So you wanna know the big secret? The magic number for what to charge for social media management in 2025. Everyone is asking this question. It feels like there should be a simple answer, a rate card you can just download. But there isn’t one.
Figuring out what to charge for managing someone’s social media, well, it’s a whole thing. It’s part science part art and a whole lot of just guessing at the start. You don’t want to undercharge and feel resentful. But you also don’t want to overcharge and scare everyone away.
The prices from just a couple years ago are already looking old. Things change so fast, with new platforms and video formats popping up all the time. What worked in 2023 is not gonna cut it for 2025. It’s just how it is. So lets get into it.
What’s the Real Deal with Social Media Pricing in 2025?
Okay so the price you set depends on a few big things. It’s not just one number. Normally you have to think about a mix of stuff before you even talk to a client. What you did before your history in this field makes a big difference.
Then there’s what the client actually wants you to do. Are you just posting a few times a week? Or are you basically running their entire online personality, ads and all. That changes the price tag a lot.
The size of the client’s business is also a piece of the puzzle. A small local coffee shop has a different budget than a national tech company. It is this fact that often shapes the final number more than anything else.
The Hourly Rate Game
Charging by the hour is where a lot of people start. It’s considered to be a simple way to get paid for your time. You work an hour, you bill an hour. Easy.
For 2025, hourly rates are all over the place. A beginner might charge $50-$75 per hour. Someone with a few years under their belt is typically looking at $75-$150 an hour. Experts can go way higher, like $250+ per hour.
This works well for one-off projects. Or for clients who aren’t sure how much help they need yet. But tracking every minute can be a pain.
Monthly Retainers: The Bread and Butter
This is the most common way to charge. A client pays you a flat fee every month for a set amount of work. It’s predictable income for you and a set cost for them. Everyone likes predictable.
A basic retainer for a small business might be $500-$1,500 a month. This usually gets them management of one or two platforms, some content creation and monthly reporting. Nothing too crazy.
A more involved plan could be $2,000-$5,000. That generally includes more platforms, video content, community management and maybe some light ad work. For big companies, retainers can be $5,000 or a lot more.
Package Deals
Packages are another popular route. You create a few tiers, like Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Each package has a clear list of things you’ll do for a set price. It makes it easy for clients to see what they get for their money.
A Bronze package could be simple content posting. A Gold package might have everything: strategy sessions, video editing, daily engagement, and detailed ad campaign management. It puts the choice in their hands.
Don’t Just Pull a Number Out of a Hat
So you have the models. But how do you get to your number? First, you need to figure out your own costs. What do you need to earn to live? Don’t forget taxes. And your tools, the scheduling apps and design software, they cost money.
Then, you gotta look at what other people are charging. Don’t just copy them. But it helps to know if you’re in the right ballpark. See what freelancers with your level of experience are asking for. It gives you a baseline.
And then. This is the big one. You need to think about the results you bring. You’re not just posting pictures. You’re getting them more customers, building their brand name. Your work has real business meaning. Price yourself based on that, not just the hours you spend.
Things People Forget to Charge For
When you’re making your packages or setting your rate, it’s super easy to forget some of the “invisible” work. Don’t let this be you.
Reporting: Putting together those monthly reports takes time. You have to pull the numbers, explain what they mean, and make suggestions. That’s work.
Meetings: Client calls, strategy sessions, check-ins. These are all billable hours. Don’t give them away for free.
Content Creation: Are you just writing captions or are you also shooting video, editing it, and designing graphics? Video editing is a whole skill on its own and should cost more.
Ad Management: This is a big one. Managing their ad spend is not the same as posting content. Many managers charge a percentage of the ad spend (like 10-20%) on top of their retainer.
Tools & Software: Your subscription to Canva Pro, Buffer, or whatever else you use. You should factor that cost into your pricing. It’s a business expense.
So, What Should You Actually Charge? (Some Real-World Numbers)
Let’s break it down with some general figures for 2025. These are not rules, just common ranges. What your business needs are will change things.
The Newbie (0-1 year of experience)
You’re still building a portfolio. You should charge on the lower end to get some clients and results.
Hourly: $50 – $75
Monthly Retainer: $500 – $1,200
The Intermediate Pro (2-4 years of experience)
You have a proven track record. You know what you’re doing and have case studies to show it.
Hourly: $80 – $150
Monthly Retainer: $1,500 – $3,500
The Expert / Agency Level (5+ years)
You’re a strategist. You’re not just managing socials, you’re building a core part of their marketing machine.
Hourly: $150 – $300+
Monthly Retainer: $4,000 – $10,000+
FAQs About Social Media Management Pricing
How much should a beginner social media manager charge per hour?
A beginner in 2025 should generally aim for the $50-$75 per hour range. This is a fair price while you build your experience and get some solid results for your portfolio. Don’t go much lower or you risk devaluing the work.
Should my management fee include the client’s ad spend?
No. Never. Your management fee is for your time and work. The ad spend is the money the client pays directly to the social media platform (like Meta or TikTok). You manage that money for them, but it is not part of your payment.
How do I raise my prices for a client I already have?
It can be awkward. Give them plenty of notice, at least a month or two. Explain that your rates are adjusting to reflect your improved skills and the market. Show them the results you’ve gotten for them to remind them of your worth.
What’s the difference between a social media manager and a community manager?
A social media manager is usually more about the big picture: content strategy, scheduling, analytics. A community manager is more in the trenches, actively talking with the audience, answering comments, and building a community feel. Some roles combine both.
Do I really need a contract for social media management?
Yes. 100% yes. A contract protects you and the client. It clearly outlines the work you’ll do, the price, the payment schedule, and what happens if someone wants to end the agreement. Don’t ever work without one.
Key Takeaways
There is no single “right” price. Your fee depends on your experience, the work involved, and the client’s size.
The main pricing models are hourly, monthly retainers, and packages. Most established managers use retainers or packages.
Calculate your prices based on your business costs and the results you deliver, not just the time it takes.
Don’t forget to account for “hidden” work like meetings, reporting, and the cost of your software tools.
Always, always use a contract to outline everything and protect yourself. Your 2025 pricing should reflect your growing skills and the real business impact you make.
