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Paid Search Associate Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

AdVictory

Associate Paid Media Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

About the Role: We're looking for an Associate Paid Media Manager to support the execution and optimization of digital advertising campaigns across social, search, and programmatic platforms. This is ...

Moore

Associate Director, Digital Strategy

Lanham, MD · Remote

As the Associate Director of Digital Strategy , you will provide leadership oversight of digital ... search, and paid social. * Lead strategy development, including content and cadence, for email ...

Omnicom

Senior Associate, Paid Media

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$59K - $65K/yr

Resolute has deep expertise in paid media, website analytics, search engine marketing, and ... Roles and Responsibilities The Sr. Associate, Paid Media would be responsible for executing day-to ...

Dufry

Stock Associate

Dulles, VA · On-site

$17.78/hr

Generous paid time off (vacation, flex or sick) * Holiday pay * *401(k) retirement plan * *Company ... Follow this link to reach our Job Search page to search for available jobs in a more accessible ...

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How much do paid search associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for paid search associate in Washington is $22.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.88 and $23.41 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 are the most commonly searched types of Paid Search jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Paid Search jobs in Washington are:

Paid Search Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Paid Search Associate job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,807 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Associate Vice President, Paid Search - EDU

Skydrop

Springfield, VA • On-site

$140 - $160/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

WHO WE ARE

Zeta Global (NYSE: ZETA) is the AI‑Powered Marketing Cloud that leverages advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and trillions of consumer signals to make it easier for marketers to acquire, grow, and retain customers more efficiently. Through the Zeta Marketing Platform (ZMP), our vision is to make sophisticated marketing simple by unifying identity, intelligence, and omnichannel activation into a single platform – powered by one of the industry’s largest proprietary databases and AI. Our enterprise customers across multiple verticals are empowered to personalize experiences with consumers at an individual level across every channel, delivering better results for marketing programs. Zeta was founded in 2007 by David A. Steinberg and John Sculley and is headquartered in New York City with offices around the world. To learn more, go to www.zetaglobal.com.


The Role

We’re looking for an Associate Vice President (AVP) of Paid Search to lead strategy, performance, and growth across a portfolio of Higher Education clients. This role is responsible for setting the vision for Paid Search within the vertical, scaling best‑in‑class performance frameworks, and driving measurable business outcomes across complex, multi‑account portfolios.


This role serves as a senior strategic partner to both clients and internal stakeholders. You will elevate our approach to enrollment marketing through data‑driven decisioning, advanced platform capabilities, and deep vertical expertise.


Thought Leadership

  • Define and evolve Paid Search strategy for Higher Education clients, aligned to enrollment cycles, program mix, and institutional goals

  • Translate industry trends (e.g., seasonality, program demand, attribution challenges) into scalable, actionable frameworks

  • Establish POVs on bidding strategies, funnel optimization, and audience targeting specific to EDU


Client Strategy & Leadership

  • Serve as executive sponsor across key EDU client relationships, guiding long‑term strategy and investment decisions

  • Oversee performance across portfolio, ensuring delivery against KPIs such as CPL, enrollment volume, and efficiency targets

  • Identify and unlock growth opportunities including new channels, budget expansion, and testing roadmaps

  • Lead QBRs and executive presentations with a focus on business outcomes and forward‑looking strategy


Team Leadership

  • Lead, mentor, and develop a Search team, ensuring strong performance management and career growth

  • Define team structure, resourcing models, and capacity planning to support current and future business needs

  • Elevate team capabilities in platform innovation

  • Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement


Performance Ownership

  • Ensure best‑in‑class execution across campaigns, including account structure, budget pacing, and optimization strategies

  • Implement standardized frameworks for testing, reporting, and performance analysis across accounts

  • Partner with analytics to refine attribution approaches and measurement strategies, particularly for long consideration cycles

  • Drive consistency and rigor in how insights are translated into action and client impact


Analysis & Reporting

  • Partner with analytics and ops teams to improve reporting, automation, and scalability

  • Monitor industry trends, platform changes, and competitive landscape

  • Deliver clear, data‑driven performance reports and insights to clients, diving into the “why” behind the data

  • Recommend testing strategies, budget allocation shifts, and bid strategy adjustments based on performance trends

  • Ensure accuracy, consistency, and timeliness of reporting


Qualifications

  • 12+ years of relevant paid search experience

  • Deep expertise in lead generation and performance marketing, ideally within Higher Education or similar verticals

  • Proven ability to manage and grow multimillion‑dollar budgets across Google Ads and Microsoft Ads

  • Strong track record of driving measurable business outcomes and client growth

  • Exceptional client communication and executive presence

  • Experience building and scaling teams, including talent development and organizational design

  • Advanced analytical mindset, with the ability to translate complex data into clear strategic direction


Benefits & Perks

  • Unlimited PTO

  • Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage

  • Employee Equity

  • Employee Discounts, Virtual Wellness Classes, and Pet Insurance And more!!


Salary Range

The salary range for this role is $140,000–$160,000, depending on location and experience.


People & Culture at Zeta

Zeta considers applicants for employment without regard to, and does not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability, status as a veteran, or national or ethnic origin; nor does Zeta discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.


We’re committed to building a workplace culture of trust and belonging, so everyone feels invited to bring their whole selves to work. We provide a forum for employees to celebrate, support and advocate for one another. Learn more about our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion here: https://zetaglobal.com/blog/a-look-into-zetas-ergs/


Zeta in the News

https://zetaglobal.com/press/?cat=press-releases

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