SEO Manager Salary
by City (2026)
Grow organic search traffic through technical, content, and link strategy. National median: $88K/year. See how your city compares.
SEO Manager salary by city
Sorted by median salaryCOL-adjusted: where does your salary go furthest?
A $88K SEO Manager salary in Houston (COL 91, no tax) has significantly more purchasing power than the same salary in San Francisco (COL 224, 9.3% state tax). Use our calculator to see the real numbers.
Try COL Calculator βSEO Manager Salary Guide (2026)
The national median salary for a SEO Manager is $88,000 per year. Entry-level positions typically start at $65,000, while experienced professionals in the top 25% earn $112,000 or more. The highest-paid 10% of SEO Managers nationally earn $140,000+.
Education and requirements
Bachelor's degree. This role is 75% remote-eligible nationally, which significantly expands the geographic job market for workers in lower cost-of-living cities.
Salary growth outlook
SEO Manager compensation is growing at 4.5% annually, well above the national average wage growth rate.
SEO Manager salary FAQ
How much does a SEO Manager make?
The median SEO Manager salary in the US is $88,000 per year β about $42/hour. Most earn between $65,000 (25th percentile) and $112,000 (75th percentile).
What is the starting salary for a SEO Manager?
Entry-level SEO Manager positions typically start around $65,000 per year. Pay rises with experience, specialization, and location.
How much do the highest-paid SEO Managers earn?
The top 10% of SEO Managers earn $140,000 or more per year β usually senior, lead, or specialized professionals in high-cost or high-demand markets.
Which city pays SEO Managers the most?
San Francisco has the highest median SEO Manager salary at $132K among the cities we track. But high-cost metros like San Francisco and New York often have lower real purchasing power once cost of living and taxes are factored in.
Are SEO Manager salaries going up?
Yes β SEO Manager pay is growing about 4.5% year over year, above the US average wage-growth rate.