Social Media Manager
O*NET 11-2011.90 · SOC 11-2011
Social Media Manager is a solid career choice. Median pay is $75k a year with +1.8% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 23,000 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Develop and execute social media strategies across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, X, and LinkedIn
- →Create content calendars and coordinate with design and copywriting teams
- →Monitor trends, hashtags, and viral moments to capitalize on timely opportunities
- →Analyze engagement metrics and prepare performance reports for stakeholders
- →Manage community interactions, respond to comments, and handle brand reputation
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Social Media Manager roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Creative, studios, agencies, or remote
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Social Media Manager involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Social Media Manager?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Social Media Manager Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Social Media Manager is projected to grow 1.8% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·40% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·46% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Social Media Manager make?
The median Social Media Manager earns $75k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Social Media Manager jobs?
Our model puts Social Media Manager at 19 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 40% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 46% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.
Is Social Media Manager a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 1.8% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 23,000 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Social Media Manager?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Social Media Manager roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Social Media Manager?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Social Media Manager career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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