Digital Marketing Salary: What to Expect in Your First Few Year

So, you want to start a career in digital marketing—but there’s one big problem. Every entry-level job seems to require experience, and you don’t have any yet.

I know exactly how that feels. I was the first in my family to go to college, and when I graduated, I had no idea how to look for a job, negotiate a salary, or even figure out what fair pay was. I applied to jobs blindly, not knowing what I should expect—or ask for. It felt like everyone else had some inside knowledge that I didn’t.

If you’re in that place right now—whether you went to college or not—you’re not alone. The good news? You can break into digital marketing, even without experience. I’ll show you how.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• What you can expect to earn in your first few years

• How to get real digital marketing experience before landing your first job

• Why AI skills can give you a huge advantage

• Why low starting salaries aren’t a bad thing—they help you get your foot in the door

Let’s Talk Money: How Much Do Digital Marketers Make?

So, how much can you actually earn in digital marketing? Here’s what salaries typically look like in the first few years:

• Entry-Level Digital Marketing Salary (0-2 years): $40,000 – $60,000 per year

• Mid-Level Digital Marketing Salary (3-5 years): $60,000 – $80,000 per year

• Senior Digital Marketing Salary (6+ years): $90,000+ per year

Now, before you get too excited, keep in mind—your starting salary depends on a few things:

• Where you live (big cities tend to pay more)

• Whether you work at an agency, startup, or big corporation

• The skills you bring to the table (we’ll get into that soon)

What About Freelance Work?

Not everyone wants a 9-to-5 job. Many people start freelancing right away, and depending on your skills, you can make great money:

• Social media management: $500–$2,000 per client

• SEO services: $500–$5,000 per project

• Copywriting & content creation: $50–$200 per blog post

If you don’t mind hustling and networking, freelance work can sometimes pay more than full-time jobs—but it takes time to build up a client base.

The Hardest Part: Getting That First Job

Let’s be real. The hardest part of digital marketing isn’t learning the skills—it’s getting that first job.

You’ll see entry-level positions asking for 1-2 years of experience, and you’ll probably think:

How am I supposed to get experience if no one will hire me?

I had the same struggle. But here’s what I learned: You don’t need a company to give you experience. You can create your own.

How to Get Digital Marketing Experience Before You Get Hired

If you don’t have experience yet, don’t panic. Here’s how you can build it—on your terms.

1. Build Your Own Brand

If you want to prove you can do digital marketing, market yourself first.

• Start an Instagram, TikTok, blog, or YouTube channel in a niche you love.

• Write content, practice SEO, test social media strategies.

• Track your growth—employers love to see real numbers.

This is how I got started. I built my own brand, and once I figured out what worked, I started charging people for food content and writing copy.

You don’t need permission to start. Just pick something you enjoy and start marketing it.

2. Volunteer for Local Organizations

If you don’t have paid experience, volunteering is a great way to build real skills while helping others.

• Offer to run social media for your church, a local nonprofit, or a school club.

• Help a volunteer group with email campaigns or event promotions.

• Assist in creating flyers, social media graphics, or blog content.

Not only does this give you real projects to add to your portfolio, but it also connects you with people who might hire you later.

3. Shadow Someone Who Already Works in Marketing

If you know someone who works in digital marketing, ask if you can shadow them for a day or a week.

• Watch how they run marketing campaigns, write content, or analyze data.

• Ask if they need help with simple tasks—this can turn into paid work later.

• If you don’t know anyone, join LinkedIn groups and local networking events to find mentors.

Seeing real marketing work in action is one of the best ways to learn.

4. Offer Free or Low-Cost Work to Small Businesses

If you have a friend, family member, or local business owner who needs help—offer your marketing skills.

• Create a website for a small business.

• Manage social media for a local gym or café.

• Write blog posts for a startup.

You’ll gain real-world experience and have projects to show in job interviews.

5. Learn AI Tools to Stand Out

AI is changing marketing, and most job seekers don’t have these skills yet. Learning AI now will give you an edge over the competition.

Here are some AI tools to start with:

• ChatGPT – For writing blogs, social media captions, and email marketing.

• Canva AI – For designing marketing graphics.

• Jasper AI – For ad copy and sales content.

• DALL·E & MidJourney – For creating AI-generated images.

Employers are looking for people who can work smarter, not harder—AI helps you do that.

Is It Normal to Start With a Low Salary?

Yes, low starting salaries are common in digital marketing. You might start at $40,000 per year, but your income will grow quickly once you gain experience.

• Many digital marketers double their salary within 3–5 years.

• Learning high-demand skills like SEO and paid ads can push your salary higher.

• Eventually, you can move into freelancing, consulting, or leadership roles.

The key? Get your foot in the door, even if the first paycheck isn’t great.

Final Thoughts

Breaking into digital marketing isn’t easy, but it’s 100% possible.

If you can’t find a job yet, create your own experience by:
✔ Building your own brand.
✔ Volunteering for local organizations.
✔ Shadowing someone in the industry.
✔ Offering free or low-cost work to small businesses.
✔ Learning AI tools to set yourself apart.

Your first salary might not be high, but it’s just the beginning. With the right skills, you’ll level up fast and open doors to even bigger opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the starting salary for digital marketing jobs?

Entry-level salaries range from $40,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on location and company size.

How can I gain experience if no one hires me?

Start your own brand, volunteer, shadow a marketer, or help small businesses with marketing. Employers want real-world experience, not just a degree.

Is AI important in digital marketing?

Yes. AI tools like ChatGPT, Canva AI, and Jasper help marketers work faster and more efficiently—learning them now will give you a big advantage.

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