Intro
The SEO job market is experiencing significant turbulence, with job listings plummeting by 37% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2024, according to a new analysis. Mid-level roles have been hit the hardest, while there has been a notable resurgence in remote SEO positions. Despite this, only 18% of SEO job listings included a salary or salary range, as per a report by SEOJobs.com.
Why This Matters
Just two years ago, the job market was thriving during the Great Resignation, with abundant listings and intense hiring activity. However, the landscape has dramatically shifted in 2024, leaving many talented and newly unemployed SEO professionals struggling to secure new positions.
By the Numbers
A breakdown of open roles by seniority reveals contrasting trends:
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Senior-level listings: Increased by 3%.
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Intern/entry-level listings: Increased by 1%.
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Mid-level listings: Decreased by 6%.
Industry Insights
The current state of the SEO job market suggests a period of instability, but this doesn't signal the end of SEO. Instead, it indicates an evolution in the industry. Nick LeRoy, the report author, explains that companies are looking to maximize efficiency by hiring junior resources at lower costs while investing in experienced senior SEOs for proven results.
LeRoy states, “Companies want to ‘do more with less,’ which means hiring cheap junior resources and paying for proven experience/results via senior SEOs. … I suspect the SEO industry will become much more turbulent before it improves. However, there will always be a job for an SEO who knows how to build a strategy, execute it, and effectively measure results.”
Data Overview
The report's findings are based on a year-on-year comparison of active job listings, totaling 80,000 posts from around 4,700 companies. This comprehensive data provides a clear picture of the current state of the SEO job market and the shifts occurring within it.
Conclusion
The decline in SEO job listings could be a temporary blip or a sign of more profound changes in the industry. While the job market is currently challenging, opportunities remain for those who can adapt and demonstrate their strategic and analytical skills in SEO.
For more insights on navigating the SEO job market and staying ahead in the industry, read their latest blog posts for up-to-date strategies and tips.
