Mid-Level

Search Engine Optimization Analyst (SEO Analyst)

In a digital-marketing function, you analyze SEO performance — keyword rankings, organic-traffic patterns, technical-SEO issues, content-and-link analytics — supporting the optimization decisions that SEO strategy depends on.

Career Level
Junior
Mid
Senior
Director
VP
Executive
Work Personality
E
C
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A
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R
Enterprisingleading, persuading
Conventionalorganizing, detail-oriented
Based on Holland Code framework
Job markets for Search Engine Optimization Analyst (SEO Analyst)s
Employment concentration · ~391 areas
Based on employment in related occupations
Mapped SOC categories:
BLS Occupational Employment Statistics
What it's like

What it's like to be a Search Engine Optimization Analyst (SEO Analyst)

SEO-analyst work runs across analytics tools, audit-and-recommendation work, and stakeholder briefings — pulling data from Search Console, Ahrefs, SEMrush, and analytics platforms, running technical-SEO audits, analyzing keyword-and-traffic trends, prepping recommendations for content and engineering teams. Analyses delivered and SEO-performance trends anchor the operating measures.

The harder part is often the search-algorithm uncertainty — Google's ranking algorithms evolve continuously, and analysts navigate the working theory of what affects rankings while running ongoing optimization work. Variance across employers is real: in-house SEO teams run analysts within marketing functions; SEO agencies run analysts across client accounts; specialty SEO consultancies focus on sector-specific work (e-commerce, local, enterprise).

It fits people analytically curious about search behavior, comfortable across multiple analytics platforms, and patient through the slow-feedback dimension of SEO work. SEO-credentialed paths and digital-marketing credentials anchor advancement. The trade-off is the algorithm-volatility reality — major Google algorithm updates can reshape SEO performance on short notice, and analysts navigate uncertainty as a permanent condition.

AchievementAbove avg
Working ConditionsModerate
SupportModerate
IndependenceModerate
RecognitionModerate
RelationshipsLower
O*NET Work Values survey
✦ Editorial — written by Truest from industry research and career patterns
Career Paths

Where this role sits in the broader career landscape — and where it can take you.

$239K$179K$119K$60K$0KLower paying387 metro areas, sorted by salary level
All experience levels1
This level's estimated range
INDUSTRIES PAYING ABOVE AVERAGE
1 BLS OEWS May 2024 covers all Search Engine Optimization Analyst (SEO Analyst)s (SOC 13-1161.01), not just this title · BEA RPP 2023
* Top salaries exceed this figure. BLS caps reported wages at ~$240K to protect individual privacy in high-earning roles.
Career Growth OptionsBusiness Operations track →
Exploring the Search Engine Optimization Analyst (SEO Analyst) career path? Truest helps you figure out if it's the right fit — and plan your path forward.
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✦ Editorial — career progression and interview guidance based on industry patterns
The Broader Landscape

Roles like this one sit within a broader occupational category. The numbers below reflect that full landscape — helpful for context, but your specific experience will depend on level, specialty, and where you work.

$42K–$145K
Salary Range
10th – 90th percentile
861K
U.S. Employment
+6.7%
10yr Growth
87K
Annual Openings

How this category is changing

$74K$71K$68K$65K$62K201920202021202220232024$62K$74K
BLS OEWS May 2024 · BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034

Skills & Requirements

Reading ComprehensionComplex Problem SolvingCritical ThinkingActive ListeningJudgment and Decision MakingActive LearningSpeakingWritingMonitoringSystems Evaluation
O*NET OnLine · Bureau of Labor Statistics
13-1161.01

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Federal data: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (May 2024) · BLS Employment Projections · O*NET OnLine
Truest editorial: Fit check, role profile, things that vary, advancement analysis, lateral moves, interview questions.