SEO has become the main lever in the development of modern digital marketing. Over the past years, companies have realized the importance of search engine optimization as a tool to increase online presence and profits. In 2025, changes are observed that make the profession even more in demand and promising. Salaries of SEO specialists remain at a high level, despite market changes.
The growing investments of businesses in digital channels and the continuous development of search algorithms only fuel the demand for professionals in this field. Each year, the requirements for SEO specialists increase, which is also reflected in their incomes.

What is the salary of an SEO specialist in Russia and abroad?
In Moscow and St. Petersburg, rates are significantly higher than in other regions. In these two cities, the average salary of an SEO specialist varies from 100,000 to 150,000 rubles per month. In the regions, however, income usually amounts to around 60,000 to 80,000 rubles.
What causes such a difference? Primarily, it is related to the level of competition, the cost of living, and budgets for digital marketing. Companies operating in megacities can afford higher promotion costs, which directly affects salary levels. Also, the salary of an SEO specialist in Moscow and St. Petersburg is determined by the need to work on more complex projects with high skill requirements.
Income of SEO specialists on international projects
Working on international projects can significantly increase income. SEO specialists with a good level of English and experience working with international clients can expect to earn between $2000 and $4000 per month. It is important to note that successful work on international projects requires not only technical skills but also an understanding of the specifics of foreign markets.
International clients usually expect a high level of reporting and performance, which requires knowledge of tools such as SEMrush, Ahrefs, as well as proficiency in analytics methods typical for international markets. It is also worth considering that the income of a remote SEO specialist often depends on the chosen work model: freelance or permanent employment in a company.
Salary dependence on experience: from beginner to expert
The rate in 2024 averages from 40,000 to 60,000 rubles per month. Income is influenced by factors such as having basic SEO knowledge, understanding key principles of search engines, experience with analytical tools like Google Analytics and Yandex.Metrica.
A beginner specialist can expect a higher salary if they have skills in working with content and successful cases that can be demonstrated to employers. Over time and with accumulated experience, income grows, especially if the specialist actively learns and masters new tools and approaches.
Salary of an experienced SEO specialist and expert
An employee with two to five years of experience can earn up to 120,000 rubles per month. The level of income is determined not only by the number of years worked but also by the number of successful projects, as well as the depth of knowledge in areas such as technical SEO, content marketing, and team management. Experts working in top positions in large companies can earn up to 200,000 rubles or more.
Knowledge of specific tools is also an important factor. Specialists who can work with systems like Screaming Frog, Google Search Console, and have skills in building complex reports in Power BI can expect significantly higher income.
Factors influencing the salary of an SEO specialist
There are many factors that influence the salary level of an SEO specialist. Firstly, it is work experience and the presence of successful cases. The more successful projects in the portfolio, the higher the specialist’s value in the market. Secondly, the type of company plays an important role: working in a large international corporation is often better paid than in a small local firm.
Mastery of modern tools is also crucial. For example, knowledge of Google Analytics 4, Ahrefs, and skills in using AI tools for process automation can make a specialist in demand and increase their income. Another key factor is communication: the ability to clearly explain the strategy and justify the need for certain measures to clients or management.
How to increase the salary of an SEO specialist? Improving skills and continuous learning
Continuous learning is a crucial component for increasing the income of an SEO specialist. Regularly taking courses, such as those from Skillbox or GeekBrains, participating in webinars and specialized conferences like “Optimization Conf,” not only helps to stay up to date with the latest trends but also provides competitive advantages.
Mastery of new tools, such as AI for SEO automation, learning programs like Python for analyzing large data sets, makes the specialist more in demand. Employers also highly value certifications, such as the Google Analytics Individual Qualification.
Where to look for a job as an SEO specialist?
It is best to look for a job on specialized job sites such as hh.ru, SuperJob, as well as on freelance exchanges like fl.ru or Upwork for international projects. Direct contacts with companies can also be effective, especially when it comes to startups that need to strengthen their positions in search.
It is important to pay attention to resume writing: it should include all successful cases, tools the specialist works with, as well as specific results in numbers and percentages.

Tips for writing an SEO specialist resume:
- Specify specific cases: describe in detail successful projects you have worked on, the results achieved, and your contribution to the overall work.
- Tools you know: list all SEO tools you have worked with, such as Google Analytics, Ahrefs, SEMrush, etc.
- Results in numbers: indicate the results of your work in specific metrics (e.g., 30% organic traffic growth in six months).
- Education and certificates: mention relevant courses and certifications, such as Google Analytics or Yandex.Metrica.
- Use keywords: this will improve your chances of passing automated resume screening systems.
Perspectives and reality of the SEO profession in 2025
The salary of an SEO specialist in 2025 continues to grow due to constant changes in search engine algorithms and the increasing importance of digital marketing. The prospects for the profession remain very high, and those specialists who are willing to continuously learn and adapt to new conditions can expect significant income growth.