530 |
| Vermont | $110,660 |
| Washington | $122,250 |
| Wisconsin | $110,910 |
| West Virginia | $101,530 |
| Wyoming | $108,120 |
Highest Paying Cities for Social Media Managers
Salary.com data shows San Jose, CA, offers the highest pay for social media managers at $142,200 per year or $68 per hour.
- San Jose, CA: $142,200 ($68 per hour)
- San Francisco, CA: $140,800 ($68 per hour)
- Oakland, CA: $137,680 ($66 per hour)
- New York, NY: $130,660 ($63 per hour)
- Queens Village, NY: $129,810 ($62 per hour)
- Paramus, NJ: $128,910 ($62 per hour)
Ways to Increase Your Social Media Manager Salary
Social media managers can boost their earning potential by gaining experience, learning valuable skills, and advancing their careers. Here are effective strategies to increase your salary:
- Gain experience: Employers pay more for experience managing social media efforts. Entry-level social media managers earn around $108,210 per year, while those with over eight years of experience can make $113,951, per Salary.com.
- Learn in-demand skills: Skills like Advertising, data privacy, and content marketing are highly valued. Advertising skills can increase salaries by up to 8.40%, based on salary job posting data.
- Get certifications: Certifications like Meta Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate, HubSpot Social Media Certification, or Hootsuite Social Marketing Certification enhance credibility and job opportunities.
- Work in high-paying areas: Salaries vary by location. Social media managers in California earn $124,360 per year, while those in New York average $119,860.
- Negotiate: Know market rates and negotiate based on your qualifications. The average social media manager earns $112,740 per year or $54 per hour as of August 01, 2025.
These steps can help you grow your career, whether working for a software developer company, a media agency, or as a freelancer managing content files daily.
Average National Salaries by Source
As of September 3, 2025, data from five major salary-reporting websites indicate the national average salary for social media managers is $74,242.6 (unweighted).
SALARY.COM AVG. SALARY
$112,740/ year
INDEED.COM AVG. SALARY
$62,805/ year
GLASSDOOR AVG. SALARY
$71,234/ year
PAYSCALE AVG. SALARY
$59,589/ year
ZIPRECRUITER AVG. SALARY
$64,845/ year
