Social Media Manager
Run a brand's social channels - strategy, content, and community.
This UK social media manager career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £24,000 - £30,000
- Mid-career salary
- £32,000 - £50,000
- Senior salary
- £55,000 - £80,000
- Work environment
- Agency, in-house, or remote
- Time to entry
- 0 - 2 years
- Degree required
- Not required
- Category
- Marketing and Media
What a Social Media Manager does
Run a brand's social channels - strategy, content, and community.
- Community Manager - Engage and grow online communities for a brand or product.
- Influencer Marketing Manager - Plan and run partnerships with creators.
How to become a Social Media Manager
- Look up Social Media Manager roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Social Media Manager - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Copywriting
- Trend awareness
- Editing
- Community management