SEO Jobs: Types, Salary, And How To Get Started

In today’s digital age, SEO jobs have become a crucial aspect of online marketing, and SEO professionals are in high demand. SEO jobs offer a variety of roles, from entry-level positions to senior-level management, each focusing on different aspects of SEO such as content creation, technical optimization, and link building.

With businesses increasingly prioritizing their online presence, SEO specialists play a vital role in driving organic traffic and improving website rankings. Understanding the types of SEO jobs, the potential salary, and how to get started in the field can set you on the right path for a successful career in this ever-growing industry. Let’s explore everything you need to know about SEO careers.

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SEO Jobs

SEO jobs involve roles that focus on optimizing websites to improve their visibility on search engines like Google. These jobs aim to increase a website’s ranking for relevant keywords, which in turn drives more organic traffic.

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) professionals use a combination of technical, analytical, and content-focused strategies to ensure a website is optimized according to best practices.

SEO Job Type

Several types of SEO jobs vary in terms of responsibilities, skill sets, and focus areas. Here’s an overview of some of the most common types of SEO jobs:

SEO Specialist

An SEO Specialist focuses on implementing and executing strategies to improve a website’s search engine ranking. They handle tasks such as keyword research, on-page optimization, content creation, and link building. This is typically an entry-level to mid-level role, depending on experience.

Key Responsibilities:

Conduct keyword research
Optimize website content
Implement on-page SEO strategies (title tags, meta descriptions, etc.)
Build backlinks

2. SEO Manager

An SEO Manager oversees the SEO strategy and team for a business or digital marketing agency. They are responsible for planning, executing, and tracking SEO campaigns to improve site rankings and drive organic traffic. They may manage a team of SEO specialists or work closely with other marketing teams.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop SEO strategies
Manage and mentor SEO teams
Track SEO performance and report on results
Coordinate with content, design, and development teams to ensure SEO best practices

3. Technical SEO Specialist

A technical SEO specialist focuses on the technical aspects of SEO, ensuring the website is optimized for search engine crawling and indexing. They often work closely with web developers to fix issues related to site architecture, speed, mobile friendliness, and security.

Key Responsibilities:

Optimize website speed and performance
Ensure proper site structure and URL hierarchy
Resolve crawl errors using Google Search Console
Implement structured data (Schema markup) for enhanced SERP features

4. SEO Content Writer

An SEO Content Writer creates high-quality, engaging, and SEO-friendly content for websites, blogs, and social media. They focus on producing content that incorporates targeted keywords, follows SEO guidelines, and provides value to the audience.

Key Responsibilities:

Research and write SEO-optimized content
Include targeted keywords naturally in content
Optimize existing content for better SEO performance
Maintain content quality while ensuring it ranks on search engines

5. SEO Analyst

An SEO Analyst uses data and analytics tools to evaluate the performance of a website and its SEO strategies. They are responsible for analyzing traffic, keyword rankings, and competitor performance, and providing actionable insights to improve SEO results.

Key Responsibilities:

Conduct keyword research and competitive analysis
Track SEO performance and report on KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)
Monitor search engine algorithms and industry trends
Provide insights and recommendations based on data

SEO Specialist Salary

In 2025, the salary for an SEO Specialist can vary widely depending on factors like experience, location, and the size of the company. On average, an SEO Specialist salary in the United States ranges from $45,000 to $75,000 per year, with entry-level positions starting at around $45,000 and experienced professionals earning up to $90,000 or more annually. In larger cities or for highly experienced specialists, salaries can exceed $100,000.

Factors Affecting SEO Specialist Salary in 2025:

Experience:
- Entry-level SEO jobs typically pay between $45,000 to $55,000 annually.
- Mid-level SEO jobs with 3-5 years of experience can earn between $60,000 and $75,000.
- Senior SEO specialists with over 5 years of experience can command salaries upwards of $80,000 to $90,000.
Location:
SEO jobs in major tech hubs like New York, San Francisco, or Seattle tend to offer higher salaries, with some even reaching over $100,000. In contrast, smaller cities or remote positions may offer salaries closer to the lower end of the spectrum.
Industry:
The industry in which you work can also impact your salary. For instance, tech companies, e-commerce businesses, or digital marketing agencies often pay more for SEO specialists due to the high demand for their services.
Skills and Specialization:
Having advanced skills or specializing in areas like technical SEO or local SEO can increase your salary potential. SEO professionals with a solid understanding of web development, content marketing, and analytics tools like Google Analytics, SEMrush, or Ahrefs are in high demand and tend to earn more.

Average Salary Breakdown for SEO Specialist Jobs in 2025:

Entry-Level SEO Specialist: $45,000 – $55,000
Mid-Level SEO Specialist: $60,000 – $75,000
Senior SEO Specialist: $80,000 – $90,000+
SEO Manager/Lead: $90,000 – $120,000+

As businesses increasingly recognize the value of strong online visibility, the demand for skilled SEO professionals continues to grow, making SEO jobs not only financially rewarding but also a great career choice for 2025 and beyond. Keep in mind, the key to increasing your earning potential in SEO jobs is continual learning and keeping up-to-date with the ever-evolving search engine algorithms and optimization strategies.

Also Check: A Complete B2B SEO Strategy for 2025

Where to find SEO jobs

Finding SEO jobs in 2025 can be done through various platforms, job boards, and networks that specialize in digital marketing or specifically SEO. Below are some of the best places to search for SEO jobs:

1. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is one of the most powerful platforms for finding SEO jobs. Many companies post job openings for SEO roles, and you can use LinkedIn’s search functionality to filter for positions based on location, experience level, and industry. Additionally, LinkedIn allows you to network with professionals in the SEO field, which can lead to opportunities through connections.

2. Indeed

Indeed is one of the most popular job search engines globally, and it has a wide variety of SEO job listings. You can filter by job type (full-time, part-time, remote), salary, and location. Setting up job alerts can also help you stay on top of new SEO roles as they get posted.

3. Glassdoor

Glassdoor not only allows you to find SEO jobs, but it also provides company reviews and salary information, which can be helpful when evaluating job offers. Glassdoor is great for browsing both entry-level and senior-level SEO positions, as well as reading about the workplace culture.

4. Remote Job Boards

For those looking for remote SEO jobs, there are specialized remote job boards like:

We Work Remotely
Remote OK
FlexJobs

These platforms list remote SEO roles that you can do from anywhere in the world, perfect for SEO professionals looking to work outside traditional office settings.

5. Upwork and Fiverr

Freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are excellent for finding SEO work, especially if you’re just starting out or looking for contract-based SEO jobs. You can create a profile, showcase your skills, and bid on relevant projects. Over time, building a strong client base can turn this into a full-time SEO career.

How to Get SEO Jobs

Getting SEO jobs requires a combination of the right skills, experience, and a solid strategy to stand out in a competitive market. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get SEO jobs in 2025:

1. Learn and Master SEO Fundamentals

To secure an SEO job, you need to understand the basics of SEO, including on-page optimization, keyword research, technical SEO, link building, and content marketing. There are various free and paid resources available:

Google’s SEO Starter Guide
Moz Blog (for learning SEO tips and tricks)
Yoast Academy (offers SEO courses)

The better you understand these core concepts, the easier it will be to land your first role or secure more advanced positions.

2. Develop Practical SEO Skills

While theoretical knowledge is important, SEO jobs require hands-on skills. Familiarize yourself with SEO tools that professionals use, including:

Google Analytics (to track website performance)
Google Search Console (for technical SEO insights)
SEMrush, Ahrefs, or Moz (for keyword research and competitor analysis)
Screaming Frog SEO Spider (for technical audits)

Building your practical skills will make you more attractive to employers and clients.

3. Build Your Own Website or Blog

One of the best ways to demonstrate your SEO skills is by applying them to your own website or blog. By ranking your site for relevant keywords, optimizing content, and improving user experience, you can create a portfolio of real-world results to showcase to potential employers.

4. Create an Impressive Resume and Portfolio

When applying for SEO jobs, a strong resume and portfolio are crucial. Highlight any SEO projects you’ve worked on (including personal, freelance, or internship projects), and showcase the tangible results you’ve achieved (e.g., increased website traffic, higher search rankings).

If you have experience working with businesses or clients, include case studies that demonstrate how your SEO strategies helped improve their performance.

5. Take SEO Certifications

Earning certifications can add credibility to your profile and help you stand out from other candidates. Some well-known SEO certifications include:

Google Analytics Certification
HubSpot Academy SEO Certification
SEMrush Academy
Yoast SEO Training

These certifications show that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform well in SEO roles.

6. Apply for Entry-Level SEO Jobs

If you’re new to SEO, start by applying for entry-level SEO jobs. These positions typically require less experience and provide opportunities for learning and growth. Roles like SEO Trainee, SEO Assistant, or Junior SEO Specialist can help you gain hands-on experience in the field.

7. Network with Industry Professionals

Networking plays a huge role in finding SEO jobs. Attend SEO and digital marketing conferences (like MozCon, Pubcon, or SMX), webinars, and local meetups to connect with others in the industry. You can also join online communities like:

SEOmoz
Reddit’s r/SEO
Warrior Forum

Networking can help you learn about job openings and gain valuable insights into the industry.

8. Freelance and Build a Client Base

Freelancing is a great way to gain SEO experience while earning money. Platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr allow you to apply for SEO jobs and gain real-world experience. As you work with more clients and refine your skills, you can build a solid portfolio, which will help you secure full-time positions in the future.

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SEO Jobs: Types, Salary, And How To Get Started FAQs

What is the average salary for SEO jobs?

Salaries for SEO jobs vary depending on experience, location, and the level of the role. On average, SEO Specialists earn between $45,000 and $75,000 per year. SEO Managers and more experienced professionals can earn upwards of $90,000 annually, with senior-level roles exceeding $100,000. Freelancers and consultants may charge hourly rates ranging from $25 to $150+ depending on their expertise and client base.

Do I need a degree to get an SEO job?

While a formal degree in marketing or computer science can be beneficial, it is not a requirement for most SEO jobs. What matters most is your knowledge of SEO, practical experience, and ability to stay updated on trends and algorithm changes. Many employers prioritize hands-on skills and results over formal education.

Are there opportunities for remote SEO jobs?

Yes, many SEO jobs can be done remotely. In fact, SEO is a field that lends itself well to remote work, with companies around the world hiring SEO specialists, managers, and content creators. Platforms like We Work Remotely, Remote OK, and FlexJobs list remote SEO job opportunities.