Social Media Manager Salary in USA 2025
Content strategy, community management, and platform expertise
Median Annual Salary
How Much Do Social Media Managers Earn in 2025?
Social media managers are digital marketing professionals who develop and execute social media strategies, create/curate content, manage online communities, analyze performance metrics, and oversee brand presence across social platforms.
2025 social media manager salaries show solid earning potential: median $61,430, with entry-level starting at $37,780–$45,000 and experienced managers earning $70,000–$105,000+.
Location premium is significant: California social media managers average $76,740, with Bay Area reaching $85,000–$105,000, while national average sits at $61,430. Company size and industry dramatically impact pay: Tech companies and large enterprises pay $75,000–$105,000, while small businesses and agencies offer $45,000–$65,000. For context, see the average salary in the US.
Social Media Manager Salary by Experience Level
Experience drives substantial salary progression:
| Experience Level | PayScale Avg | Built In Range | Typical US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry/Coordinator (<1 yr) | $37,780 | $41K–$71K | $40K–$50K |
| Early Career (1–4 yrs) | $46,893 | $50K–$81K | $50K–$65K |
| Mid-Career (5–9 yrs) | $51,652 | $52K–$88K | $60K–$80K |
| Experienced (10–19 yrs) | $52,975 | $55K–$94K | $70K–$95K |
| Senior/Director | N/A | $60K–$105K | $85K–$120K |
| National Median | $55,000 | $61,430 | ~$60K |
Entry-Level / Social Media Coordinator
Salary: $37,780–$50,000
Focus: Content scheduling, community monitoring, basic analytics, social listening.
Early Career (1–4 Years)
Salary: $46,893–$65,000
Focus: Content strategy, campaign management, paid social basics, reporting.
Mid-Career (5–9 Years)
Salary: $51,652–$80,000
Focus: Full strategy ownership, team coordination, multi-platform campaigns, stakeholder management.
Senior Social Media Manager / Director
Salary: $85,000–$120,000 (top markets)
Focus: Department leadership, cross-functional strategy, executive reporting.
Social Media Manager Salary by Location
Geographic location creates significant salary differences:
| Location | Average Salary | Premium vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $87,049 | +42% |
| San Francisco Bay Area | $85K–$105K | +38–71% |
| Oakland, CA | $86,044 | +40% |
| California (state avg) | $76,740 | +25% |
| New York (state) | $73,120 | +19% |
| Washington (state) | $71,990 | +17% |
| Massachusetts | $70,210 | +14% |
| Texas | $63,950 | +4% |
| National Median | $61,430 | Baseline |
California (Highest-Paying State)
State average: $76,740 (+25% vs national median)
San Jose: $87,049 (Top-paying city)
Oakland: $86,044
San Francisco Bay Area: $85,000–$105,000
New York
State average: $73,120 (+19% vs national)
NYC Metro: $75,000–$95,000
Social Media Manager Salary by Company Size and Industry
| Company Type | Salary Range | Pros |
|---|---|---|
| Large Tech | $85K–$120K | Highest pay, equity, perks |
| Enterprise | $75K–$105K | Stable, good benefits |
| Mid-Size | $60K–$85K | Growth, autonomy |
| Small Business | $45K–$65K | Broad experience |
| Agency | $50K–$75K | Diverse clients |
| Non-Profit | $45K–$60K | Mission-driven |
Large Tech Companies (Highest-Paying)
Salary: $85,000–$120,000
Examples: Meta, Google, Amazon, Microsoft
Benefits: Excellent compensation packages, equity, perks. Very competitive; requires strong portfolio.
Enterprise/Fortune 500
Salary: $75,000–$105,000
Industries: Finance, retail, consumer goods, healthcare
Benefits: Stable, structured, good work-life balance.
Agency
Salary: $50,000–$75,000
Reality: Multiple client accounts, fast-paced, diverse experience, portfolio building.
Cons: High burnout, demanding hours.
What Social Media Managers Do: Role and Responsibilities
Core Responsibilities
Developing social media strategy aligned with business goals, creating content calendars, producing/curating engaging content, managing multiple platform accounts, engaging with community (responding to comments/messages), analyzing metrics and reporting ROI, managing paid social campaigns, monitoring trends and competitors, coordinating with cross-functional teams, and crisis management.
Required Skills
Content creation and copywriting, visual design basics, platform expertise (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, TikTok), analytics and data interpretation, customer service, project management, creativity and trend awareness.
Essential Tools
Social media management platforms (Hootsuite, Sprout Social, Buffer), analytics tools, design tools (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite), scheduling tools, and listening platforms.
Career Advancement for Social Media Managers
| Career Stage | Position | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | Coordinator | $40K–$50K |
| Mid | Social Media Manager | $55K–$80K |
| Senior | Senior Manager | $75K–$100K |
| Leadership | Director | $95K–$135K |
Vertical Advancement
Social Media Coordinator: $40,000–$50,000 (entry)
Social Media Manager: $55,000–$80,000 (mid)
Senior Social Media Manager: $75,000–$100,000
Director of Social Media: $95,000–$135,000
VP/Head of Social Media: $120,000–$180,000+
Lateral Transitions
Digital Marketing Manager: $65,000–$95,000
Content Marketing Manager: $70,000–$100,000
Brand Manager: $75,000–$110,000
How to Increase Your Social Media Manager Salary
Relocate to High-Paying Markets
California pays $76,740 versus $61,430 national (+25%).
Target Tech Companies
Pay $85K–$120K versus small business $45K–$65K (+89–85%).
Develop Paid Advertising Skills
Paid social expertise adds $10K–$20K to salary.
Learn Analytics Deeply
Data-driven managers command premiums.
Build Portfolio
Demonstrate measurable results (engagement growth, conversions).
Move into Leadership
Directors earn $95K–$135K versus managers $55K–$80K.
Get Certified
Facebook Blueprint, Google Analytics, HubSpot certifications enhance credibility.
See our salary negotiation guide for strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average social media manager salary in 2025?
Social media managers earn $61,430 median nationally. Entry-level earns $37,780–$50,000, mid-career $55,000–$80,000, and senior/director $85,000–$120,000+. National average is $69,540 according to Built In data.
How much do entry-level social media managers make?
Entry-level social media coordinators earn $37,780–$50,000 annually. PayScale reports $37,780 average for under 1 year experience, while Built In shows a range of $41,000–$71,000 depending on location and company.
Which state pays social media managers the most?
California pays highest at $76,740 average (+25% vs national median). San Jose ($87,049) and Oakland ($86,044) are the top-paying cities. New York ($73,120), Washington ($71,990), and Massachusetts ($70,210) also pay above national average.
Do tech companies pay social media managers more?
Yes, significantly. Large tech companies (Meta, Google, Amazon) pay $85,000–$120,000 versus small businesses at $45,000–$65,000. Enterprise/Fortune 500 companies pay $75,000–$105,000. Agencies pay $50,000–$75,000.
Is social media management a good career?
Yes. Strong demand, competitive salaries ($40K–$120K+ range), clear career progression to director/VP level ($120K–$180K), remote work options, and creativity-driven work. Growing field as businesses continue to invest in digital presence.