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You're Paying Too Much.
Or Not Enough.

(Both Are Costing You)

We’ve used data gathered from hundreds of agencies to help hiring managers and talent teams hire with precision, retain top performers, and protect profitability.

Now... it’s yours, so you’re not left asking the same questions your competitors still are: 

  • “Why does this role suddenly cost so much?”
  • “Why can’t we retain senior SEOs anymore?”
  • “Why do our margins tighten every time we hire?”
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Download our 2026 Salary Report

What We'll Unpack

Unlock insights on the hidden data that matters most.

The True Cost of SEO Talent

Why the real median of the market is higher than expected, and how tech outliers distort budgets.

 

The Retention Problem

Why senior SEOs aren’t unmotivated, they’re capped. We unpack significant ways to supplement their growth.

 

Management Tax vs. AI Premium

Understand the payroll jumps when moving to management, and where AI strategy creates real value.

 

Geography Still Matters

How salary gravity clusters around certain metros and what location arbitrage looks like in 2026.

 

The Barbell Agency Model

Our hiring framework covering how to pair high-level talent to reap the most profitable path forward.

 

The SEO Team of 2026

Which technical skills are becoming table stakes and how AI is reshaping roles instead of replacing them.

 

Build the Team of Your Dreams

I’ve seen too many great agencies struggle because salary decisions were made without clear data. This report is here to give you that clarity, so you can hire confidently and build a team you’re proud of.

– Josh

Built on verified salary data. Trusted by agencies like:

Download our 2026 Salary Report
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Is This Report for You?

If you make decisions around headcount, pricing, or retention, this report was designed with you in mind.
  • Agency owners planning hires in the next 6 to 18 months
  • Directors responsible for SEO team structure and career paths
  • Leaders tired of reactive hiring and shrinking margins
Get Your Free Copy

Download the 2025-26 Hiring Trends & Salary Report

Inside the 44-Page Guide:

Median Salaries

National medians explained, not just listed

Role Insights

Role design insights tied to profitability

Pattern Recognition

City-by-city breakdowns and market patterns

Team Building Strategies

Build vs. Buy guidance for SEO planning

Hiring Frameworks

The Barbell Model implementation roadmap

Senior SEO Insight

The salary factors facing Senior SEO talent

AI Skill Premium Effect

How AI skills are changing SEO pay

Manager vs IC Pay

How leadership impacts salaries

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