Many tech professionals consider working in a large metropolitan area an attractive prospect. Starting a social media management career is an intelligent choice, as social media continues to be the primary driver of marketing and advertising for most businesses.

A Social Media Manager who launches their career in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, or another major metro area may find many more opportunities than in smaller regions. Read on to learn about the best cities for social media management careers.

What is a Social Media Manager?

Most Social Media Managers combine their marketing expertise with management skills. They may design, curate, and manage an organization’s social media content, especially in smaller companies. Larger organizations may require a Social Media Manager to partner with a creative team and outside agencies to oversee everything from short-form videos to marketing campaign strategies.

Job Responsibilities

There are just as many typical responsibilities for Social Media Managers as there are positions. These vary by seniority, industry, and title. Social media management positions can require duties like video editing for YouTube or TikTok, writing blog articles, attending trade shows, and managing search optimization (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM), to name a few.

Reporting Structure for This Position

Some Social Media Managers oversee all their organization's social media and marketing projects, whereas others work with a larger team. Small company Social Media Managers may report directly to upper management, whereas in larger organizations, they may work with a Development Director, Executive Director, or Programming Manager.

Typical Working Environment

While there is no typical working environment for all Social Media Managers due to the diversity of positions, a team approach is the most common in large organizations. In addition to their combination of technical skills like SEO or Google Analytics, Social Media Managers need soft skills like creativity, excellent written and verbal skills, and the ability to multi-task on several projects at a time.

Social Media Managers need multiple hard and soft skills to qualify for their positions. Although these can vary by company, industry, or specific role, consider the following among the most common.

What Makes a City Good for Social Media Managers?

Social Media Managers willing to relocate for work typically look for several characteristics in their potential new city. While some aspects of a metropolitan area may appeal more to one person than another, like climate or local activities, other factors are universal. Consider the following features that make a city a good place for a Social Media Manager.

Job Opportunities

One of the best ways for aspiring Social Media Managers to determine if a city is a good fit is to research opportunities in the cities where they are considering working. LinkedIn, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, and other job sites feature listings you can sort by city, state, and category. Searching these platforms for keywords like social media and manager can provide insight into how many jobs are currently available for Social Media Managers in a particular location.

LinkedIn offers the additional benefit of being a social media networking site. You can build connections by expanding your network, some of whom know about opportunities you won't find listed online. If you are open to working in a different industry, research which ones are expanding to support more work in social media management.

High Salaries

Compensation is among the most important factors when looking for work in a new city. A high salary in a small town may be average or even below in a major metro area. Consider the following essential questions when reviewing average or median compensation in the city you are considering.

  • How well do Social Media Manager jobs pay in the city? Start with the average or median salary. Compare and contrast that figure with your current role, if relevant.
  • How well does the average salary here match the cost of living? Research the area for all necessities: rent or mortgage, utilities, taxes, and household expenses.
  • How do salaries here compare to other cities? A Social Media Manager job in a major metro area will be higher, but so will the cost of living.

If you are starting your social media management career in a new industry, or as a new Social Media Manager, you might need to be open to an entry-level or Social Media Strategist role before leveling up to management.

Strong Social Media Manager Community

A Social Media Manager in a new location may be unsure how to connect with other social media management professionals. One of the best ways to ensure the city supports networking and professional development for Social Media Managers is to research the area before moving there.

Relocating to another city takes work. Make networking and professional development part of the process. Try to determine the following before deciding on a new job in an unfamiliar place:

  • Are there multiple networking groups or professional organizations in the area?
  • If yes, are these easily accessible?
  • Does the city offer other opportunities to meet and work with fellow social media management pros?
  • Are there course providers, colleges, or universities in the area for further education?

Social media professionals who research and answer these and similar questions will be well on their way to a successful transition in their new roles.

Social Media Management Training

Among the most essential factors for many Social Media Managers is the availability of local training centers. Here, social media management beginners and seasoned pros can get in-person education from experts in the field. Major metro areas, including Las Vegas, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York City, boast course providers and colleges with face-to-face training facilities. These areas also offer the highest number of high-paying roles in the industry. As a result, these large cities are some of the best places to find work as a Social Media Manager.

Media-Centered Location

Another factor that can make a city great for a Social Media Manager is a local job market heavy on various media. For example, cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Las Vegas all have one thing in common: everyone knows them, and they host media of all types. These include traditional media like TV, film, and radio, and new media like internet ads, gaming, podcasting, and social media.

That is not to say that every Social Media Manager should seek a media-centered company. On the contrary, some of the best job opportunities—especially for new social media pros—are in fields where most workers are not social media experts. Examples of these industries include construction, advanced manufacturing, and retail.

Top Cities for Social Media Managers

Las Vegas, NV

Much of what happens in Vegas does not stay in Vegas, and that’s for the best. From professional sports teams like the Las Vegas Raiders to world-famous casinos like the Bellagio, Vegas offers something for everyone in the media. A high percentage of employees here are involved in marketing, and Zippia rates Las Vegas as one of the best US cities for Social Media Managers.

Los Angeles, CA

Research the best cities for Social Media Managers, and you'll find the Los Angeles-Long Beach metropolitan area on more than one top ten list. Hollywood movie studios, sports teams like the Lakers and Rams, and musical entertainment define the region, with media and marketing opportunities everywhere. If California is on your mind, consider L.A. a top contender for social media careers.

New York, NY

On the East Coast, New York City makes most top ten lists of best cities for Social Media Managers. Long considered the media capital of the world, The Big Apple hosts major music conglomerates, TV studios, and publishing companies. Add Broadway, the New York Times, and a reputation as the number one media market, and you get a prime destination for those seeking social media work of every type.

San Francisco, CA

The availability of high-paying jobs is an essential factor in ranking the best cities for Social Media Managers. With some of the highest-paid professionals in the country, San Francisco makes the grade. However, those seeking work in this part of California must be aware that the cost of living in San Francisco is much higher than the national average.

Seattle, WA

Seattle may not be the first city that comes to mind for social media management, but job candidates shouldn’t ignore it. Home to tech giants Amazon and Microsoft, Seattle is an attractive location for aerospace, IT, and health services. It also has strong construction and manufacturing sectors, industries that offer some of the best social media management opportunities.

Other cities where Social Media Managers can find above-average salaries include Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Miami, Tampa, and Houston.

Why Become a Social Media Manager?

The reasons you might want to be a Social Media Manager are almost as varied as the many job titles social media pros can have and the many industries they can work in. Consider the following positions and how each might make sense along the Social Media Manager career path.

  • Content Creator - Many social media pros start in positions with titles like Content Creator, Content Strategist, Copywriter, or something similar. Jobs that require marketing can have a management-oriented goal.
  • Digital Analyst - A Digital Analyst typically studies marketing data, which means they report to a Marketing Manager. These skills pros must know essential social media tools like SEO and working with content management systems.
  • Marketing Manager - A Marketing Manager might specialize in social media marketing or make a lateral move to a Social Media Manager role. In some companies, the titles Social Media Manager and Marketing Manager are interchangeable.
  • SEO Specialist - Social Media Managers must have SEO knowledge, so the SEO Specialist position is another logical step toward management.
  • Social Media Strategist - The most common path to management is the entry-level Social Media Strategist role. A small company may hire a Social Media Strategist and make them the Social Media Manager by default.

How to Find a Social Media Manager Job

If you want to find a social media management position, chances are you will not be able to start at the top. Unless you are making a lateral move from a comparable managerial role, you most likely need to start as a Social Media Specialist or Strategist, Digital Analyst, or SEO Specialist.

However, this is not always the case. Smaller companies may hire a Social Media Strategist or Specialist as their de facto Social Media Manager. In this case, the position would require no supervisory experience, but the Social Media Manager would be responsible for all social media platforms and potentially numerous other tasks.

Those starting social media careers might try social media freelancing, either part-time or full-time. This can lead to a full-time management role with a company or a successful freelance career for those who prefer to work for themselves.

Looking for social media management opportunities is no different from any other job search. Check online for social media listings on the following websites:

  • LinkedIn
  • Indeed
  • Glassdoor
  • ZipRecruiter
  • MarketingHire
  • Monster
  • CareerBuilder
  • Lensa
  • FlexJobs

Learn the Skills to Become a Social Media Manager at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop offers numerous training options for students to learn social media management in person or online through teleconferencing. Topics include marketing, SEO, and Google Analytics, to name a few. Consider the following programs:

  • Digital Marketing Certificate - Noble’s Digital Marketing Certificate program is Noble Desktop's primary program for students looking to get on the marketing career track. You and your classmates will gain a deep understanding of digital marketing from every angle. Topics include Google Ads and Analytics, SEO, email marketing, and social media marketing campaigns, to name a few.
  • Social Media Marketing Certificate - The Social Media Marketing Certificate emphasizes social without delving into SEO or Google Ads/Analytics. This immersive 72-hour certificate covers LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, and other platforms alongside social media content marketing. Attendees learn hands-on as they create a professional-level portfolio.
  • Google Analytics Bootcamp - The Google Analytics Bootcamp introduces students to GA4, the newest analytics service from the tech giant. Topics include determining key performance indicators (KPIs), tracking ROI (return on investment) on marketing campaigns, and Google Analytics Reports. You can save by taking this bootcamp as part of the Digital Marketing Certificate program.
  • SEO Bootcamp - Also available through the Digital Marketing Certificate, Noble’s SEO Bootcamp is a 12-hour dive into the importance of search engine optimization. You'll learn keyword research techniques with Semrush, SEO for mobile, and numerous other subjects.
  • AI for Marketing - AI For Marketing is one of Noble Desktop’s most popular new courses, covering popular platforms like ChatGPT, Salesforce Einstein, and Google's Gemini AI. Applicants should understand social media marketing, SEO, and analytics before enrolling. You can save by taking AI for Marketing as part of the Generative AI Certificate program.