Filipino social media managers talk openly about rates in their online communities.
And what they say is worth more than any survey.
Multiple people said anything under $260-350 USD for full social media management is lowball territory.
Even for relatively junior work.
And there was someone charging $1,300 USD per month for three social media accounts.
That included video editing, copywriting, ad targeting, posting, and monthly reports with KPIs.
Same job title. Completely different scope and pay. Here’s what you should know
Stop Guessing on Rates.
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Entry-Level: The Scheduling-and-Posting Person
Let’s say you need someone to handle the basics.
They’re taking content you’ve already created and scheduling it. Maybe some light engagement. Responding to comments.
Your budget could run at $450 USD per month.
This works if you’re already creating the content yourself and just need reliable hands to keep the machine running.
Mid-Level: The Content Creator
Now you want someone who can actually create.
They’re writing captions. Designing graphics. Maybe doing basic video edits. They’re building the content calendar.
They’re engaging with your community strategically, not just reactively.
Budget: $800 USD per month.
Some Filipino SMMs working with foreign clients are charging this per client if the workload is significant. That’s important to know.
Senior/Strategic: The Person Running the Show
This is when you’re hiring someone who actually knows what they’re doing at a strategic level.
They’re developing content strategy. Directing how your brand shows up. Handling advanced video editing.
Writing high-level copy. Managing ad campaigns. Building targeting strategies. Creating monthly performance reports. Teaching you what metrics actually matter.
Multiple platforms. Potentially multiple brands. The works.
For the scope of work the fair pay should be $800-1,300+ USD per month.
What Drives the Price Up
It’s not random. Specific things make the job harder and should cost more.
Number of platforms. Managing Instagram alone is different from Instagram + Facebook + TikTok + LinkedIn.
Content creation from scratch. If they’re ideating, writing, designing, and scheduling, that’s more valuable than just scheduling pre-made content.
Video editing. This is huge. Short-form video editing is time-intensive. If you want Reels, TikToks, and YouTube Shorts created weekly, expect to pay in the $700-1,300+ USD range.
Strategy and reporting. Monthly reports, KPI tracking, and actual strategic thinking (not just posting) consistently push rates higher.
Ad management. Running paid campaigns, optimizing ad spend, A/B testing—that’s a different skill set that commands more money.
Number of brands. Managing social media for one business is manageable. Managing it for three separate brands with different audiences? That’s genuinely three times the work.
Agency vs. Direct Hire
Some companies use EORs (Employer of Record) or agencies to hire Filipino social media managers.
These services handle payroll, compliance, and retention.
Full-time SMM placements through these providers often start around $1,800 USD per month.
That’s significantly higher than hiring a contractor directly. If you’re hiring for convenience, that model might make sense.
If you’re testing the waters or want more control, hiring a freelancer directly on a job platform will give you more flexibility.
How to Negotiate Rates With a Social Media Manager
Here’s how to approach it without making things awkward:
Be transparent about your budget from the start.
Let them propose the scope. Instead of dictating exactly what you want for your budget, share the range and ask what they can realistically deliver.
Test their skills first. Before committing to a full hire, create a small trial task. Have them design 3 social posts for your brand. You’ll see how they actually work, not just how they interview.
Adjust rates when scope changes. Adding a new platform? More posts per week? Video editing? Bump the rate explicitly. Don’t assume it’s included in the original agreement.
Reward results. When someone shows you real metrics (engagement going up, reach growing, conversions improving) increase their pay.
Test Before You Commit.
HireTalent.ph’s trial task system lets you assign paid sample work, review submissions, and only hire SMMs who actually deliver.
The Mistake Most People Make
They think hiring in the Philippines means “as cheap as possible.”
Wrong.
It means accessing great talent at a fair rate compared to hiring domestically. That’s the actual value.
If you hire someone at $260 USD when the work clearly demands $700 USD, you’ll get what you pay for.
Maybe they take on five other clients to make up the income. Maybe they leave after two months. Maybe they just phone it in.
You’re not saving money. You’re creating a problem.
The Filipino SMMs who are really good at what they do know their worth.
If you want someone who’s going to care about your brand and do great work, pay them fairly.
One More Thing
If you post a job and you’re not sure what to offer, just say that.
“I’m budgeting around $X per month for this scope, but I’m open to discussion based on your experience.”
You’ll get honest responses. Some people will pass. Some will counter. Some will say yes.
That’s how you find the right match.
Not by pretending you have all the answers. But by being honest about what you need and what you can pay.
And then hiring someone who’s honest right back.
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