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What is a search engine marketing manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
Tobias Sellier,
Richard Tate

Search engine marketing (SEM) is the practice of advertising on google's search results page. Search engine marketers are responsible for this task in an organization, and their duties range from finding the best keywords to estimating ROI. SEM managers can work in any organization with an online presence and the desire to generate leads.

A day in the life may involve performing keyword research, competitor research, and analyzing traffic reports. Search engine marketing managers also develop online marketing strategies based on their findings. They have a rounded understanding of how Google ranks pages, and they use this knowledge to achieve the best results.

To become an SEM manager, you must have worked for several years as an analyst. During this time, you'll gather experience and gain a thorough understanding of the job processes. You'll also need a bachelor's degree in marketing, business communications, or a related field.

What general advice would you give to a search engine marketing manager?

Tobias SellierTobias Sellier LinkedIn profile

Senior Director, American Public Power Association

There are exciting opportunities to work for community-owned, not-for-profit, hometown public power. From engineers and customer service representatives to lineworkers and administrative professionals, there are many opportunities. And utility employees, being essential workers, even during these challenging times, there are still many jobs that will need to be filled.
ScoreSearch Engine Marketing ManagerUS Average
Salary
6.7

Avg. Salary $85,323

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.5

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.23%

Asian 8.15%

Black or African American 3.04%

Hispanic or Latino 8.67%

Unknown 5.32%

White 74.58%

Gender

female 34.84%

male 65.16%

Age - 38
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 38
Stress level
7.5

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
9.0

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.5

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Search engine marketing manager career paths

Key steps to become a search engine marketing manager

  1. Explore search engine marketing manager education requirements

    Most common search engine marketing manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    77.0 %

    Master's

    11.0 %

    Associate

    8.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific search engine marketing manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Digital Marketing11.98%
    Google Analytics7.46%
    Paid Search6.75%
    Keyword Research6.21%
    Search Engine Marketing4.74%
  3. Complete relevant search engine marketing manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New search engine marketing managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a search engine marketing manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real search engine marketing manager resumes.
  4. Research search engine marketing manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage lead generation PPC campaigns on AdWords and Facebook.
    • Manage all vendor relationships pertaining to the e-commerce site.
    • Project manage new CMS platform design changes to meet strategic business objectives.
    • Manage, maintain and present data analysis of campaign performance in alignment with company KPIs.
  5. Apply for search engine marketing manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a search engine marketing manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first search engine marketing manager job

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Average search engine marketing manager salary

The average search engine marketing manager salary in the United States is $85,323 per year or $41 per hour. Search engine marketing manager salaries range between $63,000 and $114,000 per year.

Average search engine marketing manager salary
$85,323 Yearly
$41.02 hourly

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How do search engine marketing managers rate their job?

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Search engine marketing manager reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on May 2019
Pros

Overseeing printing For direct mail. Packaging design Developing hot mail list.

Cons

Unreasonable deadlines.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on May 2019
Pros

I like the flexible working hours, I like working remotely, it's comfortable and I can concentrate on the job.

Cons

There are few vacancies for this job and the pay rate is white long fir the proffessionality involved n the job


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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