Facebook advertising has become one of the most popular and effective ways for businesses to reach potential customers. As more companies invest in Facebook ads, there is growing demand for Facebook ad specialists to create, manage, and optimize these ad campaigns.
But how much can you really make as a Facebook ad specialist? Let’s take a closer look at Facebook ad specialist salaries below.
Facebook Ad Specialist Job Overview
A Facebook ad specialist is responsible for setting up, running, and optimizing Facebook ad campaigns for businesses. Key duties of a Facebook ad specialist include:
- Working with clients to determine campaign goals, target audiences, and budgets
- Creating Facebook ad campaigns including writing compelling ad copy and designing visual assets
- Setting up campaign targeting to reach the right audiences
- Optimizing campaigns by A/B testing ads, adjusting bids and budgets, etc.
- Analyzing campaign performance and reporting metrics and insights to clients
- Staying up-to-date on new Facebook advertising products, features, and best practices
A Facebook ad specialist needs to have strong knowledge of Facebook’s advertising platform as well as experience running successful ad campaigns. Many specialists have backgrounds in marketing, communications, advertising, or data analysis.
Facebook Ad Specialist Salary
According to Glassdoor, the average base pay for a Facebook ad specialist in the United States is $52,529 per year, or $25.25 per hour. However, Facebook ad specialist salaries can vary quite a bit depending on factors like location, experience, and company size. Here’s a breakdown of the typical Facebook ad specialist salary range:
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $15.00 | $31,200 |
| 25th Percentile | $20.00 | $41,600 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $25.25 | $52,520 |
| 75th Percentile | $33.65 | $70,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $45.24 | $94,090 |
As you can see, Facebook ad specialists on the lower end of the scale earn around $30,000-40,000 per year. The median salary is around $52,000 annually. High earners can make over $90,000 per year. Factors like education, certifications, and years of experience can impact where you fall in this salary range.
Entry-Level Facebook Ad Specialist Salary
For entry-level Facebook ad specialists just starting out, the salary range is typically $30,000-$45,000 per year. Those with 0-2 years of experience usually fall in the 10th-25th percentile. However, even at the entry-level, some Facebook ad specialists with in-demand skills make $50,000+.
Mid-Level Facebook Ad Specialist Salary
Mid-level Facebook ad specialists with 2-5 years of experience normally earn between $45,000-$65,000 annually. Many fall in the 50th-75th percentile salary brackets. Mid-level specialists generally have a solid track record running Facebook ad campaigns and a growing set of skills and specialties.
Senior/Lead Facebook Ad Specialist Salary
For senior or lead Facebook ad specialists with 5+ years of experience, salaries range from $65,000 all the way up to $100,000+ per year. They fall in the 75th-90th+ percentile brackets. Senior specialists have expert-level Facebook ads skills and leadership abilities to manage teams and accounts.
Facebook Ad Specialist Salary by Industry
Salaries can also vary based on the industry a Facebook ad specialist works in. Here are average salaries for some top industries hiring Facebook ad experts:
| Industry | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Advertising & Marketing | $59,000 |
| Media & Publishing | $57,500 |
| IT & Software | $73,500 |
| Ecommerce & Retail | $58,000 |
| Agencies & Consultancies | $65,000 |
Salaries tend to be higher in high-paying tech industries like IT and software development. But specialists can earn good salaries in a wide range of industries.
Facebook Ad Specialist Salary by Location
Your geographic location is another major factor impacting Facebook ad specialist salaries. Advertising hubs on the coasts tend to pay more for Facebook ad talent than other parts of the country. Here are average Facebook ad specialist salaries for top US metro areas:
| Metro Area | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| New York City, NY | $72,000 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $70,000 |
| Chicago, IL | $62,500 |
| Dallas/Fort Worth, TX | $58,500 |
| San Francisco, CA | $92,000 |
| Washington, DC | $68,500 |
| Boston, MA | $66,500 |
Specialists in cities like San Francisco and New York enjoy salaries $10,000-$15,000 above average. Location is a key factor in Facebook ad pay.
Factors That Influence Facebook Ad Specialist Salary
What determines how much a Facebook ad specialist gets paid? Here are some of the key factors that impact FB ad specialist salaries:
Education & Training
Having a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field like marketing or communications can boost your earning potential as a Facebook ad specialist. Many employers also prefer to hire specialists who have completed Facebook ad certifications such as the Facebook Certified Planning Professional course.
Years of Experience
As shown above, Facebook ad specialists with more years of hands-on experience running Facebook ad campaigns generally earn higher salaries. Proven experience is highly valued.
Technical Skills
Specific technical skills like Facebook Ads Manager expertise, data analysis, copywriting, and creative design can allow you to command a higher salary. Employers pay a premium for these specialized Facebook ad skills.
Management Skills
As specialists move into senior roles managing teams and large ad accounts, strong leadership and project management skills become more valuable and boost pay.
Industry Specialization
Developing deep expertise in certain niches and industries allows specialists to better meet the needs of clients in those verticals. For example, specializing in ecommerce Facebook ads can lead to higher pay.
Company Size & Budget
Generally, larger companies and corporations have bigger budgets to pay higher salaries for Facebook advertising roles. Specialists at big brands and prominent agencies tend to earn more.
How to Increase Your Salary as a Facebook Ad Specialist
Here are some tips to boost your salary potential as a Facebook ad specialist over the course of your career:
- Earn Facebook ad certifications to validate your skills.
- Get hands-on experience with Facebook Ads Manager and other platforms.
- Develop expertise in creative design, copywriting, or data analysis.
- Take on more responsibilities and leadership roles as you gain experience.
- Consider specializing in a specific niche or industry.
- Relocate to a top advertising and tech hub if possible.
- Work for larger brands and companies as your career progresses.
- Learn new Facebook advertising capabilities as they are released.
Job Outlook for Facebook Ad Specialists
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for advertising and promotions managers are projected to grow 10% from 2019-2029, faster than the average for all occupations. Digital advertising spend continues to rise, fueling demand for Facebook ad specialists.
With more than 1 billion daily active Facebook users worldwide, Facebook advertising is only becoming a more vital part of marketing strategies. And Facebook regularly rolls out new ad products and features, giving specialists new capabilities. The future looks very bright for Facebook ad roles!
Conclusion
Facebook ad specialist salaries typically range from around $30,000 to over $90,000 per year, with the average at approximately $52,500 annually. Salaries vary based on location, experience, industry, skills, and company. By gaining Facebook ad certifications, developing specialized skills, managing teams, and working for major brands, you can maximize your earning potential as a Facebook ad pro.