The United Kingdom has emerged as the premier destination for search engine optimisation (SEO) professionals in Europe, according to a recent study. The research, conducted by SEO platform Ahrefs, ranked 17 European countries based on a range of industry factors, including salaries, job availability, and company ratings. With an average annual salary of €49,647 and a wealth of opportunities, the UK secured the top spot as the best country for an SEO career on the continent.
UK’s Dominance in the SEO Landscape
The study awarded the UK a score of 79.43 out of 100, solidifying its position as the leading country in Europe for SEO professionals. With an average salary of £42,582 (€49,647) and directors earning a median of £53,963 (€62,916) annually, the UK offers some of the highest earnings in the field. Moreover, the country boasts a significant number of SEO companies, with 5,033 firms nationwide—equivalent to 0.52 companies per 100,000 residents—making it one of the most vibrant SEO markets in Europe.
The abundance of companies and competitive salaries are key factors that make the UK an attractive location for SEO professionals. As businesses increasingly recognise the importance of SEO in enhancing digital marketing strategies, the demand for skilled professionals in this sector continues to rise. The UK’s robust digital economy, coupled with its strong job market, makes it a top choice for those looking to advance their careers in SEO.
Netherlands and Ireland: Strong Contenders
Following closely behind the UK, the Netherlands secured second place with a score of 72.51. Known for offering the highest number of SEO jobs per capita in Europe, the Netherlands averages 0.91 jobs per 100,000 residents. The country also provides a favourable work-life balance, with professionals working around 30 hours a week and earning an average annual salary of €46,839. This combination of job availability and decent remuneration makes the Netherlands a strong contender in the European SEO landscape.
Ireland also performed well in the study, ranking third with a score of 69.14. The country’s high ranking is attributed to its impressive number of SEO companies and strong employer ratings. With 310 SEO companies—equating to 0.52 per 100,000 people, matching the UK—Ireland presents ample opportunities for professionals in the field. Irish SEO professionals earn an average of €44,151 annually, working about 35 hours per week. Employee satisfaction is notably high, with companies in Ireland receiving an average rating of 4.83 out of 5 based on 148 reviews.
High Salaries but Limited Opportunities in Denmark and Germany
Denmark ranked fourth in the study with a score of 61.31, largely driven by the highest average salary in Europe. SEO professionals in Denmark earn an average of €133,409 annually, with directors commanding a median salary of €210,658. However, the country’s relatively small job market—hosting only 60 companies—detracts from its overall appeal, placing it just outside the top three.
Germany rounded out the top five with a score of 61.16. The country offers a solid average salary of €79,596 for SEO professionals, with senior figures earning up to €125,525 annually. Germany also has a sizeable number of SEO firms, with 872 companies nationwide, each averaging a high rating of 4.79 out of 5. While Germany’s salary levels and job opportunities are attractive, its overall ranking was slightly hindered by competition from countries with better work-life balance and higher employee satisfaction.
Switzerland, Belgium, and Beyond
Switzerland, Belgium, and Austria also featured prominently in the study. Switzerland, ranking sixth, offers the highest median salary for SEO managers in Europe at €97,670, despite having fewer companies. Belgium, with a score of 60.99, is home to 80 companies and offers an average salary of €53,559. Austria, though ranking lower at eighth place, earned high marks for employee satisfaction, with companies receiving a perfect average rating of five stars.
Sweden and Portugal also made the top 10, with Sweden ranking ninth and Portugal tenth. Both countries offer competitive salaries and strong company ratings, although job availability is slightly lower compared to the leading nations.
Growing Demand for SEO Professionals
Tim Soulo, Chief Marketing Officer at Ahrefs, commented on the findings: “As SEO becomes increasingly integral to digital marketing strategies, the demand for skilled professionals in this field is on the rise across Europe. The UK and the Netherlands, in particular, stand out as top locations for building a successful SEO career, thanks to their abundant opportunities and high employee satisfaction.”
With Europe proving to be a hotspot for SEO careers, professionals in this field can expect to find rewarding opportunities across the continent, particularly in the UK, Netherlands, and Ireland. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the importance of SEO in driving online success is set to grow, further enhancing the career prospects for those in the industry.
For more information, visit https://ahrefs.com/.