The gender pay gap in search marketing continues to widen, according to the results of the 2024 Search Engine Land Salary and Career Survey. The survey reveals that men earn an average of 36% more than women in the field, a disparity that is more than double the U.S. average for full-time working women.
In senior positions, the pay gap is slightly smaller but still present. Men in director-level and higher positions earn 8% more than their female counterparts. For manager and staff positions, the pay gap widens to 26%.
Interestingly, the survey also found that women were more likely to have changed jobs or received promotions recently compared to men. In the past year, 38% of women had either changed jobs or been promoted, while only 25% of men had done the same. This indicates that women are actively seeking opportunities for advancement in the field.
Despite the pay disparity, both men and women reported similar levels of job satisfaction. However, compared to last year, both genders expressed less satisfaction in their roles. This suggests that there may be other factors contributing to overall dissatisfaction in the industry.
The survey was conducted among 291 individuals in North America and Western Europe, with responses from both male and female professionals in the search marketing field. The results were based on median salaries to ensure accurate data representation.
The findings of this survey highlight the ongoing issue of gender pay inequality in the search marketing industry. It’s crucial for employers and industry leaders to address this disparity and ensure that all professionals are compensated fairly for their work. By promoting equal opportunities for career advancement and addressing the underlying factors contributing to job dissatisfaction, we can strive towards a more inclusive and equitable industry.
As we move forward, it’s important for companies to prioritize diversity and inclusion initiatives, implement fair and transparent compensation practices, and provide opportunities for professional growth for all employees. Only through these efforts can we truly bridge the gender pay gap and create a more equal and diverse search marketing industry.
