Social media manager pricing can feel like a mystery when you’re first starting out. You’ve probably Googled it, browsed job boards, or even stalked a few competitors—only to find wildly different numbers.
And it makes sense. Your pricing depends on more than just what everyone else is charging. It comes down to your experience, services, goals, and what it actually takes to run your business.
In this post, we’re breaking down how to price your social media services with confidence—so you can charge your worth and build a sustainable freelance business.
Why Social Media Manager Pricing Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
No two social media managers offer the exact same services, and that’s why social media manager pricing varies so much across the industry.
Here’s what typically impacts your rate:
Your level of experience
The scope of your packages
The niche or industry you work in
Cost of living (yours or your clients’)
Business expenses and overhead
Income goals and lifestyle
So while it’s helpful to know the averages, your final pricing should reflect your real business numbers and value.
What Do Social Media Managers Typically Charge?
To get a sense of the market, you can look at platforms like LinkedIn or Glassdoor. According to Zippia, the average full-time social media manager earns around $70,000 per year, which breaks down to about $24–$47/hour.
But if you’re a freelancer, your social media manager pricing should be higher. That’s because you’re also covering:
Business software and subscriptions
Marketing and branding
Workspace or equipment
Taxes and retirement contributions
Continued education and courses
All of that should be factored into your social media manager pricing so that your business stays profitable—and sustainable.
Don’t Undersell Yourself (Even If You Live Somewhere Cheaper)
Here’s something I learned the hard way: just because you’re living in a place with a lower cost of living doesn’t mean you should charge less.
When I started my social media management business while living in Bali, I made the mistake of pricing myself low because I thought it would make me more appealing. Spoiler: it didn’t.
In fact, undercharging can backfire. Instead of making you seem more affordable or approachable, it can make clients question your experience or value. Many times, clients associate higher prices with higher quality—so your rates should reflect the expertise, results, and care you bring to the table.
Factors to Consider in Your Pricing Strategy
Beyond your cost of living or business tools, here are a few more things that impact your pricing as a social media manager:
Scope of Work
A package that includes content strategy, community management, and analytics should cost more than one that’s just for post-scheduling.
Industry or Niche
If you specialize in working with tech startups or luxury brands, your pricing may reflect the higher value and budgets in that space.
Client Location
Clients in cities like New York or London may expect—and be able to afford—higher pricing than those in smaller markets.
Your Own Business Costs
Don’t forget: freelancers cover everything from software to retirement to education. Build that into your pricing.
Experience + Personal Development
The more skilled you are, the more value you bring. If you’ve invested in courses, built a strong portfolio, and deliver proven results—your pricing should reflect that.
A Simple Way to Price Your Packages
Even if you don’t charge clients hourly, it’s helpful to know your baseline hourly rate so you can build packages around it.
A solid starting point for freelancers is $45/hour, with the potential to grow to $75–$125/hour depending on your skill set and systems.
Let’s say your standard monthly package includes:
A 1-hour strategy call
Content planning and batching
Caption writing
Reels or short-form video editing
Graphic design
Scheduling and reporting
Community engagement
If that takes you roughly 25 hours/month, you’d want to charge at least $1,125 for that package.
As you become more efficient and build your portfolio, you’ll likely spend less time on certain tasks. That doesn’t mean your pricing should go down—in fact, that’s the time to raise it. Your systems, experience, and results justify a higher rate.
How Many Clients Do You Actually Need?
Once you’ve set your base package rate, you can work backward to figure out how many clients you need to hit your income goals.
For example:
If your base package is $1,125/month
And your monthly income goal is $5,000–$7,000/month
You’d need around 4 to 6 clients
This allows you to maintain high-quality service, manage your time, and still leave room to grow or pivot when needed.
Final Thoughts on Social Media Manager Pricing
There’s no “perfect” number or universal pricing structure that works for everyone. But there is a pricing strategy that works for you—and it starts by looking at the big picture.
So instead of undercharging out of fear or comparison, look at your skills, the value you bring, the costs you carry, and the lifestyle you’re building. Then set your prices accordingly—and confidently.
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The Tropical Social Podcast
Your go-to podcast for social media managers, freelancers, and service providers who want to stand out online and build a brand that lasts.
Whether you're dreaming of working from anywhere, building a business that supports your lifestyle, or simply wanting your marketing to finally click, The Tropical Social Podcast is here to help you make it happen.
Through honest conversations, actionable tips, and behind-the-scenes insights, host Shannon Segall shares the tools you need to grow a personal brand, attract aligned clients, and market yourself without burning out.
