What can you earn in the digital industry? Salaries in 2016

Over the past few years, digital skills and technologies have become increasingly essential to all industries and areas of commerce, and there has been a sustained surge in the demand for digital experts to fill these vital roles.

Organizations are finding themselves in competition with one another to recruit skilled digital professionals, which has resulted in higher salaries and benefits.

Again, in the American job market, there is a high demand for digital professionals with specific skill-sets, and the readiness to compensate them accordingly! Content marketers who can create and distribute mobile-optimized content for a range of devices are particularly in-demand. Similarly, digital marketers with a strong knowledge of mobile and responsive design are highly sought after, as wearables and mobile devices grow in popularity!

Digital marketing salaries in the US are equally attractive; the Creative Group confirms that the average salary of a web content writer can range from $47,750 to $71,750 for between 1 and 5 years of experience. A fledgling SEO specialist with 1 to 3 years’ experience can earn between $52,000 and $71,000, while at management level, an e-commerce marketing manager, for example, can take home between $87,500 and $120,500.

Last year, digital salaries in the UK rose by 10% across most specialisms, with a notable need for mobile experts and front end / Java Script and full stack developers. The demand for skilled digital specialists across all channels is set to continue in 2016, along with a rising need for marketing technologists, content strategists and growth marketers.

In a salary guide compiled by Hudson, it’s reported that an entry-level digital marketing executive can earn between 25,000 and 35,000 pounds sterling, while an SEO manager can receive an annual salary ranging from 40,000 and 55,000 pounds. At the more senior end of the spectrum, the Head of Digital Marketing in an agency can earn up to 90,000 pounds sterling across a variety of sectors, from professional services, to financial services, to commerce.

In Ireland, salaries continue to grow as the requirement for technically skilled, analytical marketers is acknowledged. According to a salary survey conducted by Sigmar Recruitment, employers are placing particular emphasis on results-driven professionals with strong experience in executing and managing digital marketing campaigns, as well as marketing automation software such as HubSpot and Marketo.

In terms of the salaries on offer, an SEO specialist with between 0-3 years of experience can expect an entry level salary of between 30,000 and 50,000 euro, as can a PPC executive.

A more seasoned social media manager with between 3 and 5 years’ experience could command between 45,000 and 60,000 euro, and an experienced Head of Digital Marketing in an agency has the potential to earn anywhere between 70,000 and 100,000, depending on their level of experience.

As demand for digital experts consistently outweighs supply, organizations are finally beginning to invest in the necessary skills training to support digital career development and the retention of valuable employees as a result. 2016 will see even more emphasis placed on education as a means for both individuals and organizations to keep pace with a constantly evolving industry.

How strong is your digital marketing knowledge? Our free 15 minute digital diagnostic will let you benchmark your skills against your professional competition, identifying your areas of strength and weakness, allowing you to address your skills gap and maximize your earning potential even in more for 2016!