Social Media Consultant Salary South Africa: Explore Annual Income

Social media consulting refers to interacting with customers through social networking channels on behalf of a brand.

Social media consultants are professionals or agents who work with clients to develop and implement social media strategies and accomplish their business objectives. These experts are experienced in customising their offerings to enhance, maximise, and grow their clients’ online presence on social media. 

The salary of a Social Media Consultant in South Africa ranges between ZAR 14T and ZAR 25T per month. Do you have a passion for digital communication, want to learn how to become a social media consultant, and are curious about the salary potential in this career prospectus?

In this article, we will learn about Social Media Consultant Salary South Africa, some of the top skills required and the annual/monthly salary packages based on top companies and locations within South Africa.

Social Media Consultant Salary South Africa

Social Media Consultants are accountable for developing strategies, creating and managing content, scheduling posts, analysing data, and more. 

According to Glassdoor, the salary of a Social Media Consultant in South Africa ranges between ZAR 12T and ZAR 22T per month. These figures usually vary based on experience, geographical location, type of industry employed, and the company’s or client base’s size. 

Here is a detailed analysis of social media consulting salaries for different experience levels, geographical locations, and industry types.

Average Social Media Consultant Salary South Africa

In today’s digital landscape, social media consultants play a critical role in assisting businesses in navigating and utilising social media platforms to improve their online presence. The average pay for these professionals in South Africa varies according to many factors.

According to Glassdoor, here is an overview of what you can expect in terms of compensation for this job profile based on experience level :

Average Social Media Consultant Salary South Africa
Entry-Level Social Media Consultant Salary	ZAR 180,000 to ZAR 300,000 per year
Mid-Level Social Media Consultant Salary	ZAR 300,000 to ZAR 480,000 per year
Senior-Level Social Media Consultant Salary	ZAR 480,000 to ZAR 720,000+ per year

Per Month Social Media Consultant Salary South Africa

The monthly salary can vary based on several factors. According to Glassdoor, here is the monthly earnings for these professionals at different career stages:

Per Month Social Media Consultant Salary South Africa
Entry-Level Social Media Consultant Salary	ZAR 15,000 to ZAR 25,000 per month
Mid-Level Social Media Consultant Salary	ZAR 25,000 to ZAR 40,000 per month
Senior-Level Social Media Consultant Salary	ZAR 40,000 to ZAR 60,000+ per month

Highest-paying cities in South Africa for Social Media Consultants

As many factors impact Social Media Consultant Salaries in South Africa, geographical location is one of them. In high-paying cities, salaries vary depending on the cost of living, demand for social media expertise, and the presence of major companies and industries, which contribute to these variations. 

According to Indeed, here are some of the highest-paying cities for Social Media Consultants in South Africa:

Highest-paying cities in South Africa for Social Media Consultants
Cities In South Africa’s	Average Base Salary
Johannesburg, Gauteng	R 18,582 per month
Cape Town, Western Cape	R 15,661 per month
Pretoria, Gauteng	R 14,542 per month
Midrand, Gauteng	R 12,688 per month
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal	R 11,680 per month
Centurion, Gauteng	R 10,900 per month
Somerset West, Western Cape	R 10,880 per month
Randburg, Gauteng	R 9,266 per month
Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape	R 9,206 per month

Top Companies’ Salary for Social Media Consultant Roles

Social Media Consultants in South Africa can find lucrative career opportunities at top companies across different industries. As per the factors influencing the salary package, the type of industries also plays a vital role in ranging salary packages. 

According to Glassdoor, here are some insights into the salary ranges offered by prominent companies known for hiring social media talent:

Top Companies’ Salary for the Social Media Consultant Roles
Company Name	Average Salary
Standard Bank Group	ZAR 600K – ZAR 641K per year
Sanlam	ZAR 62K – ZAR 67K per month
Hoorah Digital	ZAR 19K – ZAR 50K per month
Discovery (South Africa)	ZAR 19K – ZAR 21K per month
Genio Roasters	ZAR 16K – ZAR 16K per month
University of the Witwatersrand	ZAR 15K – ZAR 16K per month
Publicis Groupe	ZAR 15K – ZAR 22K per month
Yoco	ZAR 14K – ZAR 15K per month
Afrihost	ZAR 10K – ZAR 19K per month

Top Countries Paying High Salary for Social Media Consultant Roles

Social Media Consultants can earn competitive salaries worldwide, with certain countries offering high salary packages due to high demand for digital marketing expertise and strong economies. According to Glassdoor, here are some of the top countries known for paying high salaries to Social Media Consultants:

Top Countries Paying High Salary for Social Media Consultant Roles
Country	Average Base Pay
South Africa (ZAR)	ZAR 8T – ZAR 20T per month
India (₹)	₹4L – ₹5L per year
Canada (CA $)	CA$36K – CA$57K per year
Germany (€)	€36T – €49T per year
Australia (A$)	A$ 54k – A$ 90k per year
Singapore (SGD)	SGD3k – SGD4K per month
Switzerland (CHF)	CHF50T – CHF78T per year
United States ($)	$53T – $60T per year
United Kingdom (₤)	£24K – £41K per year

How to Become a Social Media Consultant?

Social media consultants aim to improve an organisation’s communications, consumer engagement, and brand management. They have the skill set to perform the duties of a content integrator, navigator, trendsetter, and analyst, among others.

A successful career as a social media consultant requires a blend of knowledge, expertise, and strategic thinking. The following is a step-by-step approach to help you develop a successful career in this exciting field:

• Earn a bachelor’s degree in communications
• Select a niche to focus on
• Gain entry-level experience
• Focus on networking with others both online and in person
• Create an engaging social media account
• Build a portfolio
• Once they gain more experience, these professionals can create their own social media management companies or work as independent consultants.

Skills Required to Become a Social Media Consultant

To excel as a Social Media Consultant, these professionals need a diverse skill set that spans technical expertise, creativity, strategic thinking, and interpersonal abilities. Here are some of the top skills required to be successful in this role:

• Creativity,
• Data analysis,
• Communication,
• Content Creation,
• Project management,
• Conversion rate optimisation,
• Client relationship management,
• Search engine optimisation (SEO),
• Advanced analytics and reporting and more.

Gain these skills by enroling in the Digital Regenesys course. This course has been designed to enhance individuals’ skills and stay ahead in the competitive online landscape. Digital Regenesys Digital Marketing course is comprehensive and delivers the latest strategies and techniques in social media marketing and content creation skills. 

FAQs on Social Media Consultant Salary South Africa

Does experience affect a Social Media Consultant’s salary?

Yes. Experience significantly impacts salary. Entry-level consultants may earn between ZAR 12,000 and ZAR 20,000 per month, while those with a few years of experience can expect between ZAR 20,000 and ZAR 35,000. Senior consultants with extensive experience can earn upwards of ZAR 40,000 per month.

What impact does education have on a Social Media Consultant’s salary?

While formal education in marketing, communications, or a related field is beneficial, practical experience and a strong portfolio often weigh more heavily in determining salary. Continuous learning and obtaining industry-recognised certifications can also positively impact earning potential.

What is the average Social Media Consultant Salary South Africa?

The salary for a Social Media Consultant in South Africa typically ranges from ZAR 15,000 to ZAR 40,000 per month.

How can a Social Media Consultant increase their earning potential in South Africa?

To increase earning potential, consultants should focus on gaining specialised skills, obtaining relevant certifications, building a strong portfolio, and staying updated with industry trends.

What is the career scope of a social media consultant?

Social Media Consultants’ career scope is promising, with opportunities in industries such as finance, technology, digital marketing agencies, and multinational corporations.