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Social media representative job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected social media representative job growth rate is 8% from 2018-2028.
About 22,300 new jobs for social media representatives are projected over the next decade.
Social media representative salaries have increased 8% for social media representatives in the last 5 years.
There are over 19,610 social media representatives currently employed in the United States.
There are 42,287 active social media representative job openings in the US.
The average social media representative salary is $52,252.
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 19,610 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 19,640 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 19,635 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 19,107 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 18,614 | 0.01% |
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $52,252 | $25.12 | +2.7% |
| 2024 | $50,871 | $24.46 | +1.9% |
| 2023 | $49,914 | $24.00 | +1.2% |
| 2022 | $49,332 | $23.72 | +2.2% |
| 2021 | $48,267 | $23.21 | +2.2% |
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 163 | 23% |
| 2 | Delaware | 961,939 | 174 | 18% |
| 3 | Vermont | 623,657 | 114 | 18% |
| 4 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 221 | 17% |
| 5 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 955 | 14% |
| 6 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 142 | 14% |
| 7 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 123 | 14% |
| 8 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 103 | 14% |
| 9 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 84 | 14% |
| 10 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 223 | 13% |
| 11 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 181 | 13% |
| 12 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 132 | 12% |
| 13 | Alaska | 739,795 | 89 | 12% |
| 14 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 651 | 11% |
| 15 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 352 | 11% |
| 16 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 197 | 10% |
| 17 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 702 | 9% |
| 18 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 479 | 9% |
| 19 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 354 | 9% |
| 20 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 192 | 9% |
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raleigh | 1 | 0% | $55,935 |
Grand Valley State University
Winthrop University
Bowie State University
Wartburg College
San Francisco State University
Loyola University New Orleans
Emory University
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Cedar Rapids
Hope College
Cabrini University
University of Texas at Tyler
University of Maryland - College Park
University of Detroit Mercy
University of Cincinnati
University of Indianapolis
Dr. Joy Daggs: I have quite a bit of advice:
1. Get as much experience as an undergraduate as possible. Many programs require internships, but even if they don't, seek opportunities to get experience. Take leadership roles in student organizations. Even if it's not specifically a 'public relations' entitled position, anything where you practice your skills is helpful. Even if you need to work a job in retail or service, those jobs still provide important benefits other than a paycheck. Don't discount your experiences!
2. Don't pass up opportunities to meet professionals. Many schools and departments bring their alumni on campus or do virtual events so that you can meet and chat with professionals. Even if it's not required for class, GO. You never know when a casual conversation may lead to an internship or an important professional connection.
3. Use your LinkedIn profile to your advantage. Make sure you have a professional picture that shows you in your best light. Follow organizations that you want to work for and other professional organizations related to your interests. I know of people getting interviews based off of LinkedIn interactions. Check your other social media accounts to make sure that you are not presenting yourself poorly. Most likely, organizations will Google you or look up your personal social media. There are reports of students losing opportunities because of poor social media choices.
Dr. Holly Sullenger PhD: Soft skills such as communication, active listening, giving and receiving feedback, writing, and presenting well are crucial and will become more important.
Dr. Mikhila Wildey PhD: I think the ability to engage and connect with people will be very important in the field as we shift more and more to a culture that is driven by AI. Although AI can be a useful tool, it likely won’t ever fully replace the value of human interaction and connection. In addition, employers often comment that they want to see employees with strong work ethic, and I think this will continue to be the case in 3-5 years. Having a strong work ethic can separate the people that move forward in their careers to those who remain stagnant.
Dr. Mikhila Wildey PhD: My general advice for a graduate beginning their career in the field is to work hard, stay open-minded, and network! Most employees won’t stay in the same position for their entire career, and so I often tell graduates to not get too hung up on the first job needing to be the 'perfect' job for them. Often, the first job will be a place where they learn how to navigate the workplace, learn about their own strengths/weaknesses, and figure out what they like and don’t like. I encourage graduates to use this information to help them make decisions about the next steps in their career. And, if they are working hard and networking with people at their job, then opportunities will often times present themselves or be more available to them as they navigate their future career path.
Winthrop University
Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication
Bonnye Stuart: I would say be flexible - you may be asked to do a variety of tasks. Some tasks you may feel comfortable doing, others you may feel you don't have the experience to tackle. Be confident in your abilities – you probably know more than you think you do – especially in the areas of technology and social media. Above all, be a sponge – soak up all everything you can from soft, people skills to specific industry knowledge. You can learn from every experience in the workplace (even mundane meetings can yield much information about the culture of the company or organization and who's voice is heard and valued). There is much to learn as you begin your career, even if your first position is not your 'dream job'!
Dr. Rochelle Daniel: My general advice to a graduate who transitions into that first professional job in the Communication field is similar to advice I give Communication students for navigating internship workspaces (Communications Internship Handbook: What HBCU Students Need to Know, 2022). Be intentional about learning the organizational or office culture, really listen to find out what is expected of you, be flexible and adaptable when there are changes in workflow, and don't be afraid to ask questions.
Dr. Penni Pier: There are a few things I would tell them. Make sure you make the most of your opportunities to network and learn the things about the industry that you do not know. Be mindful that professional development is a lifelong endeavor and that the first year will be a steep learning curve as you are an emerging professional. Take the initiative to learn or practice skill sets that you haven’t quite mastered. Ask for constructive feedback and then incorporate that feedback into your work. Two very practical pieces of advice that I try to tell my students: 1. Never surprise your boss. Keep them in the loop. If you make a mistake own up to it quickly and ask for feedback regarding how to avoid the mistake in the future and 2. Do not overpromise and under deliver. It is instinctual to want to please your supervisor and not let them down, but you must understand your own capacity, under delivering is ultimately more disappointing than understanding and setting your limits at the outset.
Dr. Nick DiFrancesco: Communication- many grads lack even basic communication skills such as presenting, writing, or conversation; the industry is going to be seeking out not just the best and brightest, individuals who are personable, can relate and have rational discussions with others. The inability to engage in conversation and debate, or network with others is a serious issue among students, and these are skills that are absolutely vital to any professional.
Dr. Geri Merrigan: Listening, empathy, and perspective-taking remain as important as ever, because change is the only certainty, and globalization connects us to people quite different from ourselves. That means skills for inclusive communication matter – analyzing an audience and crafting messages for diverse stakeholders. Finally, understanding the technology (especially AI) that is most consequential for your industry/sector, for Communication Studies majors, means understanding current events, reading about AI, and evaluating the credibility of what you read.
Loyola University New Orleans
Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication
Jeffrey Ory: Starting a career in public relations can be an exhilarating journey, filled with opportunities to shape perceptions and craft compelling narratives. As you embark on this path, there are a few foundational strategies that can enhance your success in the dynamic field of PR. First and foremost, cultivating a robust network is essential. The heart of public relations lies in forging strong connections. Engage actively with colleagues, journalists, and industry professionals. This can be achieved by attending industry events, participating in relevant organizations, and maintaining a vibrant presence on professional social media platforms like LinkedIn. These relationships will not only provide valuable insights and opportunities but also support your growth in the field. Equally important is honing your communication skills. In public relations, your ability to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively is paramount. Dedicate time to refining your writing and speaking abilities, ensuring you can deliver clear, concise, and compelling messages tailored to various audiences and media formats. This skill set is your toolkit, enabling you to convey your clients' messages effectively and resonate with your target audience. Staying informed cannot be overlooked. The landscape of public relations is constantly influenced by shifting industry trends, breaking news, and technological advancements. By keeping abreast of these changes, you can better anticipate and meet the needs of your clients and the media, thus solidifying your role as a knowledgeable and indispensable asset. Practical experience is another cornerstone of a successful PR career. Seek out internships or entry-level positions within PR agencies or in-house teams. These opportunities are invaluable for understanding the industry's dynamics from the inside out, providing a real-world context to the theories and strategies learned in academic settings. Lastly, embracing a proactive and creative mindset is crucial. Public relations thrive on innovation and initiative. Be ready to propose new ideas, tackle challenges with creative solutions, and manage crises with agility and poise. Your ability to think outside the box and act decisively in high-pressure situations will set you apart in the fast-paced world of public relations.
Gary Laderman: The best way to maximize your salary potential if that is your first and driving priority is not to go into teaching. Instead, religion graduates can find ways to integrate their expertise and knowledge base into professional pursuits in tech industries, medicine and healing, or business and branding. While the word 'religion' can certainly scare some people off, other more sophisticated people will likely be intrigued by this unusual college path. Part of the challenge and great potential for religion majors is to educate the public about these multifarious, confusing, but critical religious forces.
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Journalism
Ginger Blackstone Ph.D.: You’ve got to start somewhere. You may not get the dream job with a dream company and a fat salary but be willing to do a smaller job just to get your foot in the door. My first jobs in TV were unpaid internships. I did three of them. When I did graduate, I took a part-time job answering phones and assisting producers. I had to wait tables to cover rent. I was in that role for several months before I took a full-time job at a smaller TV station in a small town about three hours away. My current boss was impressed with my work, but he didn’t have an opening. When a fellow manager at a nearby station called him asking for recommendations, he put in a good word for me. You never know who the lead for the next job will be. Show up, do your job, do your best, try to make a good impression, watch for opportunities, and don’t burn bridges. Media people move around a lot, and everybody knows everybody. It’s important to earn a good reputation and be reliable. Who you know and who they know matters. One other thing I recommend: finding a mentor. Sometimes this crazy business can throw surprises your way. It helps to have a seasoned individual you trust to bounce off ideas or talk through challenges. It makes all the difference.
Dr. Gayle Pohl APR: *Social media and any aspect of technology is going to grow quickly in the next few years. Make sure you keep up with your current skills and expand upon those skills. Analytics for every aspect of our world is going to be a must, so learn how to measure the impact of social media and how to make those posts go viral. This is in addition to the basic skills of researching, writing, and listening, of course. We are still communicating with humans who have an intellect and emotions.*
Jayson Dibble Ph.D.: People who study communication as a whole study the basic processes of creating understanding between people. In other words, we work to learn how it is that you start with an idea in your head, you create some sort of stimuli that I can perceive (e.g., letters/words in a note, sounds in a telephone, body movements and gestures), and then I attach a meaning that's close enough to what you started with so that we say we 'understand' each other. This is what it means to study communication. Creating shared meaning and understanding happen in a whole bunch of contexts to include interpersonally, at work, through the mass media, through social media, and more, and some people focus on one of those specific contexts and get jobs there. Some of these jobs are more obvious, e.g., public relations experts, broadcasters, but communication experts are also found in health care, politics, conflict resolution and mediation, clergy, and more. There's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all 'communication specialist,' and their day to day work will be as unique as the setting they serve. What they have in common, though, is an emphasis on skills like listening, empathy, paraphrasing, clarifying and simplifying complex information, and creating messaging unique to the receiver. Studying communication isn't necessarily about training for a job; it's a set of knowledge and skills that benefits any job. Communication departments in universities and colleges nationwide work hard to prepare a workforce that will be adept at creating shared meaning between people, across companies, across nations, and probably even across planets (ask NASA).
Cabrini University
Business Administration, Management And Operations
Professor Cheryl Pilchik: Dress to impress for interviews. Consider the benefits offered by the company, not just the compensation. Use the position as a steppingstone in your field to a second job in the future.
Professor Cheryl Pilchik: Look at all the benefits offered by the company, such as medical, holidays, 401K, etc. Also, consider using the position as a steppingstone in your field to a second job in the near future.
Professor Cheryl Pilchik: Within Marketing, social media is still huge. There are many types of jobs within social media, including being an expert social media guru at an ad agency. I advise all students to be prepared and sign up for online courses if needed.
Brent Yergensen PH.D.: The ability to use artificial intelligence will be crucial. High end skills aren’t necessary, but the ability to use basic generator engines will assist productivity. Cultural sensitivity is most important. Most people are capable of getting along with someone who disagrees with them. Thus, know how to always communicate with a mild capacity for compassion for every situation.
University of Maryland - College Park
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, And Group Studies
Dr. Briana Barner Ph.D: Having a job that focuses on identities of any kind will require being well-versed and well-read in the latest development, so whether that’s keeping up with the latest literature or being up to date on foundational readings and terms. You may be called upon to speak more than normal as people try to make sense of this pushback that we’re seeing within the DEI landscape. Community engagement skills will also be important again—networking, relationship building and just genuinely being able to connect with people and organizations. I also imagine that being able to connect with government agencies will be useful, as you may be called upon to testify on whatever latest anti-DEI bill is in place. Lastly, I think that social media skills will continue to be important. Many companies have made the mistake of assuming that young people know how to strategically use social media to help with their branding solely because they are frequent users, but that isn’t necessarily true. Companies will be looking for new and innovative ways to leverage social media to not only develop their brand, but to connect with their customer base in a genuine way that doesn’t feel like pandering, and having employees who are skilled at this will be crucial.
David Cassilo: There are so many ways to communicate with an audience through digital platforms. As such, being a communication specialist allows someone to showcase a lot of skills. Clear and effective communication is so vital for any organization. There are many opportunities to enter the field.
David Cassilo: A communication specialist will see their role vary by organization, but at most places, this individual will help an organization maintain relationships with both the media and the public. Duties are extensive and can include creating press releases, running social media accounts, authoring written content and coordinating events. No day is likely the same for a communication specialist.
Suzanne Boys PhD., APR: Writing is a perennial skill. Today's Communication graduates will need to learn how to ethically and strategically merge writing skills with the use of generative AI. Hiring managers are also likely to presume that recent Communication graduates are savvy on all social/digital platforms. However, digital/social platforms evolve constantly and professional skills are distinct from personal and recreational skills in this area. For that reason, I recommend new graduates develop social/digital content creation, strategy building, and analytics skills, and that they work to keep these skills current. Reading and responding to emergent and often contested cultural mores is another skill that is important for new graduates. Communication professionals are often at the forefront of cultural engagement, so this is a key skill.
Suzanne Boys PhD., APR: I encourage students to create a portfolio of work samples, including writing, research, and creative pieces. They can use this portfolio to show skills, potential, and the value they will add to a company. I also encourage students to pursue continued education and practical certifications after graduation (e.g., Google and LinkedIn offer free and low cost certifications). Adding those certifications to a resume can show skills, relevance, and work ethic. Joining professional associations (e.g., Public Relations Society of America, American Marketing Association, Together Digital) is also key. Many of those associations offer mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities. Finally, it is important to put yourself forward for opportunities. Employees who take on projects and are unafraid of challenges create leverage for themselves in salary negotiations.
Suzanne Boys PhD., APR: My advice to graduating Communication students is to think outside of the box about ways to build experience. For example, post graduate internships are a great way to gain experience. Another non-traditional post graduate option is to volunteer for local non-profit organizations. Students can use these volunteer experiences to continue building their portfolios and networks, even while they job search. I also advise recent graduates not to pressure themselves to find 'the job.' Their first couple of jobs after graduating will allow them to grow their skills and networks. They can finesse their job search after they have finessed their skills and started to built a career network.
University of Indianapolis
Communication And Media Studies
Dr. Stephanie Wideman Ph.D.: For fields like communication, and many others, it is essential that job candidates do not present themselves as too entrenched in a niche. For example, a journalism student is now expected to know how to write a story, stage a shot for broadcast, and be able to promote their work in and out of their respective industries. Industry specific silos are out of date. Now communication professionals and others are expected to be able to reach across discipline-specific divides.
Dr. Phillip Arceneaux: It can be a hectic job with responsibilities continually expanding. Some enjoy the challenges and the opportunity to develop new skills, while others may find the pace overwhelming. The variety of industries open to PR professionals allows them to work in sectors they are passionate about, making their work fulfilling.
Dr. Phillip Arceneaux: Every company needs to tell its story, making PR essential. New technologies like digital media and AI offer innovative ways to engage. PR professionals play a crucial role in assessing risks, managing crises, and repairing reputations. The diversity of sectors where PR can be applied makes the profession fulfilling and meaningful.
Dr. Phillip Arceneaux: On a daily basis, PR practitioners are implementing various earned media strategies to build two-way mutually beneficial relationships with consumers. PR is more about building meaningful, long-term relationships between consumers and a brand by telling meaningful stories and communicating information about the brand. Tasks can range from curating content on social media, pitching stories to journalists, event planning, updating website information, drafting newsletters and press releases, designing graphics, conducting market performance and consumer attitude analysis, and more.