Social media management is more than just another promising field. Virtually any industry or sector requires effective digital marketing, and social media is essential to marketing strategy. Social media marketing is the number one marketing strategy for many organizations.

Social Media Managers vary in experience and job responsibilities. Smaller organizations may hire a single Social Media Manager for their ads, SEO, Google Analytics, and other needed tasks. Larger companies or agencies have a team of strategists or specialists with a Social Media Manager above them. 

If you are open to relocating for a social media-centered career, you must learn as much as you can about the job outlook for social media pros in that area. Some people relocate to a particular city because it offers more opportunities, but many job seekers consider other factors like climate, culture, or access to higher education. Considering the future of a position is also essential, and most up-and-coming tech professionals want to know more about the job outlook for their industry or position. Read on to learn more about the future of social media management.

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 is the Job Outlook for Social Media Management?

Job Outlook

While the job outlook for social media pros remains robust, factors like location, education, and industry or sector can affect income. Social Media Managers in major metro areas like New York City or Los Angeles can expect to earn above the median annual income. More experience typically means higher salaries, as does educational background. Research LinkedIn, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter for more detailed information on social media management positions in your location, industry, or preferred market.

Although a small percentage of social media job postings mention managerial responsibilities, many listings advertise for Social Media Specialists, Social Media Strategists, or related titles that cover skills Social Media Managers should have. These include anything from search engine optimization (SEO) to Google or Facebook ads.

Freelance Social Media Managers can choose part-time or contract work, and many social media pros start by freelancing or prefer to freelance full-time. Employment marketplaces like Indeed and Glassdoor may advertise for direct hires, but many include job listings open to or specifically for freelancers. Sites like Freelancer.com feature portals for freelancers and the companies that hire them.

Freelancers looking for jobs on gig work websites like Fiverr, Guru, or UpWork should know that such sites may require a service charge, and the field of freelancers is worldwide. Competing with bids from workers in developing countries who advertise for much lower pay may not be the best strategy for a successful freelance career.

Future Growth

For the 2022-2032 period, the BLS predicts a six percent growth rate for Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers—a category that arguably includes Social Media Managers. That rate is faster than average for all occupations, making this essential role attractive for up-and-coming tech workers.

Even more impressive, the BLS projects an 11% growth rate for Social Media Specialists from 2020 to 2030. This figure suggests two things. First, at nearly double the growth rate for Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers, the workforce will have many more direct reports than managers. That's true for any management position. Second, the figure suggests a steady increase in social media marketing roles across all industries. Some social media pros will be Social Media Managers, with or without that title, since they will run all of a smaller organization's social media campaigns. Others will start as Social Media Strategists or Specialists and eventually level up to management positions.

Although the projected future growth rates are impressive, additional factors like industry and salary range are also essential. Read on to learn more about the best industries and salaries for social media management in the current climate.

Industries

Industry or sector is among the most critical factors job candidates weigh when seeking social media roles.

You may have industry-specific knowledge from a current or previous position to leverage for a Social Media Manager career. If that is the case, you might consider looking for a position within that industry since your knowledge can give you an advantage over other candidates.

However, even with no on-the-job experience, the skills and knowledge you get through an immersive bootcamp or certificate program might qualify you for an entry-level Social Media Specialist or Strategist position on the management track.

Consider the following industries, which are some of the best for Social Media Managers:

  • Beauty & Fashion
  • Education
  • Entertainment
  • Healthcare & Life Sciences
  • Leisure & Hospitality
  • Marketing
  • Real Estate
  • Retail
  • Travel

Salary

According to Indeed, Social Media Managers in the US earn an average base salary of around $58,000. Glassdoor reports a comparable figure, listing $60,000 as the median estimated annual pay, including additional compensation like bonuses, commissions, and profit sharing.

This salary estimate might seem high or low, depending on your location, educational background, and previous experience. However, such figures fall in the middle of much wider ranges. For example, the median annual pay Glassdoor lists falls in the middle of a range from $45,000 to $82,000. The average base salary listed on Indeed falls within an even broader range, between $35,000 and $95,000 annually.

Total annual compensation is a factor that varies from industry to industry and company to company. Benefits have measurable monetary value, from medical and dental insurance to 401(k) plans, profit sharing, or tuition reimbursement programs.

Consider other factors like housing, commuting, and moving expenses if you plan to relocate for a social media role. If possible, evaluate these before applying for a position to get a fair estimate of your net pay after taxes. Additional factors can include climate, area activities, and work or schooling options for other family members.

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.