Social media has become so much more than just a casual pastime – something that nobody would have expected 10 or 15 years ago.

Now, the world of social media has evolved into a thriving economy all its own, where everyday people can build lucrative careers and businesses can market to their target audiences. Instead of only advertising on television, radio, and online, companies are spending more and more of their marketing budgets on social media. And as a result, the opportunity to start a social media career has never been better.

If you have even one social media profile, you’re already well aware that this isn’t just a passing trend. It’s become increasingly clear that social media and marketing are likely to be forever connected, each one affecting how the other grows and changes in the future. 

According to CNN’s list of the Best Jobs in America, the role of Social Media Manager is expected to see a job growth rate of nearly 10% in the next several years. With a median salary of $52,000 – and some social media influencers raking in six- and seven-figure annual incomes – there’s no question that the pay potential is impressive. Beyond the expected income for a job in social media, the opportunity to be a part of a creative and flourishing field is another major benefit that attracts many qualified candidates.

But before you start considering your own social media career, you might be wondering: what is the career growth outlook for social media jobs? Business is booming now, but what might the future look like?

We’re taking a closer look at everything you need to know about jobs in social media, including career growth patterns, popular job positions, and even how much you can make. 

Future Growth of Social Media Careers

No matter what kind of career you’re thinking about, you’ll want to know more about your future prospects. It’s important to know whether you’re making the right choice – and the right investment – for your professional goals.

Fortunately, social media is a career field that is growing at an exciting rate. And even better, that growth rate isn’t expected to slow down anytime soon. Marketing will always be important for all kinds of businesses, and social media platforms have presented an entirely new way of reaching potential and existing customers. No matter what a business is selling, advertising on social media can help them build a community and grow their profits.

Search “social media” on LinkedIn, and you’ll immediately receive hundreds of thousands of results. Companies of all types and sizes are seeking individuals to represent their brands online, helping them manage their social media accounts and develop strategic marketing measures. From Instagram and Facebook to TikTok and Twitter, companies are discovering the value in developing a social media presence. As a result, there is an incredible demand for talented and motivated people who want a career in social media.

Additionally, social media jobs aren’t just part of a short-lived boom. Because social media has forever transformed digital marketing, the job outlook is stable. 

Social Media Salaries

Interested in how much you can make with a job in social media? Like any position, there are a few different factors that can affect your salary, such as:

• Education
• Experience level
• Your location
• Your specific position/role
• Whether you are self-employed or work for an agency/private company

One of the most exciting things about the potential salary for social media jobs is that there are virtually no limits to what you can accomplish. You might begin in an entry-level position with a fairly typical salary, but then you can work your way up to running your own social media marketing freelance agency. Or, you can earn a promotion to an executive position for a major company and take on a leadership role (and the pay increase that comes with it). 

Your salary potential can really take off if you’re interested in becoming a social media influencer. According to a recent CNBC article, an online Instagram influencer with 1 million followers can earn more than $250,000 for a single sponsored post! Even influencers with far less followers (in the 100,000-200,000 range) can make $150,000+ per year.

Types of Jobs in Social Media

You know you want to work in social media, but exactly which jobs are right for you? You might be surprised to learn that social media marketing positions come in many different forms. And even though many of the jobs share similar responsibilities, there are some subtle differences worth noting.

Here are just a few of the most common social media jobs titles you can choose from:

1. Social media strategist

Social media strategists develop and implement the strategies that will get a company noticed online. A strategist may be responsible for pitching new content ideas, launching hashtags, or creating branded campaigns. 

2. Social media manager

Typically, social media managers have a hands-on role in managing a brand’s accounts on various platforms. They may handle anything from scheduling posts and monitoring engagement to assessing reports and analyzing data. 

3. Community manager

For many brands, their digital marketing goals include building and maintaining an online and offline community. For example, a local gym might use platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to nurture an active community of members. A community manager’s job would involve creating the content necessary to foster a sense of community and the management of online communication and engagement.

4. Social media consultant

Usually, social media consultants work in a freelance capacity, though they can also partner with digital marketing agencies. They provide expert consultations on the topic of social strategy, working with clients to develop or improve their current plan based on specific goals or pain points.

5. Social media analyst

Behind every successful online post is a complicated (but vital) web of data. The people that sort through all of this information and interpret exactly what it means are social media analysts. In this role, you’ll help companies decipher which of their advertising efforts are working and which aren’t, providing suggestions to boost engagement, sales, and more.

Succeed in Social Media with the Advantage of Education

So, how hard can it really be to work in social media? As it turns out, it’s a highly competitive field that requires plenty of skill, talent, and knowledge to successfully navigate trends and tools. Social media marketing is both an art and a science, and if you want to build a career in the industry, the right start can make all the difference.

Begin your social media career with an education from the Media Schools, with campuses in Illinois, Miami, Colorado, and Ohio. We’ve created one-of-a-kind programs dedicated to preparing students for a future in media. With a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experiences, you’ll learn how to turn your interest in social media into a lifelong career.

Competition can be fierce when it comes to finding a job in media and marketing. But with an excellent education and professional experiences, you can stand out from other candidates and make a name for yourself in no time. 

Learn more about how to get a job in social media when you connect with our Media Schools team today!

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