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:

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):

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.