We studied 77 job postings to understand the current SEO job market in St. Louis better.
In this new report, you’ll learn:
Here’s what we discovered:
Key Takeaways
- The average salary for SEO jobs in St. Louis is $49,805 per year (24% lower than the national average).
- 96.3% of SEO jobs in St. Louis require a bachelor’s degree (or higher).
- 71.7% of SEO positions seek candidates with mid to senior-level experience.
The Average Annual Salary for SEO Jobs in St. Louis is $49,805 (24% Lower Than the National Average)
We used Glassdoor to get SEO salary data from cities sized similarly to St. Louis.
The average salary for the 20 cities we studied was $61,452, which aligns with the national average of $61,000.
Based on this data, we found that companies pay 24% less than the average for SEO positions in St. Louis.
Here’s how the SEO job salary distribution looked in STL (according to Indeed):
| Annual Salary | Percentage of Jobs |
| < $45k | 37.3% |
| $55k – $65k | 22.4% |
| $65 – $75k | 20.9% |
| > $75k | 19.4% |
In other words, over 50% of SEO job opportunities pay less than the national average.
Our research also helped us discover that:
St. Louis Has 26% More SEO Job Opportunities
We took the median in this case because the range of job opportunities across similarly sized cities was vast.
We also found that:
71.7% of SEO Jobs in St. Louis Require Mid to Senior-Level Experience
And only 28.3% of opportunities allow for entry-level SEO experience.
Educational requirements are also very high in St. Louis:
96.3% of SEO Job Opportunities in St. Louis Require a Bachelor’s Degree (or Higher)
At this point, it’s clear that St. Louis employers are looking for SEO candidates who are experienced, have traditional education requirements, and have a blend of technical know-how, analytical thinking, and marketing acumen.
Here are some of the pivotal skills sought after in the region:
1. Technical SEO Knowledge
Proficiency in optimizing website structure, understanding meta tags, URLs, crawl errors, sitemap creation, and resolving technical issues to enhance SEO performance.
2. Keyword Research
Ability to identify high-impact keywords and incorporate them strategically into the content, ensuring the website ranks well on search engines.
3. Content Creation & Optimization
Skills in creating and optimizing engaging, valuable, and SEO-friendly content.
4. Link Building
Expertise in acquiring quality backlinks from reputable sites to boost a website’s authority and search engine ranking.
Related: How to Get Backlinks Like an SEO Pro
5. Data Analysis
Strong analytical skills to interpret complex data, make data-driven recommendations and formulate SEO strategies that align with business goals.
6. SEO Tools Mastery
Familiarity and proficiency with various SEO tools such as Google Analytics, Google Search Console, Semrush, Ahrefs, and Moz.
7. Communication Skills
Effective communication skills are crucial for coordinating with team members, stakeholders, and clients, as well as for presenting findings and strategies.
Advice for SEO Job Seekers in STL
If you’re eyeing the SEO job market in St. Louis, aligning your skills and qualifications with the market demands is crucial.
Here are some pointers to consider:
Skill Enhancement
With 71.7% of jobs requiring mid to senior-level experience, consider investing in continuous learning.
Use professional development opportunities, online SEO training, and workshops to sharpen your technical SEO, link building, and keyword research skills.
Educational Credentials
Since 96.3% of positions require a Bachelor’s degree (or higher), you may want to consider pursuing advanced studies in marketing, communications, or a related field.
Networking
Engage with the local SEO and digital marketing community. Attend industry conferences, seminars, and networking events in and around St. Louis to connect with potential employers and like-minded professionals.
Tailored Applications
When applying, tailor your resume and cover letter to match the job’s specific requirements. Highlight your relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments in the SEO field.
Advice for SEO Employers / Talent Recruiters
For employers and recruiters looking to attract top SEO talent in St. Louis, consider the following strategies:
Competitive Compensation
If you want to attract top SEO talent, then you should pay above the national average ($61,000 / year). Most employers in St. Louis are trying to get SEO professionals for pennies on the dollar.
You won’t attract high-caliber individuals with this strategy.
Loosen the Traditional Education Requirement
Being great at SEO is not dependent on traditional education. Someone with a high-school diploma can outrank Fortune 500 brands if they understand how Google’s algorithm works.
Benefit Packages
Offer comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Flexible work arrangements and professional development opportunities are also attractive to prospective employees.
Clear Job Descriptions
Craft clear and detailed job descriptions. Clearly outline the responsibilities, required skills and experience, and potential career paths for the position.
Engage in Local Community
Actively participate in St. Louis’s SEO and digital marketing community. Sponsor or attend local industry events to enhance your company’s visibility and engage with potential candidates.
Where to Find SEO Jobs in St. Louis
Here are some of the best ways to find awesome job opportunities in STL (and remotely):
Conclusion
There are lots of opportunities in St. Louis for experienced SEO job seekers with traditional education. However, it’s a tough market if you’re entry-level or don’t meet higher educational requirements.
