Copywriter
$58,333
avg. annual salary
Social Media Manager
pays more on average
Social Media Manager
$60,296
avg. annual salary
Choosing between a career as a copywriter and a social media manager can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding potential earnings. Both roles are critical in today's digital marketing landscape but offer distinct responsibilities and career paths. Copywriters focus on creating engaging content that communicates brands' messages, while social media managers strategize, create, and oversee content across social channels. Understanding the salary differences, benefits, and career trajectories can help you make an informed choice. In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the salary comparisons between these two roles, helping you decide which path might be more lucrative and fulfilling for you in 2025.
Salary by Experience Level
starting salary
starting salary
avg. difference (3%)
Salary Overview
In 2025, the average salary for a copywriter is projected to be around $55,000, while social media managers can expect an average salary of approximately $60,000. However, these figures can vary significantly based on experience, location, and industry.
Entry-level copywriters may start at around $40,000, whereas entry-level social media managers could begin earning approximately $45,000.
Salary by Experience Level
The earnings for copywriters and social media managers also differ based on their level of experience. Mid-level copywriters can earn between $55,000 and $70,000, while mid-level social media managers typically earn between $60,000 and $75,000.
Senior positions can command salaries of $80,000 and above for both professions.
Benefits Comparison
In addition to base salaries, both roles often offer similar benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and flexible working hours. However, social media managers may have more opportunities for bonuses tied to campaign performance, while copywriters might benefit from more stable freelance opportunities.
Career Paths and Growth Potential
Both career paths offer unique growth opportunities. Copywriters can advance to senior copywriting roles or transition into agency management or creative direction.
Social media managers, on the other hand, may move into digital marketing leadership roles or specialize in areas like content strategy or branding. The continuous evolution of digital media means that both roles require ongoing education and adaptation.
Conclusion
Deciding between a copywriter and social media manager career depends on your personal strengths and interests. While social media managers currently have a slight edge in salary, both professions offer rewarding opportunities in the ever-changing landscape of digital marketing.
Detailed Salary Comparison: Copywriter vs Social Media Manager (2025)
Here’s a precise look at pay differences in 2025, with concrete examples and numbers.
- •Salary ranges (U.S. median):
- •Copywriter: $45,000–$110,000. Junior in smaller markets: $40K–$55K; senior/in-house or agency lead: $75K–$110K.
- •Social Media Manager: $50,000–$120,000. Junior: $45K–$60K; senior/community/paid-ads specialist: $80K–$120K.
- •Freelance day rates and hourly examples:
- •Copywriters: $35–$150/hr (typical freelance project: $500–$5,000 per campaign).
- •Social media managers: $25–$125/hr (monthly retainer: $1,000–$8,000).
- •Location and company effects:
- •NYC/SF salaries run ~20–35% higher than national medians.
- •Tech start-ups may add equity or bonuses worth 5–20% of base pay.
- •Market demand: Social media managers with paid-ads and analytics skills often command 5–15% higher pay than copywriters at the same level.
Actionable takeaway: Target skill gaps (e. g.
, paid-ads for SMM, SEO for copywriting) to boost pay by 5–15%.
Key Factors That Drive Salary Differences
When comparing roles, evaluate these concrete factors and how they change pay:
- •Experience level: Each promotion level typically increases base pay by 10–25%. Example: a junior SMM at $50K can reach $80K with 3–5 years and demonstrable ROI.
- •Skill mix: Adding analytics or paid-ads skills can add $5K–$15K; SEO or long-form copy specialization often adds 8–12%.
- •Industry: Tech, finance, and health care tend to pay 10–30% above retail or non-profit for similar roles.
- •Company size and budget: Agencies pay variable bonuses; in-house roles at enterprise firms include benefits valued at $5K–$20K annually.
- •Work model: Remote roles may pay 5–15% less in some firms, while contract work trades stability for 10–30% higher hourly rates.
- •Portfolio and results: Showing a 3x ROAS or a 40% engagement lift can convert into a $10K–$30K raise.
Actionable takeaway: Quantify past results (metrics, dollars saved, revenue gained) to justify a 10–30% salary increase during negotiations.