Community Manager Salary Overview
Community Manager salaries are influenced by experience, the size and type of the company, geographic location, and additional skills such as social media expertise and public relations.
National Average: $45,000 - $85,000 per year
Experience-Based Salary Ranges
Entry Level (0-2 years)
$40,000 - $50,000
Mid Level (3-5 years)
$55,000 - $70,000
Senior Level (6-9 years)
$70,000 - $85,000
Manager/Director (10+ years)
$90,000 - $120,000+
Entry Level (0-2 years)
- Often requires a bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, or related field.
- Basic understanding of social media platforms.
- Support senior team members in community engagement activities.
- Monitor community activity and report key insights.
Mid Level (3-5 years)
- Develop independent community engagement strategies.
- Manage social media accounts and create content.
- Analyze engagement metrics and optimize strategies.
- May begin to lead small teams or projects.
Senior Level (6-9 years)
- Lead community management strategies across multiple platforms.
- Oversee community events and collaborations.
- Mentor junior community managers.
- Work closely with marketing and PR teams.
Manager/Director (10+ years)
- Develop and implement comprehensive community strategies.
- Lead large teams and manage multiple community channels.
- Drive brand awareness and engagement.
- Manage community budgets and resources.
Regional Salary Variations
Geography significantly impacts Community Manager salaries, with metropolitan areas offering higher pay due to the cost of living and concentration of businesses.
New York City
$55,000 - $110,000
San Francisco
$65,000 - $120,000
Chicago
$50,000 - $90,000
Los Angeles
$60,000 - $105,000
Dallas
$50,000 - $85,000
Atlanta
$45,000 - $80,000
Phoenix
$45,000 - $75,000
Remote (US-based)
$50,000 - $95,000
Cost of Living Factors
- Higher salaries in coastal and large urban areas.
- Remote work offers more flexibility in living locations.
- Regional industry presence impacts available roles.
- Cost of living varies significantly across regions.
Industry Salary Comparison
Community Manager salaries can vary considerably across industries, with tech and financial services often offering higher compensation compared to non-profit or educational sectors.
| Industry | Salary Range | Bonus/Equity | Growth Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology | $60,000 - $110,000 | High | Very Good |
| Finance | $55,000 - $100,000 | Moderate | Good |
| Healthcare | $50,000 - $85,000 | Low | Stable |
| Non-Profit | $40,000 - $70,000 | Low | Limited |
| Education | $45,000 - $75,000 | Low | Limited |
Job Outlook and Career Growth
The role of Community Manager is growing as brands recognize the importance of community engagement in building customer loyalty and brand awareness.
- Increased demand for digital community management.
- Growing importance of social media presence.
- Expansion of remote work opportunities.
Salary Negotiation Tips
Successfully negotiating your salary as a Community Manager involves preparation and understanding of market trends.
Preparation Strategies
-
✓
Research Industry Standards
Understand salary ranges for your level and region.
-
✓
Evaluate Your Skills
Identify unique skills that add value to your role.
-
✓
Prepare Achievements
Document past successes and contributions.
-
✓
Know Your Worth
Be confident in the value you bring to the company.
During Negotiation
-
✓
Communicate Clearly
Articulate your expectations and rationale.
-
✓
Stay Professional
Maintain a positive and respectful tone.
-
✓
Be Open to Compromise
Consider benefits and other forms of compensation.
-
✓
Listen Actively
Understand the employer's position and constraints.
-
✓
Follow Up
Reiterate your interest and clarify any agreements.