A report conducted by search conference BrightonSEO and digital marketing agency SiteVisibility has revealed several inequalities in SEO salaries suggesting a "gender gap" between earners - with men earning an average of £39,000, while women languish £11,000 behind on an average salary of £28,000.

The discrepancy in pay only increases with seniority. The research shows that SEO Executives receive an average salary of £24,000 for women and £23,000 for men, so at least the genders are starting on an even keel.

However, male SEO Managers receive an average wage of £37,000 compared to an average of £28,000 for females managers. As for Heads of Search, men receive £47,000 whilst their female equivalent are £10,000 behind on £37,000 - what men were earning as Managers!



Kelvin Newman, Managing Director of BrightonSEO and Director of Strategy at SiteVisibility, said: "This survey gains a fascinating insight into salaries paid in the SEO industry and given the glaring gender differences I’m sure will lead to some intriguing debate. Our industry continues to be one of much growth and expectation and this is only going to continue in the future. However, we have to be careful not to be left behind when it comes to gender pay and these stats show that we’ve got some work to do in order to close the gap between men and women."


Natasha Woodford, a senior digital marketing recruiter who co-authored the report with Newman, said: "Given that the gender pay gap materialises as you head towards the more senior roles, certain questions must be asked. For instance are these findings a result of men being more confident in their negotiation of pay raises or remuneration upon accepting a new job? Have women taken a career break to raise their children? Another survey in more detail should determine whether there is really a glass ceiling or even a difference at senior level in what is really a relatively modern industry. One thing is for sure, there are some exceptional female digital agency leaders."