Performance salaries
Research the average salary brackets for digital marketing specialists across performance marketing job titles, including SEO, PPC, paid advertising and affiliate marketing. Our salary guide reveals full-time salaries as well as day rates for contractors.
According to the results of our 2026 Annual Pay & Hiring Survey, 45% of marketers are looking for higher earning potential in a new role.
With the sustained growth of the cost of living and high demand for performance marketers, these candidates are able to ask for higher salaries. Whether you need to attract or retain top talent this year, we recommend reviewing your pay brackets.
| Job title | Salary | Day rate |
| Performance Marketing Executive | £32,000 - £45,000 | £175 - £250 |
| Performance Marketing Manager | £50,000 - £65,000 | £280 - £350 |
| Senior Performance Marketing Manager | £65,000 - £75,000 | £350 - £450 |
| Performance Marketing Lead | £75,000 - £90,000 | £450 - £550 |
| Head of Performance | £90,000 - £120,000 | £550 - £700 |
| Director of Performance | £120,000 - £150,000 | £700 - £1,000 |
| Job title | Salary | Day rate |
| Creative Performance Strategist | £50,000 - £60,000 | £350 - £550 |
| Senior Creative Performance Strategist | £60,000 - £80,000 | £400 - £600 |
| Head of Creative Performance Strategy | £75,000 - £100,000 | £450 - £700 |
| Job title | Salary | Day rate |
| PPC Executive | £32,000 - £45,000 | £175 - £250 |
| PPC Manager | £55,000 - £65,000 | £280 - £350 |
| Head of PPC | £90,000 - £110,000 | £550 - £700 |
| Job title | Salary | Day rate |
| Paid Social Executive | £32,000 - £45,000 | £175 - £250 |
| Paid Social Manager | £55,000 - £70,000 | £280 - £400 |
| Head of Paid Social | £80,000 - £120,000 | £480 - £750 |
| Job title | Salary | Day rate |
| SEO Executive | £28,000 - £45,000 | £175 - £225 |
| SEO Manager | £65,000 - £75,000 | £350 - £450 |
| Head of SEO | £90,000 - £120,000 | £550 - £750 |
| Job title | Salary | Day rate |
| Display Manager | £65,000 - £75,000 | £350 - £450 |
| Head of Display | £90,000 - £110,000 | £550 - £700 |
| Job title | Salary | Day rate |
| Affiliate Marketing Manager | £50,000 - £70,000 | £270 - £400 |
| Head of Affiliate | £90,000 - £120,000 | £550 - £750 |
Our specialist marketing recruitment consultants are deeply immersed in the world of performance marketing. Leveraging their years of experience working with candidates and brands to build leading teams, they’re best equipped to support your growth.
For further guidance around performance marketing jobs or support with your recruitment needs, get in touch with the team.
On average, a UK Performance Marketing Manager salary is between £50,000 - £65,000 for a permanent role. Meanwhile, for a contractor, they can expect to earn between £280 - £350 per day.
This is a great opportunity for data-driven digital marketers who are obsessed with optimising campaigns. The role is well-paid, where the national median pay for full-time workers is £39,039. Plus, there is plenty of opportunity for career growth into more senior roles or lateral moves into SEO, PPC, paid advertising or affiliate.
Search engine optimisation specialists’ salaries start at £28,000 for an entry-level role, reaching up to £45,000. As the career path progresses, so does the earning potential. On average, an SEO Manager salary in the UK is between £65,000 - £75,000.
Using an SEO salary guide, such as 3Search’s, can help you plan the compensation packages for your marketing team. For further advice, we recommend getting in touch with the team. They can give insight tailored to your unique business context.
The average UK-based PPC Manager earns between £55,000 - £65,000. Meanwhile, contractors earn a day rate of £280 - £350. PPC specialists are in high demand across different platforms, including Google Ads, Meta, and Amazon, meaning they can command higher salaries.
Pay varies based on years of experience, seniority, location, and industry. Find out more by using PPC salary guides (like 3Search’s) or get in touch with our specialist recruiters for more tailored advice.
