How To Become A Social Media Manager: What It Is and Career Path

Q: How do I become a freelance social media manager?

To become a freelance social media manager, start by learning about marketing. Since becoming a freelance social media manager is a freelance position, the job starts with you. There are technically no requirements to become a freelance social media manager other than setting up a website and having basic marketing knowledge. While it may be easy to become a freelance social media manager, actually getting paid for such a job is an entirely different story.

Q: How do I become a social media manager from scratch?

To become a social media manager from scratch, start with marketing experience. While we all may interact with social media daily, becoming an effective social media manager does take some knowledge and experience.

Q: How much do starting social media managers make?

Starting social media managers starting make $33,000 a year. An entry-level social media manager makes very little money, as the industry relies heavily on word of mouth and proven prior experience. A beginning social media manager can earn anywhere between $15-$50 an hour, which is entirely dependent on the company and the size of the project.

Q: How to become a social media manager with no experience

You must determine whether or not you need a college degree, build a network online, and take a social media marketing course in order to become a social media manager with no experience. For details on these steps and others you can take to become a social media manager with no experience, use this guide:

Q: What degree do you need to be a social media manager?

You do not need a degree to be a social media manager. Even though you may not need a degree to become a social media manager, some knowledge of marketing and social media interaction is required to create an effective social media marketing campaign.

Q: What does a social media manager do?

A social media manager is the voice of the brand. It is the social media manager's responsibility to create a strategy for a successful marketing campaign, post content, and engage with customers for the betterment of the company.

What is a social media manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

Quoted expert

Mike Bromberg

A social media manager creates and implements social media strategies for a brand or company. They handle social media accounts, creating content, monitoring engagement, and responding to comments and messages. They work closely with marketing and public relations teams to achieve brand consistency and communication with the target audience. Social media managers stay up-to-date with trends and changes to maintain successful campaigns. They also analyze data to measure campaign efficacy and adjust accordingly.

What general advice would you give to a Social Media Manager?

Mike Bromberg

Assistant Professor, East-West University

There are many great careers out there that can be attained as a result of getting a degree in English. One great example is the fact that many companies find that it's a necessity to develop and maintain their social media presence. They look for Communications Coordinators, social media managers, and media directors to make sure their materials, themes, and messages are organized and broadcasted efficiently and appropriately. Some people go on to graduate programs such as law school, as English courses engage heavily with reading, writing, and critical thinking skills.

ScoreSocial Media ManagerUS Average

Salary

5.5

Avg. Salary $70,287

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 61.12%

male 38.88%

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

What are the pros and cons of being a social media manager?

Pros

Flexibility in work hours
Potential for growth and advancement within the field
Ability to work remotely
High demand for social media skills
Potential for networking and collaboration with other professionals

Cons

High pressure to perform and deliver results
Need to be available and responsive around the clock
Can be a solitary job with limited face-to-face interaction
Social media can be unpredictable and volatile, leading to potential crises
Can be difficult to differentiate yourself from other social media managers in a crowded market

Key steps to become a social media manager

Explore social media manager education requirements

Most common social media manager degrees

Bachelor's

78.7 %

Associate

9.4 %

Master's

7.1 %

Start to develop specific social media manager skills

Skills	Percentages
Instagram	8.65%
Twitter	6.92%
Digital Marketing	6.49%
Social Media Marketing	6.46%
Facebook Insights	5.11%

Complete relevant social media manager training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New social media 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 social media manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real social media manager resumes.

Research social media manager duties and responsibilities

Manage Google Ticketmaster SEM accounts.
Used social media systems to schedule, manage, and curate content across various social media platforms.
Manage the development of multiple e-commerce websites, including gathering requirements for basic layout, design and content of websites.
Organize events for the public and manage the organization's branding through logo use, print materials and social media marketing.

Prepare your social media manager resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your social media manager resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a social media manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable social media manager resume templates

Build a professional social media manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your social media manager resume.

Apply for social media manager jobs

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

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

How did you land your first social media manager job

Shukra Eliza

Social Media Manager, Shrah Designs

My Journey as a Social Media Manager.

It all started in 2021, I found myself captivated by the power of social media and its potential for businesses to connect with their audience. Despite lacking any formal experience in the field, I was determined to turn my fascination into a career. Armed with a creative mindset and skills in graphic design and content creation, I knew I had a strong foundation to build upon.

My journey was not without challenges. At times, I faced self-doubt and uncertainty. However, I chose to persevere, reminding myself that growth comes from stepping out of our comfort zones. I immersed myself in online communities and absorbing insights from experienced professionals. By actively seeking feedback and continuously honing my skills, I was able to overcome obstacles and stay motivated.

One fruitful day, a friend approached me he wanted me to help him with his social media platforms for his new company. Since this was my dream, l didn't hesitate. I immediately opened up social media accounts for the company (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Threads, LinkedIn, Tiktok) and started posting, editing videos, designing and creating(check out Youth Platform Africa)

I managed the company's social media platforms for 1 year and then handed over to a new Social media Manager.

I embarked on a journey that led me to discover my passion for social media management. From humble beginnings and a thirst for knowledge, I transformed my skills and took advantage of the opportunities that came my way. Today, I stand as a testament to the power of determination, the impact of learning, and the fusion of creativity with strategic thinking.

How do social media managers rate their job?

-/5

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Social Media Manager reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2019

Cons

I love my work. I don't love who I work for. They do not understand the steps involved in social media. And keep asking for analytics. I send them in a thoughtfully presented report. And they just don't get it. Sales thinks I jack around all day on social media. That is my job. Then there's the fact that I have to be paid to monitor the work and campaigns I shoot down the feeds. Ugh. Run for your life unless you work for a corporation.

A zippia user wrote a review on May 2019

Pros

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

Cons

Unreasonable deadlines.

Social Media Manager FAQs

What is a social media manager and how to become one

What general advice would you give to a Social Media Manager?

What are the pros and cons of being a social media manager?

Social Media Manager career paths

Key steps to become a social media manager

Explore social media manager education requirements

Most common social media manager degrees

Start to develop specific social media manager skills

Complete relevant social media manager training and internships

Research social media manager duties and responsibilities

Prepare your social media manager resume

Choose from 10+ customizable social media manager resume templates

Apply for social media manager jobs

How did you land your first social media manager job

Average social media manager salary

How do social media managers rate their job?

Social Media Manager reviews

Social Media Manager FAQs

How do I become a freelance social media manager?

How do I become a social media manager from scratch?

How much do starting social media managers make?

How to become a social media manager with no experience

What degree do you need to be a social media manager?

What does a social media manager do?

Search for social media manager jobs

Social Media Manager jobs by state