Social media refers to digital platforms and applications that facilitate users making, distributing, and communicating with others interactively. These may be a variety of websites and applications developed for different purposes, such as networking, sharing information, entertainment, and more.
Social media managers are crucial for developing a company’s digital marketing strategies by increasing followers and creating and overseeing social campaigns. By following their roles and responsibilities appropriately, these professionals can significantly enhance the company’s success in entering the online world, thus enabling the company to reach broader audiences and, in effect, business growth.
If you are an aspiring Social Media Manager but are not sure what skills are required to become one and want to know what kind of salary you can earn, this article will help you identify the Social Media Manager Salary South Africa.
Social Media Manager Salary in South Africa
A social media manager is a professional who represents a company on social media. They are accountable for setting the content strategy and driving engagement on a company’s social platforms. Social Media Managers look for opportunities to increase brand exposure for their assigned company.
According to Indeed, the average Social Media Manager’s Salary in South Africa is about R 211,819 per year, and it often includes bonuses, referral commissions, rewards, and other benefits.
These salary figures vary depending on many factors, including:
- Experience level,
- The geographic location,
- Type of industry or a company,
- Skills and qualifications acquired,
- The size of the company employed in and more.
Average Social Media Manager Salary in South Africa
The average Social Media Manager’s Salary South Africa may vary based on the above factors. Experience level and proficiency in Social Media tools and certifications contribute to higher earning potential.
According to Glassdoor, here is the average salary for a Social Media in South Africa on the level of experience:
| Average Social Media Manager Salary in South Africa | |
| Entry-Level Social Media Manager Salary | ZAR 120,000 to ZAR 180,000 per year |
| Mid-Level Social Media Manager Salary | ZAR 180,000 to ZAR 300,000 per year |
| Senior-Level Social Media Manager Salary | ZAR 300,000 to ZAR 500,000 per year |
Per Month Social Media Manager Salary in South Africa
The monthly salary of a Social Media Manager in South Africa ranges between ZAR14,997 and ZAR15,729. These figures are estimated and vary based on experience level and other factors.
According to Glassdoor, here is an overview of the average monthly earnings:
| Per Month Social Media Manager Salary in South Africa | |
| Entry-Level Social Media Manager Salary | ZAR 10,000 to ZAR 15,000 per month |
| Mid-Level Social Media Manager Salary | ZAR 15,000 to ZAR 25,000 per month |
| Senior-Level Social Media Manager Salary | ZAR 25,000 to ZAR 45,000 per month |
Highest-paying cities in South Africa for Social Media Manager
The salary of a social media manager in South Africa can vary greatly depending on the city in which they work. Major urban centres offer higher salaries due to the cost of living and the concentration of businesses.
According to Indeed, here are some of the highest-paying cities for Social Media Managers in South Africa:
| Highest-paying cities in South Africa for Social Media Manager | |
| Cities In South Africa’s | Average Base Salary |
| Durban, KwaZulu-Natal | R 22,577 per month |
| East Rand, Gauteng | R 20,148 per month |
| Midrand, Gauteng | R 18,066 per month |
| Pretoria, Gauteng | R 17,902 per month |
| Bloubergstrand, Western Cape | R 16,650 per month |
| Cape Town, Western Cape | R 16,116 per month |
| Johannesburg, Gauteng | R 15,535 per month |
| Somerset West, Western Cape | R 12,966 per month |
| Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape | R 10,976 per month |
Top Companies’ Salary for the Social Media Manager Roles
As per many factors affecting Social Media Managers’ salaries in South Africa, the type of industries, their size and location also impact the salary. According to Glassdoor, here is the salary offered by some of the top companies in South Africa for this role:
| Top Companies’ Salary for the Role of Social Media Manager | |
| Company Name | Average Salary |
| African Bank | ZAR 99T – ZAR 1LT per month |
| Sanlam | ZAR 63T – ZAR 67T per month |
| Edelman Africa | ZAR 27T – ZAR 30T per month |
| Clockwork Media | ZAR 24T – ZAR 26T per month |
| Flume Digital Marketing | ZAR 23T – ZAR 26T per month |
| Discovery (South Africa) | ZAR 19T – ZAR 21T per month |
| Hoorah Digital | ZAR 19T – ZAR 50T per month |
| Publicis Groupe | ZAR 15T – ZAR 22T per month |
| University of the Witwatersrand | ZAR 14T – ZAR 16T per month |
Top Countries Paying High Salary for Social Media Manager Roles
A wide range of salaries are available for Social Media Managers across the globe. According to Glassdoor, some of the top countries that offer high-pay packages are tabulated below:
| Top Countries Paying High Salary for Social Media Managers | |
| Country | Average Base Pay |
| South Africa (ZAR) | ZAR15T – ZAR25T per month |
| India (₹) | ₹20T – ₹40T per month |
| Canada (CA $) | CA$43K – CA$64K per year |
| Germany (€) | €36T – €48T per year |
| Australia (A$) | A$ 70k – A$ 90k per year |
| Singapore (SGD) | SGD3k – SGD5K per month |
| Switzerland (CHF) | CHF75T – CHF1L per Year |
| United States ($) | $41T – $74T per year |
| United Kingdom (₤) | £29 T to £42 T per year |
How to Become a Social Media Manager?
A successful social media manager stays on top of trends, platforms, and industry tools to schedule posts, monitor analytics, and more. Working in social media means embracing lifelong learning and adapting as the landscape evolves, which can lead to additional marketing opportunities.
Social media management is a passionate and rapidly evolving field requiring creativity, strategic thinking, and technical skills. Becoming a social media manager often requires a combination of education and experience, crucial investments in your professional development. The specifics can differ by company, but the value of these assets remains constant, providing a secure foundation for your career.
To become a social media manager, follow these common steps:
- Earn a degree or relevant qualification,
- Get an entry-level social media marketing strategy,
- Build your own social media following and post strategic and thoughtful content,
- Gain Practical Experience,
- Develop a Portfolio,
- Stay Updated and Continuously Learn and
- Self Promotion
Skills Required to Become a Social Media Manager
Social media managers are mainly responsible for creating and managing content, running social media campaigns, analysing metrics, and engaging with the audience. Some common skills necessary for social media managers include:
- Creativity
- Adaptability
- Collaboration
- Customer Service
- Content Creation
- Paid Advertising
- Social Media Strategy
- Communication skills
- Analytics and Reporting
- Community Management
Gain these skills by enroling in Digital Marketing Course. Digital Regenesys Digital Marketing Course is a comprehensive course designed to enhance the required skills to thrive in a competitive online landscape.
FAQs on Social Media Manager Salary in South Africa
What is the basic salary of a social media manager in South Africa?
According to Glassdoor, the salary range for a Digital Marketing Manager (entry-level) position in South Africa is between ZAR14T and ZAR25T per month.
Is Social Media a highly competitive field?
Yes, social media is considered a highly competitive career field. With the increasing importance of digital marketing and online presence for businesses, there is a growing demand for skilled social media professionals who can effectively manage and grow brands’ online presence.
What skills are required in a social media manager career?
A diverse set of skills is essential for excelling as a social media manager. These include Content Creation, Copywriting, Social Media Strategy, Community Management, Paid Advertising, Graphic Design, and more.
How does experience impact social media managers’ salaries?
The salary of Social media managers varies significantly based on factors like experience. On average, entry-level copywriters can earn between ZAR 120,000 and ZAR 240,000 per year, while experienced copywriters in senior roles may earn ZAR 420,000 per year.
How does geographical location impact social media managers’ salaries?
The salaries of Social media marketing professionals vary significantly from country to country. In London, United Kingdom, the average base pay for digital marketing professionals is between £29T—£42T per year, whereas in the USA, the same profile is paid $41T—$74 T per month.
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