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The differences between search engine optimizers and paid search specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a search engine optimizer and a paid search specialist. Additionally, a search engine optimizer has an average salary of $99,672, which is higher than the $62,694 average annual salary of a paid search specialist.
The top three skills for a search engine optimizer include search engine optimization, CSS and HTML. The most important skills for a paid search specialist are paid search, digital marketing, and google adwords.
| Search Engine Optimizer | Paid Search Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $99,672 | $62,694 |
| Hourly rate | $47.92 | $30.14 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 3,599 | 2,011 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A search engine optimizer is in charge of developing strategies to enhance a website's content and search ranking, ensuring efficiency and client satisfaction. Among their responsibilities include gathering and analyzing web traffic data, researching trends, developing content materials, utilizing relevant keywords, and producing progress reports as needed. There are also instances where they must work together with content specialists and even graphic designers. Furthermore, as a search engine optimizer, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with other staff for a smooth and efficient workflow.
Paid search specialists or PPC specialists mainly manage internet pay-per-click advertising campaigns. The specialists conduct research, decide on purchases, analyze results, and alter the course for optimization. They oversee the strategy, implementation, SEO, design, and analysis of advertising campaigns' performance. Their responsibilities include the determination of trends of insights and trends for maximum return of investment in the paid search campaigns. Knowledge in internet marketing, marketing strategy, and SEO is necessary for this job.
Search engine optimizers and paid search specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Search Engine Optimizer | Paid Search Specialist | |
| Average salary | $99,672 | $62,694 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $141,000 | Between $41,000 And $94,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Mateo, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | ChannelAdvisor |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Technology |
There are a few differences between a search engine optimizer and a paid search specialist in terms of educational background:
| Search Engine Optimizer | Paid Search Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between search engine optimizers' and paid search specialists' demographics:
| Search Engine Optimizer | Paid Search Specialist | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.8% Female, 21.2% | Male, 30.9% Female, 69.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |