View All
View All
View All
View All
View All
View All
View All
View All
View All
View All
View All
View All
View All

Social Media Marketing Salary in India: Trends, Growth, and Insights for 2025

By upGrad

Updated on Mar 26, 2025 | 13 min read | 900.5k views

Share:

Social media marketing has become one of the most effective ways for businesses to connect with their audience. Platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram are used not only to promote products but also to build trust and long-term relationships with customers through regular engagement.

With more companies relying on social media for growth, the demand for professionals in this field is on the rise. Whether you’re aiming for a full-time role or considering freelancing, it’s important to understand the earning potential in this space.

In this blog, we’ll break down social media marketing salary trends, explore roles like social media influencer salary, and share insights on finding the best social media paying jobs. Let’s dive in!

What Are the Trends for Social Media Marketing Salary in India in 2025?

With the increasing importance of social media as a marketing channel, professionals in this domain are seeing a steady rise in demand and salary prospects. Roles such as social media strategists and analysts are increasingly in demand.

While there is a growing demand for social media marketers, their actual salary depends on various factors such as job role, experience level, and the location of the job.

Learn how digital marketing can help you leverage social media to run targeted campaigns and increase your brand’s visibility. Enroll in upGrad’s Online Digital Marketing Programs and prepare yourself for a career in social media marketing.

In the following section, you’ll explore the social media marketing salary of professionals based on job roles.

Social Media Marketing Salary in India: Based on Roles

The salaries for social media marketing professionals in India vary depending on roles, experience, and skill sets. 

Here’s the salary of social media marketing professionals based on their roles.

Social Media Executive Salary in India

Average Annual Salary: INR 2.7L

The role of a social media executive is to handle daily social media activities, including posting content, monitoring engagement, and helping with campaign execution.

Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Scheduling and publishing posts on various platforms.
  • Engaging with followers and responding to queries.
  • Monitoring social media trends and competitor activities.

Skills Needed:

  • Knowledge of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
  • Knowledge of tools like Canva and Hootsuite.
  • Analytical skills to measure engagement metrics.

Social Media Specialist Salary in India

Average Annual Salary: INR 3L

A social media specialist focuses on strategy, planning, and executing campaigns to boost brand presence and drive conversions.

Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Developing and managing social media strategies aligned with business goals.
  • Running paid ad campaigns on platforms like Facebook Ads and Google Ads.
  • Creating and analyzing performance reports to optimize campaigns.

Skills Needed:

  • Proficiency in paid ad platforms and campaign optimization.
  • Data analysis and interpretation of social media performance.
  • Advanced knowledge of tools like Buffer, Google Analytics, and SEMrush.

Also Read: How to Use Google Analytics: Comprehensive Guide For Beginners

8+ Hands-on Projects and Case Studies by PwC India

Certification6 Months
View Program

MICA Executive Alumni Status

Certification31 Weeks
View Program

Social Media Manager Salary in India

Average Annual Salary: INR 3.6L

The role of a social media manager is to oversee the entire social media strategy and ensure alignment with broader marketing goals.

Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Leading the social media team and managing workflows.
  • Developing data-driven strategies to boost engagement and ROI.
  • Building and maintaining relationships with influencers and partners.

Skills Needed:

Social Media Influencer Salary in India

Average Annual Salary: INR 1.8L

The role of a social media influencer is to create and share content to engage audiences and promote brands, often leveraging a personal following.

Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Create high-quality content across platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok.
  • Collaborating with brands for product placements or sponsorships.
  • Engaging with followers and growing their online community.

Skills Needed:

  • Creativity in content creation and storytelling.
  • Knowledge of trends and platform-specific features.
  • Networking and communication skills for brand collaborations.

Also Read: How to Become a Successful Instagram Influencer in India? [Top 6 Actionable Ways in [2025]

Social Media Marketing Analyst Salary in India

Average Annual Salary: INR 4L

As a social media analyst, you’ll focus on measuring the performance of campaigns and providing actionable insights for improvement.

Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Collecting and analyzing data from campaigns to evaluate performance.
  • Conducting competitor analysis to identify improvement areas.
  • Collaborating with the team to implement data-driven strategies.

Skills Needed:

  • Advanced Excel skills and experience with data analytics tools.
  • Familiarity with analytics platforms like Google Analytics and Facebook Insights.
  • Problem-solving and strategic thinking based on data insights.

Also Read: 15 Social Media Marketing Techniques for 2024

Social Media Consultant Salary in India

Average Annual Salary: INR 5L

The role of a social media consultant is to create strategies to implement social media campaigns to improve brand visibility and drive measurable results. 

Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Monitor social media trends, audience behavior, and platform updates
  • Collaborate with marketing teams to align social media activities with broader campaigns.
  • Provide training or workshops to clients on social media best practices.

Skills Needed:

  • Strong written and verbal skills for content creation.
  • Familiarity with tools like Canva and Adobe Creative Suite.
  • Ability to align social media efforts with business goals.

Now that you know social media marketing salary based on roles, let's explore how experience impacts earning potential.

Social Media Marketing Salary for Freshers and Experienced 

The social media marketing salary depends on experience levels, with distinct trends for entry-level, mid-level, and senior-level roles. 

Here’s the salary of social media marketing professionals based on experience.

Experience  Average Annual Salary
Entry-level INR 3L
Mid-level INR 5L
Senior INR 4.1L

SourceAmbitionbox

As you have seen in the above section, experience plays a major role in determining the salaries of social media marketing professionals. Now, let's examine how location influences the earnings.

Social Media Marketing Salary in India: Based on Location

The job location significantly impacts social media marketing salaries, with metropolitan cities offering competitive pay packages. 

Here’s the salary of a social media marketing professional based on the location.

Job location Average Annual Salary
Bengaluru INR 3.6L
Hyderabad INR 3.6L
Pune INR 3.6L
Gurgaon INR 3.6L
Mumbai INR 3.6L
Chennai INR 3.6L

SourceAmbitionbox

Now that you’ve looked at the salaries of social media marketing professionals based on location, let’s explore factors that impact the salaries.

 

Key Factors Impacting Social Media Marketing Salary in India in 2025

Factors like experience, knowledge of advanced tools, and location have a key role in deciding the salary earned by a social media marketer.  In addition, the emergence of remote working has changed the way salaries are determined. 

Here are the factors that influence social media marketers’ salaries.

  • Advanced Skills

Skills like performance marketing, influencer collaboration, and AI-driven social strategies are witnessing higher salaries. Proficiency in tools like Canva, Hootsuite, and Google Analytics adds value to your profile.

Example: A social media manager who improved engagement by 50% through advanced AI tools can demand higher pay when switching roles.

  • Industry and Sector

Industries such as fintech, e-commerce, and edtech offer higher salaries due to their digital-first approach. Small and medium enterprises may offer competitive packages for professionals.

Example: A Fintech company may offer a higher salary compared to an NGO.

  • Location

Metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi NCR give higher pay scales compared to tier-2 cities. Remote working is creating more flexibility but also competition.

Example: A social media marketer in Bengaluru may earn more compared to the same role in a city like Indore.

  • Experience and Proven Record

Professionals who have made a clear impact on brand growth and sales through campaigns are valued more. Certifications in digital marketing and analytics tools further increase your salary prospects.

Example: Certifications like Meta Blueprint and Google Ads Certification will help employers validate your knowledge of social media marketing.

  • Emerging Technologies

Specialists who can integrate AI and automation tools into social media strategies have great demand. Understanding trends like short-form videos, AR/VR, and conversational AI increases earning potential.

Example: A marketer skilled in creating AR filters for Instagram campaigns may receive higher salaries.

  • Demand for Indian Talent

With international companies outsourcing social media management to Indian professionals, there is upward pressure on salaries. Freelancers working for global clients earn significantly more than their domestic counterparts.

Example: A US-based e-commerce company might hire a freelancer Indian social media strategist for a higher salary.

  • Remote working

Remote working has ensured that salaries are not affected by local cost-of-living standards. Remote jobs allow social media marketers to collaborate with international clients or companies, often commanding higher pay compared to domestic roles.

Example: A freelancing social media marketer working for a US company can make as much as 58K annually.

Now that you’ve examined the factors influencing the salary of a social media marketer, let’s check out the potential career progression opportunities in this field.

Social Media Marketing Career Growth: Evolving Roles and Salary Progression

The career progression for social media marketers is dynamic, offering growth opportunities based on skills, experience, and industry trends. Future social media paying jobs can include social media analyst or social media manager, depending on your skill sets and choice of domain.

Here are the future job roles of social media marketers.

Roles Average Annual Salary Responsibilities
Social Media Manager INR 3.6L
  • Manage social media accounts.
  • Develop content strategies
Social Media Strategist INR 3.6L
  • Develop social media strategies.
  • Conduct market research and audience analysis.
Social Media Analyst INR 4L
  • Analyze social media metrics and KPIs.
  • Report on campaign performance.
Influencer Marketing Manager INR 6L
  • Collaborate with influencers.
  • Negotiate contracts and handle influencer content.
Social Media Head INR 15L
  • Lead overall social media strategy.
  • Manage and mentor social media teams.

SourceGlassdoor

Want to progress in your social media marketing career through specialization? Join the free course on Marketing Masterclass: Create Your Brand and learn how to succeed in brand promotion.

 

Now that you’ve explored the potential job roles in social media marketing, let’s examine how you can secure the best social media paying jobs in India.

How Can You Increase Your Social Media Marketing Salary in 2025?

The demand for skilled social media marketers is soaring as businesses are looking to invest more in digital marketing. By developing your skills and using emerging technologies, you can maximize your earnings and secure high-paying roles.

In addition to essential skills, your salary is also impacted by your job role and the location of your workplace. Check out these tips to increase your chances of landing the best social media paying jobs in India.

Tips to Secure the Best Social Media Paying Jobs in India

The key to lucrative social media paying jobs is to focus on building in-demand skills, staying updated with the latest trends, and delivering measurable results. By combining these strategies, you can increase your chances of high-paying jobs.

Here are the tips to secure lucrative social media paying jobs in India.

  • Increase Your Skill Set

Learn advanced tools like Google Analytics and Hootsuite. Focus on new skills such as influencer marketing, ad targeting based on AI, and video content creation.

Example: A marketer skilled in using Facebook Ads Manager and Google Analytics can optimize ad campaigns to reduce cost-per-click. 

  • Stay Updated with Trends

Stay updated with emerging platforms like Threads and BeReal. Understand new features on existing platforms (e.g., Instagram Reels monetization).

Example: Using Instagram reels, you can help a client gain viral traction, leading to increased sales.

  • Build a Strong Portfolio

Showcase successful campaigns, detailing metrics like increased engagement or ROI. Highlight your expertise in driving organic growth. 

Example: You can include case studies where you helped a website increase traffic by 40% through LinkedIn ads.

  • Pursue Certifications

Certifications in social media marketing, content strategy, or performance marketing from reputed platforms like Google or Meta add weight to your portfolio.

Example: Google’s Data Analytics Certificate and Training.

  • Networking and Freelancing

Build connections with industry professionals through LinkedIn and networking events. Take up freelance projects to grow your experience and earn additional income.

Example: Connect with hiring managers on LinkedIn by sharing insights and achievements.

Also Read: How Can Students Leverage LinkedIn For Better Career Opportunities?

  • Specialize in High-Demand Industries

Focus on sectors like fintech, e-commerce, or IT, where the demand for social media marketers is highest. Adjust your strategies to industry-specific needs for better job prospects.

Example: Managing a product launch campaign for an e-commerce brand.

  • Highlight Results and Value

Employers hire professionals who deliver measurable results. Focus on your contribution to brand visibility, lead generation, and revenue growth.

Example: You can highlight your role in helping an online community grow by 80% members through brand engagement.

Curious to know why freelancing can be beneficial for social media marketers? Explore the following section for insights.

Leverage Freelance Opportunities to Earn More

Freelancing allows social media marketers to tap into a global network, specialize in in-demand areas, and enjoy a flexible work schedule.

Here’s how you can use freelancing to earn higher income.

  • Global Clientele

Freelancers can work with clients from different countries, often earning higher rates compared to domestic full-time roles.

  • Flexible Work

Freelancing allows you to set schedules and manage as many clients as you can handle, offering unmatched flexibility.

  • Specialization Benefits

Focusing on niche areas, such as influencer collaborations or ad campaign optimization, helps freelancers command higher rates.

  • Diverse Projects

As a freelancer, you can work on a variety of projects, gaining exposure to different industries and enhancing your skills.

  • Building a Personal Brand

Freelancing enables you to establish a personal brand through platforms like LinkedIn and Upwork, attracting higher-paying clients over time.

Here’s an example of how you can earn a higher salary through freelancing.

A freelancer skilled in short-form video editing and Instagram ad campaigns can earn significantly by helping small businesses launch viral content. 

Now that you’ve examined freelancing opportunities in social media marketing job, let’s focus on the top skills that will help you secure lucrative jobs in this field.

upGrad’s Exclusive Digital Marketing Webinar for you –

What’s new in Marketing?

 

Top 7 In-Demand Social Media Marketing Skills to Master in 2025

Mastering skills like content management and social media strategy is crucial. These skills will not only ensure success in the industry but also increase your earning potential.

Here are the top social media marketing skills you need to master in 2025.

  • Understanding Social Media

A deep understanding of social media algorithms, audience behavior, and platform-specific features will help you optimize campaigns for maximum visibility.

Example: If you know Instagram's algorithm, you can schedule posts during peak engagement times, leading to an increase in reach and interactions.

  • Content Management

You need the knowledge of content creation, curation, and distribution across multiple platforms effectively. This will help you run successful social media campaigns, driving user engagement and brand loyalty.

Example: Social media posts with high-quality visuals and captions can increase product inquiries.

  • Planning and Strategy

Your strategy must be aligned with business objectives and target audience preferences. A successful strategy will ensure consistent brand messaging and help achieve specific marketing goals efficiently.

Example: A planned social media strategy for brand visibility during peak festival season can increase sales of products.

  • Paid Advertisement

You must know about running paid campaigns and analyzing performance metrics to optimize ROI. Paid ads will increase your reach, while analytics will fine-tune campaigns for better results.

Example: By using location-based targeting and optimizing keywords in Google Ads, you can increase website traffic.

Also Read: 15 Best Digital Marketing Ads Till Date to Fuel

  • Community Management

You must know how to start and grow online communities by engaging with audiences and fostering brand loyalty. Strong communities help in organic growth and long-term customer relationships.

Example: Running a social media campaign asking users to share their experience with the brand. By resharing user’s posts, you can increase positive sentiment around the brand.

  • Adaptability to Latest Trends

Staying updated on tools like ChatGPT and trends like reels and podcasts can ensure your strategies remain relevant and effective. 

Example: Using tools like ChatGPT to craft personalized responses for customer queries, saving time while improving engagement quality.

  • Learn Emerging Tools

You must explore emerging tools in data analytics and AI that can help you strategize better for targeted campaigns.

Example: Tools like Meta Ads Manager or Canva AI can help you in content creation and targeted ads.

Also Read: Top 20 Social Media Marketing Skills for 2025

Now that you’ve explored the top skills needed for a social media marketing role, let’s explore how you can develop these skills.

How Can upGrad Advance Your Career as a Social Media Marketer?

Social media marketing spending is projected to reach USD 276 billion by 2025, highlighting its critical role in modern business strategies. Professionals skilled in social media marketing have excellent opportunities to secure high-paying roles. To learn these skills, you can pursue online courses.

Platforms like upGrad offer comprehensive social media marketing courses, ensuring you have a successful career in this field.

Here are some courses offered by upGrad that can help you learn social media marketing.

Do you need help deciding which courses can help you excel in digital marketing? Contact upGrad for personalized counseling and valuable insights. For more details, you can also visit your nearest upGrad offline center.

Elevate your digital marketing skills with our expertly crafted online courses, covering everything from SEO to social media strategy to boost your career.

Advance your career by mastering vital Digital Marketing skills such as conversion rate optimization, digital advertising, CRM tools, and strategic campaign planning.

Get valuable marketing tips and stay updated with trends through our popular Digital Marketing blogs, your go-to resource for actionable strategies and industry news.

Start learning with our free Digital Marketing courses, offering practical knowledge on SEO, email marketing, and more to help you grow your digital presence.

Reference Links:

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/social-media-marketing-specialist-salary?experience=0
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/social-media-marketing-specialist-salary?experience=4
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/social-media-marketing-specialist-salary?experience=8
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/social-media-marketing-specialist-salary/bengaluru-location
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/social-media-marketing-specialist-salary/hyderabad-location
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/social-media-marketing-specialist-salary/pune-location
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/social-media-marketing-specialist-salary/gurgaon-location
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/social-media-marketing-specialist-salary/mumbai-location
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/social-media-marketing-specialist-salary/chennai-location
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/social-media-manager-salary-SRCH_KO0,20.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/social-media-strategist-salary-SRCH_KO0,23.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/social-media-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,20.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/influencer-marketing-manager-salary-SRCH_KO0,28.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/head-of-social-media-salary-SRCH_KO0,20.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/social-media-executive-salary-SRCH_KO0,22.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/social-media-specialist-salary-SRCH_KO0,23.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/social-media-influencer-salary-SRCH_KO0,23.htm
https://www.statista.com/outlook/amo/advertising/social-media-advertising/worldwide
https://www.talent.com/salary?job=freelance+social+media
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/social-media-consultant-salary-SRCH_KO0,23.htm

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is social media marketing?

2. What are the five ways of social media marketing

3. How do beginners start social media marketing?

4. What is a social media influencer salary?

5. How to learn social media marketing?

6. How to become successful in social media marketing?

7. What is SMO?

8. What is SEM?

9. What is SEO marketing?

10. Is social media marketing a good career?

11. Is social media marketing a stressful job?

upGrad

451 articles published

Get Free Consultation

+91

By submitting, I accept the T&C and
Privacy Policy

Are you being paid well enough?