SEO job listings have seen a 37% decrease in Q1 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, according to a report by SEOJobs.com. The report analyzed data from over 80,000 job listings posted by 4,700 employers in 2023 and early 2024. The increasing use of AI in search is identified as a significant factor impacting SEO hiring.
While senior SEO positions saw a 3% year-over-year increase and entry-level roles rose 1%, mid-level SEO jobs experienced a 6% decline. This disparity is attributed to AI automation handling routine tasks, implying a need for experts capable of higher-level work.
The report also highlights the industry’s need for salary transparency, with only 18% of job listings providing pay details. Broader economic conditions and AI disruption are also affecting SEO employment, with the pullback in listings coinciding with a slowing of job growth in the U.S. labor market.
However, remote SEO opportunities grew in Q1 2024 after a dip in the previous year. The most successful SEO professionals will likely be those who can combine technical mastery with strategic thinking, analytical skills, and a lifelong commitment to learning and professional development.
Strategies to stay competitive in the job market include:
- Developing AI expertise
- Focusing on strategic SEO
- Building analytics prowess
- Specialization within disciplines like local search, e-commerce, enterprise-level SEO, or a particular industry vertical
- Emphasizing soft skills like communication, problem-solving, creativity, and adaptability
- Building a personal brand
The role of the SEO professional is transforming, not disappearing, and those able to adapt their value proposition and align with new demands can find viable career opportunities.
