Experienced search engine marketers get the top salaries

In-house search engine marketers receive healthy salaries, but those with five to seven years experience can command up to $200,000.

That is according to the Search Engine Marketing Professional Organisation (SEMPO) which recently carried out its first-ever survey of in-house search engine marketing (SEM) job salary compensation.

SEMPO noted that the data reflects a traditional dynamic in which greater experience is rewarded with higher salary range.

Commenting on the findings, Duane Forrester, co-chair of SEMPO´s in-house SEM Committee, said: "While there are a good number of six figure salaries people need to understand all the salary levels represent reality. Search engine marketers need to be realistic about their careers and plan as they would for any viable career opportunity,"

Mr Forrester added: "On the other hand, if you´re ready for a six figure job, go get it! There are a lot of good jobs out there."

The survey also found that roughly one third of in-house marketers are managing budgets greater than $200,000.

According to Mr Forrester, this represents a "healthy barometer" of the industry and is well in keeping with SEMPO´s prediction that SEM spending will double by 2011 to more than $18 billion.