SEO Jobs: Types, Salary, and How to Get Started

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

In search engine optimization (SEO) jobs, you’ll help companies and organizations increase the traffic to their website to drive sales, visibility, messaging, and more. Learn more about SEO jobs, average pay, job outlook, and education requirements.

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Search engine optimization (SEO) describes best practices for helping users find relevant websites easily. When a user types a query into a search bar, the search engine uses a process to determine which websites to return to the user and in what order they appear. SEO practices increase website traffic by helping them appear in search results, making search engine users more likely to click on their websites.

If you’re considering a career in SEO, you have options for which part of the process you’d like to be a part of. You may choose a versatile career like SEO strategist, where you may perform a general set of various tasks, or you might have a more specialized role such as that of an SEO content writer focusing on one aspect of SEO.

Discover specific SEO job titles, their salaries, and how to begin your career helping improve SEO tactics for a business or organization. 

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What is SEO?

SEO stands for search engine optimization, and it refers to all the steps you can take to increase your website's visibility and traffic. SEO helps increase a website's quality content while making it easier for search engine users and website visitors to find the website and any answers to their pressing questions. 

SEO work includes researching keywords, creating optimized content, and helping to establish the website as an authority and trusted resource with optimized technical aspects to keep it running smoothly. 

Skills and education for SEO jobs

Although a formal degree is only sometimes required, employers often like to see candidates with bachelor’s degrees in a relevant field. For example, an SEO specialist may need a business degree, while an SEO content writer may need an English degree. For typical SEO jobs, a marketing degree may be beneficial.

A certificate program or further credentials in SEO can also help you learn the skills you need to succeed in an SEO role and demonstrate those skills to potential employers. For example, in approximately six months, you can earn a Professional Certificate to strengthen your credentials. The on Coursera provides a comprehensive look at project management and digital marketing as a whole.

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Additionally, you may explore a certification from an institution or organization, such as the Search Engine Optimization course offered by the University of Canada West, which teaches you how to further your knowledge of SEO and apply it to new strategies.

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Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce

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Skills

Employers typically look for SEO job candidates with a robust skill set, including SEO knowledge, the ability to communicate, and strength in analyzing data and trends:

  • SEO knowledge: Technical SEO skills require a more advanced background in web development and computer programming. Roles that require extensive SEO knowledge, including that of an SEO specialist, typically prefer you to have a background in SEO elements such as HTML and programming languages.

  • Communication skills: As you research keywords and implement strategies for increasing SEO, you need to communicate your findings and ideas effectively with clients and coworkers.

  • Analytical skills: When you work in an SEO job, you research keywords, data, and trends for a company. You should know how to analyze data and apply it to new strategies.

  • Writing skills: An SEO content writer needs strong writing capabilities to create optimized articles, blogs, or website copy for a client.

SEO jobs

Search engine optimization jobs typically involve a team, with various aspects of the SEO activities handled by different professionals. For example, an analyst or strategist directs SEO activities, a technical specialist builds optimized web pages, and a content writer creates content for web pages. 

Explore common SEO jobs available, plus their average annual base salaries and educational requirements. 

SEO specialist

Average annual CA salary (Glassdoor): $59,622 CAD [1]

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in a field related to computer science; knowledge of computer programming

A search engine optimization specialist, sometimes called an SEO specialist, oversees a company’s search engine optimization work, including keyword research, analyzing SEO performance, and managing projects and content. A director of SEO may manage a team of SEO professionals, such as content writers and technical SEO specialists. 

SEO specialist interview questions:

  • If your team members were in a conflict, how would you handle it?

  • What’s your process for keyword research, and what tools do you use?

  • What does your process for evaluating SEO performance look like?

  • Do you have experience managing ad campaigns? 

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Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Become an SEO Expert. Master search engine optimization tools and strategies

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(11,367 ratings)

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Average time: 3 month(s)

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Skills you'll build:

Search Algorithm, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Business Reporting, Inbound Marketing, Data Analysis, Social Media Marketing, Social Media, Content Marketing, Mathematical Optimization, Keyword Research, Marketing

SEO consultant

Average annual CA salary (Glassdoor): $58,588 CAD [2]

Requirements: No degree is required, though SEO skills and certifications may help you stand out to employers

An SEO consultant and an SEO expert helps clients analyze, strategize, and deploy SEO best practices. As a consultant, you may work long-term with clients or provide services for a shorter period or a specific objective. Some employers prefer a bachelor’s degree or other formal education, though proven experience with SEO may qualify you for the consultant role without a formal degree.

SEO consultant interview questions:

  • Describe a time when you overcame a challenge in a previous role. 

  • What are the tools you rely on when evaluating SEO performance? 

  • What steps would you suggest taking to increase page rank?

  • How do you measure success? 

SEO analyst

Average annual CA salary (Glassdoor): $49,761 CAD [3]

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in business or a related field 

SEO analysts evaluate how websites perform on search engine results and recommend improvements to increase traffic, visibility, or page interactions, depending on the organization’s goals. A bachelor’s degree is a typical entry requirement for this role, as well as prior SEO experience.

SEO analyst interview questions:

  • What does your process for keyword research look like?

  • How do you approach keeping up with trends?

  • What resources do you use to analyze SEO?

  • Which Google Analytics metrics are most important and why?

SEO strategist 

Average annual CA salary (Glassdoor): $69,799 CAD [4]

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in a field related to English or marketing

An SEO strategist is responsible for a company's overall SEO strategy. This position could include researching keywords, optimizing content, or aspects of technical SEO. An SEO strategist is a catch-all title that often includes many different types of optimization. A similar role would be an SEO manager. 

SEO strategist interview questions:

  • Describe an SEO success in a previous role.

  • What CMS have you worked with in the past?

  • How do you approach keyword research?

  • What are your favourite tools for evaluating website SEO performance? 

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Advanced Content and Social Tactics to Optimize SEO

Discover the content marketing and social media ecosystems and how these interconnected channels drive search results to a website. Leverage content ...

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Average time: 14 hour(s)

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SEO content writer 

Average annual CA salary (Glassdoor): $48,488 CAD [5]

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in English, communications, or a related major

SEO content writers create optimized content for websites. Optimized content includes carefully selected keywords used naturally in well-written articles and best practices for formatting and outlining the content. Employers commonly prefer a bachelor’s degree in writing or journalism.

SEO content writer interview questions:

  • What is your research process, and how do you evaluate sources? 

  • Please provide links to previously published work. 

  • What CMS have you worked with?

  • What topics do you specialize in? Why? 

Where to find SEO jobs

Finding a job in SEO starts by deciding what kind of role you wish to pursue. Many SEO careers involve working directly for a company, an agency that provides SEO services, or as an independent professional. 

You may find SEO jobs on traditional job board websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Talent. Alternatively, you can check with professional organizations for job listings specific to the industry. Job board sites such as Upwork or Fiverr also offer SEO job listings with a bend towards short-term and contract work, although you may find many different types of work available. 

Begin your SEO learning journey on Coursera

SEO jobs range from helping clients improve their website’s SEO through consulting or generating new articles and copy. Whichever job you choose, you typically need a bachelor’s degree and some experience working with SEO.

If you’re ready to take the next step and gain SEO skills on Coursera, it might be worth looking at Google’s Project Management Professional Certificate. This six-month course helps you hone your digital marketing skills and knowledge. Another option is the Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Specialization offered by UC Davis. This track takes five months to complete and helps you get career-ready.

You may also choose to take any of the five classes in the specialization individually. Choose from Introduction to Google SEO, Google SEO Fundamentals, Optimizing a Website for Google Search, and Advanced Content and Social Tactics to Optimize SEO on Coursera.

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professional certificate

Google Project Management:

Get on the fast track to a career in project management. In this certificate program, you’ll learn in-demand skills, and get AI training from Google experts. Learn at your own pace, no degree or experience required.

4.8

(114,053 ratings)

1,904,721 already enrolled

Beginner level

Average time: 6 month(s)

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll build:

Project Management, Change Management, Strategic Thinking, Career Development, Organizational Culture, Risk Management, Quality Management, Project Execution, Agile Management, Problem Solving, Coaching, Scrum, Influencing, Effective Communication, Stakeholder Management, Business Writing, Project Charter, Procurement, Task Estimation, Project Planning

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specialization

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Become an SEO Expert. Master search engine optimization tools and strategies

4.7

(11,367 ratings)

234,356 already enrolled

Beginner level

Average time: 3 month(s)

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll build:

Search Algorithm, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Business Reporting, Inbound Marketing, Data Analysis, Social Media Marketing, Social Media, Content Marketing, Mathematical Optimization, Keyword Research, Marketing

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Optimizing a Website for Google Search

Learn the ins and outs of optimizing a website, from conducting an initial audit to presenting your findings and recommendations. Hands-on activities ...

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Average time: 13 hour(s)

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Skills you'll build:

Marketing, Strategy, Market Research, User Experience, Web Development

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course

Advanced Content and Social Tactics to Optimize SEO

Discover the content marketing and social media ecosystems and how these interconnected channels drive search results to a website. Leverage content ...

4.6

(1,185 ratings)

77,071 already enrolled

Intermediate level

Average time: 14 hour(s)

Learn at your own pace

Article sources

1

Glassdoor. “SEO Specialist Salary in Canada, https://www.glassdoor.ca/Salaries/seo-specialist-salary-SRCH_KO0,14.htm.” Accessed September 20, 2024.

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