Figuring out what to charge as a social media manager is the big question isn’t it. It feels like everyone has a different answer, and the number keeps changing. Especially now, in 2025, with new tools and platforms popping up all the time. You want to be fair to your clients but you also really need to be fair to yourself. It’s a tricky balance to find for sure.
So, you’re trying to nail down your pricing. It is a process that can feel super overwhelming. You see some people charging a few hundred dollars and others charging thousands. And you’re stuck in the middle wondering where you fit. Let’s try to break it down without all the confusing business talk. This is about finding a price that works for the job you do.
What Actually Goes Into Social Media Management?
First things first. A lot of people think social media management is just posting a few pictures. They really don’t get it. Maybe you should show them this list next time they ask.
It’s actually a whole bunch of different jobs all rolled into one. It is normally a mix of creative work and brainy stuff.
Here’s a quick look at what’s typically on your plate:
Making a Plan: You don’t just post randomly. There’s a whole strategy behind what gets posted and when. You have to think about the goals.
Creating Stuff: This is the fun part for some. Writing captions, designing graphics, editing short videos, making Stories. It takes a lot of time.
Scheduling Everything: Using tools to make sure posts go out at the right time. So you aren’t glued to your phone 24/7.
Talking to People: Answering comments and DMs. This is community management and it’s super important for building a following.
Looking at the Numbers: Checking the analytics to see what worked and what didn’t. Then using that info to do better next month.
So yeah, it’s a lot more than just clicking “share”.
The Big Pricing Models: How SMMs Get Paid
Generally you’ll see a few main ways social media managers charge for their work. There isn’t a single “best” way, it just depends on the project and what you and the client are comfortable with.
Hourly Rates
This is pretty straightforward. You work an hour, you get paid for an hour. It is a model that is often good for new freelancers or for clients who just need a few specific tasks done each month. Not a full-blown plan.
The downside is that you have to track your time like a hawk. And as you get faster and better at your job, you technically make less money for the same task. It’s a bit of a weird situation.
Monthly Retainers
This is probably the most common one you’ll see. The client pays you a set fee every single month for an agreed-upon list of services. For example, the fee might cover 15 posts a month, community management, and a monthly report.
This model is good because it gives you a predictable income. And the client knows exactly what their bill will be. It’s considered to be a win-win for many working relationships.
Per-Project Pricing
Sometimes a business doesn’t need ongoing help. They just need one specific thing done. Maybe it’s a social media audit to see what they’re doing wrong. Or maybe they need someone to run a specific three-month campaign for a new product launch.
For these you just charge a flat fee for the entire project. You have to be really good at estimating how much time it will take you though. Or you could end up working for way less than you planned.
Factors That Change Your Price Tag in 2025
Okay, so your price isn’t just pulled out of thin air. Several things can push your rates up or down. And in 2025 some new things are at play.
Your experience level is the most obvious one. If you’re just starting out you can’t charge the same as someone who has been doing this for ten years. That’s just how it works.
The scope of work is huge. Are you just posting content the client gives you? Or are you creating video content from scratch, running ad campaigns, and writing a detailed strategy every quarter? More work means more pay. Simple as that.
How many platforms are you handling? Managing an Instagram account is one thing. Managing Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn is a completely different beast. Each platform has its own way of doing things.
The client’s industry matters too. An account for a local coffee shop is generally less demanding than a B2B tech company that needs really specific, technical content.
And what about AI? In 2025, using AI tools for ideas or writing drafts is normal. It can make you faster but it doesn’t replace the human strategy and creative touch. So don’t think you have to slash your prices because of it. It’s a tool, not your replacement.
So, The Actual Numbers: What to Charge in 2025
Alright, let’s get to the numbers you came here for. These are general ranges. Your prices might be a bit different depending on where you live and the types of clients you work with.
For Beginners (0-2 years of experience):Hourly: $25 – $50 per hour
Monthly Retainer: $500 – $1,500 per month (for 1-2 platforms, basic content, and some engagement)
For Intermediate Managers (2-4 years of experience):Hourly: $50 – $100 per hour
Monthly Retainer: $1,500 – $3,500 per month (includes more platforms, content creation like simple videos, and basic reporting)
For Advanced/Expert Managers (5+ years of experience):Hourly: $100 – $250+ per hour
Monthly Retainer: $3,500 – $7,000+ per month (this is for full strategy, ad management, in-depth analytics, multiple platforms, and proven results)
Remember, these are just starting points. You have to price based on the results you can bring to a client. Don’t be afraid to charge what you’re worth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much should a social media manager charge for video content?
You should definitely charge more for video. Especially for short-form video like Reels and TikToks which takes a lot of time to film edit and plan. You could add a specific “video package” to your retainers for an extra $500-$1,500+ a month, depending on how many videos you’re making.
Does social media ad management cost extra?
Yes, 100%. Managing paid ads is a separate skill. Most managers charge a flat fee (e.g., $500/month) or a percentage of the ad spend (typically 15-20%) on top of their regular management fee. Don’t do it for free.
How much should a social media manager charge for just one platform?
If a client only wants you to manage their Instagram, for example, your price would be on the lower end of the retainer scales above. A simple package for one platform could start around $750 a month for someone with a bit of experience.
Do I really need a contract for my social media services?
Yes, yes, and yes. A contract protects you and the client. It clearly lists the services you’ll provide, the cost, the payment schedule, and what happens if someone wants to end the agreement. It avoids so many headaches later on.
How do I know when to raise my rates?
Normally a good time to raise your rates is when you’re getting consistently good results for your clients, you’ve learned new skills (like video editing), and your schedule is almost full. You can raise prices for new clients immediately and give your current clients a 30-60 day notice about the change.
Key Takeaways
Your price depends on way more than just posting. It covers strategy, creation, engagement, and analysis.
The three main pricing models are hourly, monthly retainer, and per-project. Monthly retainers are usually the most stable.
Your experience, the scope of the work, and the number of platforms all change how much you can and should charge.
Don’t be afraid to set a price that truly reflects the work you do and the results you get for your clients.
Always use a contract. It just makes everything clearer and more professional for everyone involved.
