Is SEO a Good Career for the Future?
If you’ve been reading the news lately, it seems like everyone is doomed.
We’ve been told that AI, robotics, and machine learning are here to take all our jobs.
SEO is one of the jobs (so the internet has told us). But is this true? Is SEO doomed? I don’t think so. The way we perform SEO may change, but it doesn’t mean we’ll get wiped out, making it a good career choice.
How Much Does an SEO Specialist Make?
According to Glassdoor, an SEO specialist’s salary can range from $52,000 to $95,000+.
As you can see, the salary of an SEO specialist can vary a lot. It really depends on location, experience level, and position.
For example, in a location like New York, an SEO manager can earn a salary of $87,000 to $158,000, while the same job in Colorado offers an average of $72,030.
Plus, if you don’t work for someone and become a freelancer or agency owner, this pay dramatically increases.
Ahrefs research suggests that most freelance SEOs charge between $75 to $100. Some even charge $100 to $150+.
If you’re an agency owner, you can earn an unlimited amount. It depends on how much you want and how much you can grow your agency.
Is SEO A Safe Career Choice for Job Security?
The SEO industry is a giant in digital marketing, with predictions of impressive growth despite significant global disruption.
According to Research and Markets, in 2024, the value of global search engine optimisation services is 88.91 billion. By 2028, this is expected to reach 170 billion with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.3%.
Source: Research and Markets
It’s no secret that algorithmic shifts in search marketing alone can cause major changes in any industry; for SEOs, this is especially true. With constant alterations in search engine rankings and visibility, many professionals worry about job security and industry implications.
However, with Research and Market research, the worry can stop. The market is growing remarkably strong at 17.6% each year. Therefore, looking at this data, I can confidently say that SEO is a strong future-proof career.
What is the Future of SEO Specialist Careers?
The future for all skills that involve technology is a bit “up in the air”. This is due to AI, machine learning, and robotics.
Without question, it’s something we need to prepare for. AI is probably one of the fastest-growing industries at the moment.
Source: Markets and Markets
I can imagine AI will change the industry. It already has. However, it doesn’t mean SEO will become obsolete.
SEO isn’t new to change. Throughout the history of search engines, algorithms, tools, and new search engine features have changed the way we look at SEO.
AI, machine learning, and robotics are just another change such as SearchGPT.
Old SEO methods will become worthless, but new strategies will become present.
Just think about the biggest search engines in the world, Google, Amazon, YouTube, etc.; these websites aren’t going anywhere. They’re only getting more popular, and SEO is required for them to appear in search results.
Because of this, SEO is future-proof.
The strategies we use today may change; however, the actual practice of optimising content for search engines will remain the same.
What Skills Do You Need to Become an SEO Specialist?
An SEO specialist must have some fundamental skills, including:
| Skills | Description |
| Keyword Research | Identifying and analysing keywords, including seed and long-tail keywords, to understand audience search behaviours. |
| Technical SEO | Optimising website infrastructure and code to improve search engine performance, focusing on elements like crawling, indexing, and site structure. |
| On-page Optimisation | Enhancing content and on-page elements to improve rankings on SERPs, such as writing SEO-friendly content and optimising internal links. |
| Link Building | Developing strategies to acquire quality backlinks through techniques like competitor analysis, guest posting, and digital PR. |
| Proficiency with SEO Tools | Using essential SEO tools for tasks like performance monitoring, keyword research, and site auditing. |
| Analytical Thinking | Interpreting data to identify issues, determine root causes, and devise effective solutions. |
| Adaptability | Adjusting strategies in response to industry trends, algorithm changes, and client needs. |
| Communication | Effectively conveying complex ideas to clients, team members, and stakeholders to align on SEO strategies. |
| People Skills | Building and maintaining strong relationships within teams, with clients, and across the SEO industry. |
| Willingness to Learn | Staying up-to-date with SEO advancements and continuously improving through feedback and new techniques. |
How Long Does It Take to Learn SEO?
You can learn the fundamentals of SEO within one to three months. If you practice continuously for a year or more, you’ll be an expert in the industry.
How to Get Your First SEO Job
For anyone looking to break into the field of SEO, no prior experience is necessary. At StudioHawk, we offer opportunities to individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.
Whether you have a degree in digital marketing or are just beginning your journey, we value enthusiasm and an eagerness to learn. With that in mind, there are plenty of ways to get started – from free courses online and industry publications to certificate programs at universities.
- Google’s SEO Starter Guide
- Google’s How Search Works
- Ahrefs Blog
- The SEO Periodic Table by Search Engine Land
- Yoast SEO Training
If you’re willing to put in some effort outside of working hours, you can give yourself a great head start on the competition!
Here’s how to nail your next SEO interview:
FAQ
Is SEO a stressful job?
Yes, SEO can be stressful, due to tight deadlines, algorithm updates, and the need to provide results. However, this is also the rewarding part of it, as you bring businesses results.
Why should you choose SEO as a Career?
SEO is for those who are creative and analytical. Both of these skills are demanded for SEO. It also offers a good balance of problem-solving, strategy, and visible results, which is also gratifying.
Is SEO still in demand?
Yes, SEO is still in demand and in more ways than ever. YouTube, Google, ChatGPT, and Amazon are all “types” of search engines, so there are no signs of slowing down. The latest type of optimisation is searchGPT.
Can I learn SEO in a day?
No. You can’t learn anything in one day. You may understand the concept better, but to learn the whole of SEO, no. You’ll gain an understanding of the fundamentals within 3 months, and over a year (or a few), you’ll become an expert.
What is the salary of an SEO beginner?
According to Glassdoor, SEO specialists receive an annual salary of between $52,000 and $95,000+. As a beginner, we assume it’s the lower end of this, $52,000.
Is SEO a high-paying job?
A career in SEO can be both financially rewarding and professionally fulfilling. Salaries in this field vary widely, influenced by experience, location, and specific roles
Is it hard to learn SEO?
Learning SEO can be challenging and complex, but it does not have to be. It requires an understanding of web development and design, content creation, and marketing principles.
With dedication and focus on the fundamentals, anyone can quickly get up to speed with SEO knowledge.
Final Word
As you can see, despite huge changes in our world, SEO still looks like a bright future.
The industry itself will continue to grow year-on-year until 2028 and beyond, so it’s still a demanded skill.
If you want to get into SEO, there’s no better time than today. You can learn the skill for pretty much free (minus the cost of tools), so it’s open to everyone.
