Search Marketing Strategists
Employ search marketing tactics to increase visibility and engagement with content, products, or services in Internet-enabled devices or interfaces. Examine search query behaviors on general or specialty search engines or other Internet-based content. Analyze research, data, or technology to understand user intent and measure outcomes for ongoing optimization.
Also called: Customer Experience Strategist, Digital Marketer, Digital Marketing Strategist, Digital Media Planner, Digital Strategist, E-commerce Strategist
Median pay
$78,760
Pay for the broader BLS group “Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists”
Pay range (10th–90th)
$43,390 – $155,480
People employed
899,580
Whole BLS group
Holland code
ECI
Enterprising · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 2.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 3.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 4.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 5.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 6.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 7.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 8.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Search Marketing Strategists pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025, for the broader group “Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists”.
What search marketing strategists do
- 01Manage tracking and reporting of search-related activities and provide analyses to marketing executives.
- 02Optimize digital assets, such as text, graphics, or multimedia assets, for search engine optimization (SEO) or for display and usability on internet-connected devices.
- 03Collect and analyze Web metrics, such as visits, time on site, page views per visit, transaction volume and revenue, traffic mix, click-through rates, conversion rates, cost per acquisition, or cost per click.
- 04Participate in the development or implementation of online marketing strategy.
- 05Optimize Web site exposure by analyzing search engine patterns to direct online placement of keywords or other content.
- 06Coordinate with developers to optimize Web site architecture, server configuration, or page construction for search engine consumption and optimal visibility.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Speaking
- Writing
Knowledge
- Sales and Marketing
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Communications and Media
- Mathematics
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Achievement Orientation
- Adaptability
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from search marketing strategists
- Marketing Managers90% · —
- Business Intelligence Analysts89% · group pay
- Advertising and Promotions Managers87% · —
- Web Administrators85% · group pay
- Public Relations Specialists82% · —
Change into search marketing strategists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Business Intelligence Analysts89% · $120,230
- Advertising Sales Agents83% · $64,820
- Writers and Authors83% · $76,910
- Public Relations Specialists82% · $74,750
- Web Administrators82% · $116,580
Majors that lead here
- Consumer Merchandising/Retailing Management
- Apparel and Textile Marketing Management
- Business Analytics
- Applied Economics
- Marketing/Marketing Management, General
- Marketing Research
- International Marketing
- Digital Marketing
- Marketing, Other
- Apparel and Accessories Marketing Operations
- Tourism and Travel Services Marketing Operations
- Tourism Promotion Operations
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.