Are you all set to start your career as an SEO professional? Then, you certainly want to know the average salary an SEO expert can make in India. Right? This detailed guide will help you understand and evaluate the average SEO salary in India per month for different job roles and positions.
You will learn about SEO salaries for freshers, analysts, executives, managers, and directors. However, before we discuss the salary packages of SEO professionals, let’s define SEO.
What Is SEO?
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the heart of digital marketing. It refers to optimizing websites for search engines to boost their ranking and drive traffic.
Businesses have realized that an appealing website is just the first step of their online journey. They need to make ample efforts to enhance its visibility on search engines and improve brand awareness. Therefore, they hire SEO professionals to optimize their websites. They work on different aspects of SEO, including content, on-page, off-page, web design, social media, etc.
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Factors That Determine SEO Specialist Salary
You need skills and knowledge to land a lucrative job. The company you work for and its revenue are also crucial factors that decide your salary packages. Here are the key factors that affect the SEO specialist salary in India.
- Work Experience
- Designation
- Qualifications and knowledge
- Expertise
- Demand and supply
- Past performance
- Geographical location
- Company’s growth and revenue
Also Read: What is SERP? Full Form, Meaning, Features
SEO Salary in India in 2024 (Based on Job Roles)
With the rise in the popularity of digital marketing, we can see a surge in the demand for SEO professionals. SEO has marked an essential place in the industry, offering diverse and varied job roles. This has also spiked SEO salaries in India, and most job profiles are getting decent packages. We have listed the top SEO jobs with their respective job responsibilities and average salary packages:
- SEO Fresher/Trainee
- SEO Trainer
- SEO Analyst
- SEO Strategist
- SEO Consultant
- SEO Specialist
- SEO Manager
- SEO Director
1. SEO Fresher/Trainee Salary
This is the lowest position in the hierarchy of SEO job profiles. SEO trainees or freshers begin from the basics, learning different SEO concepts and approaches and how to apply them. They work under the guidance and supervision of SEO executives, gaining a practical understanding of how SEO works.
Key Responsibilities
- Track different SEO KPIs and metrics every week or biweekly
- Report analysis and results to SEO managers
- Build quality and relevant links for the website
- Find new ideas to enhance brand visibility on search engines and online platforms
- Conduct keyword research
Average Salary
SEO salary for freshers ranges from INR 18-22k per month, i.e., INR 96,000 – 1,44,000 per year.
2. SEO Trainer Salary
SEO trainers are experts who mentor and train SEO aspirants. They guide their subordinates, helping them master SEO functioning, its various aspects, and strategies to create compelling content.
They also train them to assess the performance and progress of SEO campaigns by using cutting-edge tools and techniques. They also teach them about reporting results and controlling actions to get things back on track.
They require exceptional skills and knowledge to train SEO professionals and prepare them for a promising career.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver lectures (videos and live)
- Train subordinates in SEO techniques
- Design assignments to help teams improve their knowledge
- Address queries and resolve doubts
Average Salary
INR 50-70k, i.e, INR 6,00,000- 8,00,000 per year.
Also Read: What Are LSI Keywords in SEO? Examples, Benefits, Use
3. SEO Analyst Salary
SEO analysts review the work of SEO executives and analyze their performances to ensure results align with desired quality and efficiency. They identify and analyze keywords using various tools and share these keywords with content writers who curate content around them.
They check that the content is optimized and informative so search engines and users can easily access it. They also improve the quality of landing pages. Their job also includes regular monitoring to enhance a project’s performance.
Their SEO salary per month can vary depending on their job roles. Some SEO analysts are also involved in the competitive analysis and recommend necessary changes in the content for better results.
Key Responsibilities
- Use the right tools for building backlinks, researching keywords, and analyzing competitors.
- Design and execute SEO strategies.
- Give recommendations regarding content development.
- Track SEO metrics to improve projects.
- Evaluate competitors and identify gaps to make improvements.
Average Salary
INR 20- 27k per month or INR 2,40,000-3,50,000 per year.
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4. SEO Strategist Salary
SEO strategists study SEO techniques, analyzing, reviewing, and implementing required changes for website optimization. They use advanced tools to boost website rankings on search engines and increase its reach across digital platforms.
They combine different SEO tactics and practices to enhance website visibility and change strategies to generate more conversions. They work with analysts and executives, giving suggestions wherever required.
Key Responsibilities
- Optimize content.
- Competitor analysis.
- Design and execute SEO strategies.
- Design link-building strategies.
- Report the performance of different SEO campaigns to the SEO manager.
- Research relevant keywords to drive conversions and traffic.
Average Salary
INR 25-30k per month or INR 3,00,000-3,60,000 per year.
5. SEO Consultant Salary
SEO consultants work as freelancers for a company, offering SEO services whenever needed. They plan, implement, and manage their clients’ SEO strategies, handling multiple tasks and duties, such as content strategizing and planning, website optimization, link building, web marketing, web analytics, etc.
They can work on several projects simultaneously and have knowledge of SEO tools. They also provide solutions to challenges faced by companies. They can work for bloggers, corporates, brands, and businesses.
They do not need to visit offices regularly but should offer third-party assistance online.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, develop and implement SEO strategies.
- Prepare reports and share them with clients.
- Monitor main SEO KPIs and take corrective measures.
- Work with web designers and developers to make changes as per SEO.
Average Salary
Freelance SEO salary in India is between 30- 50k. They usually charge per project.
Also Read: Full On-Page SEO Checklist 2024 (With Strategy)
6. SEO Specialist Salary
SEO specialists are accountable for managing SEO campaigns and driving organic traffic to web pages. When digital marketing agencies work for clients, SEO specialists handle the projects and find ways to increase website traffic.
They consider several ranking factors to make changes in the campaign.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain organic traffic.
- Plan and run SEO campaigns.
- Find ways to drive traffic to a website.
- Make changes to a website according to ranking factors.
Average Salary
INR 25- 35k per month or INR 3,50,000-4,50,000 per year.
7. SEO Manager Salary
SEO managers hold top designations in an organization, overseeing SEO campaigns and programs for clients. Being in a higher position, they have a lot of responsibilities, including analyzing reports of SEO campaigns.
They work with different marketing teams and members, such as SEO experts, content writers, web designers, PPC experts, etc., to develop and implement data-driven SEO strategies effectively.
The average SEO salary of managers is higher than other job profiles. They guide subordinates and team members regarding keyword research and other aspects of SEO. They also monitor ad campaigns and recommend changes for improvements.
Key Responsibilities
- Analyze the performance of a project and prepare reports.
- Manage SEO projects and campaigns.
- Optimize landing pages and track KPIs.
- Oversee the performance of team members and guide them.
Average Salary
INR 30- 45k per month or INR 3,60,000 – 5,40,000 per year.
8. SEO Director Salary
SEO directors are the head of the SEO department, ensuring that the team archives expected results and goals. They plan SEO campaigns, stating objectives, previous shortcomings, targets, and other factors.
They oversee the entire functioning of the SEO department, assessing every detail and action for the best results. They also evaluate the performance of SEO campaigns and monitor results at the micro level.
They also set long-term and short-term goals for each team member and motivate them to reach them.
Key Responsibilities
- Design SEO strategies.
- Stay updated with the industry trends and news.
- Motivate team members to share and implement new ideas.
- Ensure that strategies align with the goals.
- Review content and identify gaps for improvements.
- Collaborate with other teams and stakeholders.
- Guide SEO strategists, analysts, and trainees.
Average Salary
As seniors in the field, they earn higher than other SEO professionals. The average senior SEO specialist salary in India is INR 90-95k per month or 12,00,000-16,00,000 per year.
SEO Salary in India (Based on Cities)
Location also affects the salary of SEO professionals. The average SEO salary in Bangalore is higher than the average salary in Ahmedabad, as the cost of living is higher in Bangalore. Here’s a look at the average salaries of SEO professionals according to different cities.
| Cities | Average Salary | Percentage |
| Mumbai | INR 18k | 6.5% |
| Bangalore | INR 20k | 21% |
| Chennai | INR 20k | 25% |
| Delhi | INR 18k | -16% |
| Pune | INR 17k | -12% |
| Ahmedabad | INR 17k | -31% |
Also Read: What is On-Page SEO? Techniques, Factors, Elements
What Is the Average SEO Salary?
The average SEO salary per month can vary based on job role, city, company, experience, expertise, and other factors. However, the minimum salary a beginner can expect is around INR 18,000-20,0000 per month.
With experience and professional growth, you can make more and land a senior-level job. Make sure to create a solid portfolio to showcase your work and skills. It will capture the attention of recruiters and make you stand out.
Why Choose SEO as a Career?
As companies rely increasingly on digital marketing to reach the target audience and increase sales, there is a high demand for SEO services. You can find a plethora of opportunities in the field. Plus, it offers remote-jobs, so you can work from anywhere. If you want, you can offer freelance SEO services, manage multiple projects, and be your own boss. You can even start your agency without heavy investment.
You don’t need a specific degree; you can start right after graduation. However, make sure to sign up for an SEO course online to learn the intricacies of search engine optimization. Here are a few reasons why people are gravitating toward SEO:
- Offers high flexibility as you can work from anywhere at your convenience and earn handsome salary packages.
- High demand for skilled SEO professionals.
- Doesn’t require any specific degree. Any student, fresher or graduate, can work in this field.
- Ample opportunities and demand for SEO will only increase in the future.
- You can choose to work as a freelancer or start your agency without a considerable investment.
- It is a fast-paced industry, so there is always something new and exciting to learn.
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Frequently Asked Questions About SEO Salary in India
Due to increasing popularity of digital marketing, SEO is in high demand. Companies need skilled and talented SEO professionals to optimize their website content, boost its search engine rankings, and drive organic traffic. SEO is a promising career, but make sure to get trained by industry leaders before starting your professional journey.
In the beginning, the average salary of an SEO professional in Delhi is around INR 18-19k per month. The average SEO salary in Bangalore is a bit higher, ranging between INR 22-24k per month.
In the beginning, the average salary of SEO experts in Pune is somewhere between INR 17-19k per month. Experienced professionals can earn over INR 12,00,000 per year, provided they are knowledgeable and hold managerial roles.
SEO is the process of optimizing websites to improve their rankings on Google and drive organic traffic. Every company, big or small, owns a website, and it needs professionals who can optimize web pages and content for higher rankings in SERPs. As more companies embrace digital marketing, the demand for SEO and SEO experts will only increase.
No, SEO is not a challenging field to master. Aspirants from any academic or professional background can learn SEO basics within a few months by signing up for a reliable SEO course.
The best way to learn SEO is by enrolling in an online SEO course where industry leaders train and guide you at every step. You get to work on live projects and gain hands-on experience, which helps you build a strong portfolio even before starting your career.
The initial minimum average SEO salary in India is INR 18k per month. If you are a certified SEO professional and have worked on live projects before applying for jobs, you can earn around INR 25k per month at the beginning of your career.
Wrapping Up!
This was all about average SEO specialist salary packages in India. SEO is an exciting industry with so much to learn. It’s the core of digital marketing and one of the most sought-after professions. So, if you are planning to step into this domain, start your journey without any delay. Enrol in our online SEO course to kickstart your journey confidently. You will get to learn from industry leaders in live interactive classes and also gain hands-on experience through multiple live projects. Wait no more and connect with us now for more details.
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