Search Engine Optimization specialists drive traffic to websites through practices such as link placement, page design, keyword targeting and web content writing SEO specialists usually work for Web-based firms or businesses doing large portions of their advertising or business online, although some are self-employed or find jobs with traditional brick-and-mortar companies.
Average Salary
The average base salary range of a U.S. SEO specialist is approximately $29,551 per year to $65,016 per year, says March 2011 data from PayScale, a salary information website. This salary range varies widely because it includes both entry-level SEO specialists and those with years of experience.
Total Pay
The total average pay for SEO specialists, including commissions, bonuses and other financial compensation, ranges from $45,000 to $85,000 per year as of January 2011, reports Rand Fishkin, CEO of SeoMoz, a Seattle, Washington-based search engine optimization firm. Specifically, SEO specialists receive average commission pay of $258 to $8,054 per year, as of March 2011. According to March 2011 PayScale data, SEO specialists receive profit sharing payments of $101.37 to $49,316 per year, while they take in approximately $2,200 to $27,000 annually in commission payments.
Location and Salary
SEO specialist salaries also vary based on where they live and work. The San Diego, California, area has the highest salaries for SEO specialists at $35,976 to $68,784 per year, states March 2011 data from PayScale. In contrast, SEO specialists working in Austin, Texas, saw much lower salaries, earning yearly pay of $28,300 to $40,695, as of March 2011.
Factors Affecting Salaries
Numerous factors affect how much an SEO specialist earns in salary and compensation. Specifically, an SEO specialist's reputation plays a large role in how much money he will earn -- someone with a track record of success and client service will find it easier to locate employment and receive higher pay. Additionally, the supply-and-demand state of the SEO industry also affects salaries.
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