Search Marketing Strategists

Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed

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.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $78,760/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$43,390$155,480

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +6.7% projected growth, 2024–2034 — faster than average.

About 87,200 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills

Complex Problem SolvingReading ComprehensionJudgment and Decision MakingActive LearningActive ListeningCritical ThinkingSpeakingWritingMonitoringSystems Analysis

Top knowledge areas

Sales and MarketingComputers and ElectronicsEnglish LanguageCommunications and MediaMathematicsCustomer and Personal ServiceAdministrativePsychology

Core tasks

• 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.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Search Marketing Strategists?

The median pay for Search Marketing Strategists is $78,760 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Search Marketing Strategists?

Employment for Search Marketing Strategists is projected to change +6.7% from 2024 to 2034 - faster than average.

What education is typically required for Search Marketing Strategists?

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.

How many job openings are there each year for Search Marketing Strategists?

About 87,200 openings per year, on average, over the decade.