Search Marketing Strategists

SOC code 13-1161 · O*NET-SOC 13-1161.01 · Considerable preparation needed · Business and finance

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth and numerous job openings for this occupation

Search marketing strategists plan how organisations get found — search engine optimisation and paid search campaigns. The field has no licensing and no required degree; demonstrated results and platform certifications carry the weight. It suits people who like half-creative, half-analytical work.

Search Marketing Strategists pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$78,760

a year

Hourly

$37.87

per hour

10th$43,390Median$78,76090th$155,480

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$89,490

$43.03 per hour

Middle 50%

$58,350 – $108,310

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$43,390 – $155,480

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

899,580

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists”, not this job alone.

10th percentile: $43,390; $20.86/hr
25th percentile: $58,350; $28.05/hr
Median percentile: $78,760; $37.87/hr
75th percentile: $108,310; $52.07/hr
90th percentile: $155,480; $74.75/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+7%

Growing faster than average

941,700

jobs in 2024

1,004,700

projected for 2034

About 63,000 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What does a search marketing strategist do?

Employ search marketing tactics to increase visibility and engagement with content, products, or services in Internet-enabled devices or interfaces. Examine search query behaviors on general or specialty search engines or other Internet-based content. Analyze research, data, or technology to understand user intent and measure outcomes for ongoing optimization.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Manage tracking and reporting of search-related activities and provide analyses to marketing executives.
Optimize digital assets, such as text, graphics, or multimedia assets, for search engine optimization (SEO) or for display and usability on internet-connected devices.
Collect and analyze Web metrics, such as visits, time on site, page views per visit, transaction volume and revenue, traffic mix, click-through rates, conversion rates, cost per acquisition, or cost per click.
Participate in the development or implementation of online marketing strategy.
Optimize Web site exposure by analyzing search engine patterns to direct online placement of keywords or other content.
Coordinate with developers to optimize Web site architecture, server configuration, or page construction for search engine consumption and optimal visibility.
Assist in setting up or optimizing analytics tools for tracking visitors' behaviors.
Identify appropriate Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and report key metrics from digital campaigns.

How to become a search marketing strategist

Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 48% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

See all zone 4 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Bachelor's Degree48%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree22%
Some College Courses17%
Post-Secondary Certificate9%

Common questions

How much does a search marketing strategist earn?

The national median is $78,760 a year. The full range runs from $43,390 at the 10th percentile to $155,480 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a search marketing strategist without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Is search marketing strategist in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 7% between 2024 and 2034 — growing faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension3.9/5
Active Listening3.8/5
Critical Thinking3.8/5
Active Learning3.8/5
Speaking3.6/5
Writing3.5/5
Monitoring3.4/5

Knowledge areas

Sales and Marketing4.6/5
Computers and Electronics4.3/5
English Language4.3/5
Communications and Media3.9/5
Mathematics3.5/5
Customer and Personal Service3.0/5
Administrative3.0/5
Psychology2.9/5

Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Systems Analysis.