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Paid Search Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Paid Search Associate Director

New York, NY · On-site +1

$70K - $100K/yr

As a Paid Search Associate, you bring strong hands-on experience managing paid search campaigns focused on ecommerce and direct response performance. You are comfortable operating directly in ...

$100 - $110/hr

The paid search associate media director is responsible for the daily management of assigned accounts and media teams. This role oversees the development, presentation, implementation and ...

Reporting to the Supervisor or Associate Director of Paid Search, you'll drive performance through innovative, data-driven strategies that deliver real results for our clients. Key Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Supervisor or Associate Director of Paid Search, you'll drive performance through innovative, data-driven strategies that deliver real results for our clients. Key Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Supervisor or Associate Director of Paid Search, you'll drive performance through innovative, data-driven strategies that deliver real results for our clients. Key Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Supervisor or Associate Director of Paid Search, you'll drive performance through innovative, data-driven strategies that deliver real results for our clients. Key Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Supervisor or Associate Director of Paid Search, you'll drive performance through innovative, data-driven strategies that deliver real results for our clients. Key Responsibilities:

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Paid Search Associate information

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How much do paid search associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for paid search associate in the United States is $19.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a paid search associate?

Paid Search Associates are marketing professionals who manage and optimize online advertising campaigns, primarily on platforms like Google Ads and Bing Ads. Their main responsibility is to increase a company's visibility through paid search results, drive targeted traffic to websites, and maximize return on investment for ad spend. They conduct keyword research, write ad copy, analyze campaign performance, and implement strategies to improve results. Paid Search Associates often work closely with marketing teams to align campaigns with overall business goals and ensure effective use of advertising budgets.

What are some common challenges a paid search associate faces when managing multiple campaigns simultaneously?

A Paid Search Associate often juggles several campaigns across different clients or products, which can make it challenging to maintain optimal performance for each. Common issues include prioritizing tasks, ensuring consistent keyword optimization, and effectively allocating budgets to maximize ROI. Time management and attention to detail are critical, as even minor oversights can impact campaign performance. Collaborating closely with account managers and creative teams is crucial to keep messaging consistent and quickly implement strategy adjustments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a paid search associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Paid Search Associate, you need strong analytical skills, a solid understanding of digital marketing concepts, and experience with platforms like Google Ads and Microsoft Advertising, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with tools such as Google Analytics, bid management systems, and certifications like Google Ads Certification are highly valuable. Attention to detail, adaptability, and strong communication skills help you optimize campaigns and collaborate effectively with team members or clients. These skills ensure effective campaign management, maximize ROI, and drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced digital environment.

What is the difference between Paid Search Associate vs PPC Specialist?

AspectPaid Search AssociatePPC Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in marketing, advertising, or related field; certifications like Google Ads are commonSimilar credentials; often holds Google Ads certification and relevant marketing degrees
Work EnvironmentEntry-level role in digital marketing teams, often in agencies or in-house marketing departmentsMore specialized, may involve managing larger campaigns, often in digital marketing agencies or corporate teams
Industry UsageCommonly used in marketing and advertising industries for entry-level rolesUsed across digital marketing sectors, focusing on paid advertising campaigns
Comparison Search IntentHigh overlap; both focus on paid search campaigns and digital advertising

The Paid Search Associate and PPC Specialist roles share many similarities, including required certifications and work environments. The main difference lies in experience level and campaign complexity, with PPC Specialists typically handling more advanced campaigns. Both roles are essential in digital marketing teams focused on paid search advertising.

How to get a job in paid search?

To get a job as a Paid Search Associate, candidates should develop skills in digital marketing, data analysis, and familiarity with platforms like Google Ads and Bing Ads. Gaining relevant certifications such as Google Ads Certification and building experience through internships or entry-level roles can improve prospects. Strong analytical abilities and understanding of keyword research, ad copywriting, and campaign optimization are essential for success in this role.

Is paid search a good career?

Paid search is a viable career option for those interested in digital marketing, as it involves managing online advertising campaigns using platforms like Google Ads and Bing Ads. The role requires analytical skills, familiarity with tools, and often benefits from certifications, with job growth driven by increasing online advertising budgets.

What cities are hiring for Paid Search Associate jobs?

Cities with the most Paid Search Associate job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Paid Search jobs?

The most popular types of Paid Search jobs are:

What states have the most Paid Search Associate jobs?

States with the most job openings for Paid Search Associate jobs include:

Infographic showing various Paid Search Associate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,327 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Urban Outfitters Paid Search Manager

Philadelphia, PA • On-site


URBN

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 104 rated fashion retailers

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Respectful managers


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Role Summary

URBN is hiring a results-oriented and analytical Paid Search Manager with deep expertise in paid search to drive the growth of our paid marketing program(s) and accelerate new user acquisition for the Urban Outfitters brand. As the Paid Search Manager, you will play a key role on managing and optimizing significant investments across Google and Microsoft Ads, while closely tracking performance and cost-efficiency metrics.

We're looking for a strong leader who is highly data-driven, constantly looking to elevate execution, challenge existing processes, and champion organization and automation to scale impact and improve outcomes. Members of the team will regularly collaborate with a wide range of cross-functional partners across both the individual brands and broader URBN to share action-oriented insights and drive business.

Role Responsibilities
  • Oversee budget management for multi-million-dollar program(s).
  • Assist with budget planning and forecasting. Recommend adjustments to investment amounts to ensure Paid Search contributes appropriately to overall brand goals.
  • In partnership with Paid Search Associates, own daily flighting, including budget/target adjustments. Communicate directly with brand(s) regarding any shifts or changes needed to keep campaigns on course.
  • Oversee full account performance; provide initial screening and resolution for shifts or changes that impact business outcomes.
  • Closely monitor account performance on a daily + weekly basis with assistance from Paid Search Associates. Understand how and why core metrics are trending over time.
  • Work with Associates to roll out optimizations based on account trends and report back on how they are impacting the business.
  • Track and monitor reporting across full program on a regular basis (weekly, monthly, quarterly).
  • Identify new reports and dashboards that will help identify shifts or trends across the program.
  • Share paid search trends (search terms, competitive shifts, top products) with broader business to help guide decisioning.
  • Partner with Paid Search Director and brand business partners on strategic testing roadmap.
  • Work with Director to develop and maintain quarterly roadmap in line with business needs and new feature roll outs.
  • Own major test roll outs - EX launching AI Max, major structural overhauls, new bidding features (Smart Bidding Exploration), etc.
  • Create measurement and reporting plan for tests. Partner with Associates to ensure both stay regularly updated.
  • Own final analysis + wrap reports to be shared with broader search team and brand partners
  • Lead collaboration across the search team. Manage Paid Search Associate(s) sharing expertise and encouraging growth.
  • Collaborate with internal teams such as creative, merchandising, and social media to ensure that paid search strategies align with overall brand objectives and messaging.
  • Stay current on the latest industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies to continually improve campaign performance and drive innovation.
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with search engine partners, such as Google and Bing, to capitalize on new opportunities and stay informed on platform updates.
Role Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field.
  • 5-7+ years of hands-on experience in SEM or performance marketing, preferably in the retail industry.
  • In-depth knowledge of Google Ads, Google Analytics, SA360 (or similar) and Microsoft Advertising.
  • Experience managing complex Paid Search programs with activations across Text and Shopping/PMAX.
  • Feed knowledge a plus.
  • Prior experience leading, managing, or mentoring junior teammates.
  • Strong analytical skills and data-driven mindset, with the ability to interpret and communicate complex data effectively.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
  • Familiarity with other digital marketing channels, such as SEO, YouTube, and Display a plus

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The Perks

URBN offers comprehensive Perks & Benefits to employees. Availability and eligibility to specific benefits may be subject to your location and employment status. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, PTO, generous employee discounts, retirement savings and much more! For additional information visit www.urbn.com/work-with-us/benefits 

EEO Statement

URBN celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression), religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. We believe strongly in fostering a safe, fair and respectful work environment. To ensure compliance with our non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, we offer anti-harassment training to managers and employees.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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