Social Media Salary Trends in the UK: What to Expect in 2025
“Is social media really a career worth pursuing in 2025?”
That’s the question we hear from students, career changers, and even recruiters every week. The short answer is yes, though the reality is more nuanced. Social media careers are evolving quickly, and so are the salaries. If you’re in the UK market right now, understanding the numbers can help you negotiate with confidence, position your skills strategically, and plan your growth. For up-to-date roles, browse the latest social media job listings today.
Social media isn’t just “posting on Instagram” anymore. Brands now expect strategists, analysts, paid ads experts, and content creators working together as one team. Reports from CIPR and LinkedIn Workforce Insights show this shift has pushed salaries upward for specialists, while widening the gap between entry-level and senior roles. In 2025, knowing where you stand on that spectrum is crucial.
Trend 1: Entry-Level Roles Are Stabilising
For new graduates and career switchers, entry-level social media salaries in the UK typically sit between £22,000 and £28,000. That hasn’t shifted much in the last two years, even with inflation. The main reason is competition. Employers know there’s a steady flow of people eager to get into digital marketing, as reflected in Glassdoor salary data.
- Social Media Assistant: £22k to £25k
- Community Manager: £23k to £28k
- Content Creator (junior): £24k to £27k
The differentiator at this stage isn’t years of experience but your portfolio. Employers want proof you can manage accounts, design content, and grow engagement, even if it’s through personal projects or volunteer work. That’s why setting up a Social Media Board portfolio is one of the best ways to showcase your work.
Trend 2: Mid-Level Salaries Are Rising Faster
Once you’ve got three to five years of experience, salaries jump considerably. In 2025, mid-level social media managers in the UK earn £32,000 to £45,000, depending on company size and sector. Check live job postings to benchmark your worth against market trends.
📊 In-house roles (finance, healthcare, tech) now pay 10–15% more than agency positions at the same level.
Why? Stability and larger budgets. Agencies may offer variety and faster learning, but brands with big marketing spends are willing to pay for consistency, according to Reed salary insights.
Trend 3: Specialists Outpace Generalists
In 2025, the real salary accelerators are specialist skills. Employers are paying more for:
- PPC & Paid Social Campaigns
- Data & Analytics
- Influencer Partnerships
- Video Production (short-form)
- Platform-Specific Expertise (TikTok, LinkedIn)
Salaries for these roles often pass the £50,000 mark, especially when combined with management responsibilities. Candidates who can demonstrate measurable results—such as improved campaign ROI or viral reach—through their portfolio will have a strong advantage.
Trend 4: Freelancers and Side Hustlers
Freelance social media managers in the UK charge anywhere from £20 to £50 per hour, with day rates for experienced specialists reaching £250–£400. Demand is especially strong for TikTok video editing and short-form content, according to Upwork’s freelance job data.
The challenge is consistency. Freelancers often report income swings of 30 to 40 percent month to month. That makes portfolios with testimonials essential for reducing client hesitancy and shortening sales cycles.
Final Thought: Salary Is Only Part of the Picture
Social media salaries in the UK are healthier than ever, but raw numbers don’t tell the whole story. Flexibility, remote work options, and career growth opportunities often outweigh an extra £2–3k in base pay. The best career move you can make in 2025? Position yourself where demand is strongest, keep proof of your impact front and centre, and stay proactive by checking new opportunities.
Looking to boost your career this year?
Create a portfolio on Social Media Board today and start attracting recruiters directly.
