What’s the Average SEO Manager Salary in 2025? (And Is It Worth It?)

Publish Date: May 23, 2025

What Does an SEO Manager Actually Do?

An SEO manager is responsible for improving your site’s visibility in search engines. That includes:

  • Keyword research & strategy
  • On-page SEO (titles, headings, content)
  • Technical SEO (site speed, indexing, mobile usability)
  • Content planning
  • Reporting & analytics
  • Sometimes link building or local SEO

It’s a big role—and one that’s constantly changing.


How Much Does an SEO Manager Make in 2025?

Here are the latest salary ranges for U.S.-based SEO managers:

  • Glassdoor: $78,000 average
  • Indeed: $72,000–$95,000 range
  • ZipRecruiter: Up to $105,000+ for experienced roles
  • Top-tier markets (NYC, SF, LA): Often exceed $110,000

Now factor in:

  • Benefits (health, 401k, etc.): +20–30%
  • SEO tools (SEMRush, Ahrefs, Screaming Frog): +$200–$500/month
  • Onboarding + training time
  • Recruiting costs

Suddenly, you’re not just paying a salary—you’re managing a full-blown department.


The Alternative: A Full SEO Team for $999/Month

At WebPulse, we offer an all-in-one SEO optimization plan for $999/month. That includes:

  • A dedicated team—not just one person
  • Monthly audits & fixes
  • Keyword targeting
  • Page optimization
  • Technical SEO
  • Clear reporting

You skip the hiring headaches, tool subscriptions, and long-term contracts—and start seeing progress faster.


Which Is Right for You?

If SEO is the core of your business, it may make sense to build an internal team.
But for most businesses? Outsourcing to a performance-driven team like WebPulse gives you:

✅ Consistency
✅ Expertise
✅ Speed
✅ No overhead


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