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Sem Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Forthea

Digital Media Specialist (SEO)

Houston, TX

Company Description Forthea is an award-winning digital marketing agency that improves lead ... Conduct keyword research and selection for SEO projects based on client needs * Analyze website ...

Forthea

Digital Media Specialist (SEO)

Houston, TX · On-site

Company Description Forthea is an award-winning digital marketing agency that improves lead ... Conduct keyword research and selection for SEO projects based on client needs * Analyze website ...

Forthea

Digital Media Specialist (SEO)

Houston, TX · On-site

Company Description Forthea is an award-winning digital marketing agency that improves lead ... Conduct keyword research and selection for SEO projects based on client needs * Analyze website ...

Coma Coffee Roasters

SEO Specialist

Houston, TX · On-site

$55 - $85/hr

As an SEO Specialist, you will be responsible for optimizing our website's visibility and organic ... Relevant certifications or degrees in digital marketing or related fields are a plus. #J-18808 ...

New

Talent Navigation Experts

Senior SEO Manager

Houston, TX · On-site

Partner with cross-functional teams, including developers, marketers, and leadership, to align SEO with broader objectives. * Analyze performance using industry-standard tools and present insights to ...

Talent Navigation Experts

Senior SEO Manager

Houston, TX · On-site

Partner with cross-functional teams, including developers, marketers, and leadership, to align SEO with broader objectives. * Analyze performance using industry-standard tools and present insights to ...

indiGO Auto Group

SEO Specialist

Houston, TX · On-site

$60 - $90/hr

Research and recommend SEO priorities for dealership websites within the strategic direction established by the Digital Marketing Manager. * Conduct keyword, competitor, search-intent, and content ...

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See Houston, TX salary details

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$119.4K

$127.5K

How much do sem jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for sem in Houston, TX is $119,371.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,600.00 and $124,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a SEM specialist?

SEM specialists, or Search Engine Marketing specialists, are professionals who manage and optimize paid advertising campaigns on search engines like Google and Bing. Their main goal is to increase website visibility and drive targeted traffic by using strategies such as pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, keyword research, and ad copywriting. SEM specialists analyze campaign performance, adjust bids and budgets, and ensure ads reach the right audience. They often work closely with SEO and digital marketing teams to maximize return on investment (ROI) and achieve marketing objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a SEM specialist?

To thrive as an SEM Specialist, you need expertise in digital marketing strategies, keyword research, campaign management, and typically a bachelor's degree in marketing or a related field. Familiarity with platforms such as Google Ads, Bing Ads, Google Analytics, and relevant certifications (e.g., Google Ads Certification) are crucial. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set top performers apart. These skills are vital for optimizing ad performance, maximizing ROI, and ensuring campaigns align with business objectives.

What are some common challenges faced by SEM specialists when managing multiple campaigns across different platforms?

SEM specialists often encounter challenges such as balancing budget allocations, maintaining consistent messaging, and keeping up with rapidly changing algorithms across platforms like Google Ads and Bing Ads. Managing multiple campaigns requires strong organizational skills to monitor performance metrics, optimize keywords, and ensure compliance with each platform's policies. Additionally, effective communication with clients or other departments is essential to align SEM strategies with broader marketing goals.

What is the difference between Sem vs SEO Specialist?

AspectSemSEO Specialist
Required CredentialsMarketing certifications, digital advertising experienceSEO certifications, web analytics knowledge
Work EnvironmentPaid advertising campaigns, PPC managementWebsite optimization, organic search strategies
Employer & Industry UsageAdvertising agencies, digital marketing firmsBusinesses with online presence, marketing agencies
Search & Comparison IntentPaid search, advertising strategiesOrganic search, website ranking improvements

Sem (Search Engine Marketing) focuses on paid advertising campaigns like PPC, while SEO Specialist concentrates on organic search optimization to improve website rankings. Both roles are essential in digital marketing but differ in methods and tools used.

How to become a search engine marketing specialist?

To become a search engine marketing (SEM) specialist, you should gain knowledge of digital marketing, learn how to use tools like Google Ads and analytics platforms, and develop skills in keyword research, ad copywriting, and campaign management. Earning certifications such as Google Ads Certification can enhance credibility, and gaining hands-on experience through internships or personal projects is valuable for building expertise.

What is a search engine marketing job?

A search engine marketing (SEM) job involves creating and managing paid advertising campaigns on search engines like Google and Bing to increase website visibility. SEM professionals use tools such as Google Ads and Bing Ads, analyze performance metrics, and optimize campaigns to improve return on investment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sem jobs in Houston, TX?

The most popular types of Sem jobs in Houston, TX are:

What are popular job titles related to Sem jobs in Houston, TX?

For Sem jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sem jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Sem jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Sem jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Sem job openings:

Sem jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sem job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,371 per year, or $57.4 per hour.

Digital Media Specialist (SEO)

Forthea

Houston, TX

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Forthea is an award-winning digital marketing agency that improves lead generation for clients by focusing on superior data analytics and creative executions that produce measurable results. Forthea's rock-solid commitment to core values and sustained business excellence has led to successful partnerships with a variety of B2B and B2C clients around the world. Forthea was founded in 2006 in Houston, where it maintains its U.S. corporate headquarters.

Forthea has been recognized as one of the best places to work in Houston, one of the fastest-growing companies in Houston, and one of the largest Houston-area advertising agencies. Forthea President Christopher Pappas has been recognized as one of Houston's top young business leaders.

Job Description

These roles are responsible for planning, optimizing, implementing and analyzing natural search engine marketing activities. This position is key to future growth and will be responsible for the top-to-bottom management of our clients' SEO & digital marketing activities. 

You will be working closely with senior planners and account management across the company and serve as an integral part of the service organization and the company's overall growth. Success at Forthea comes from someone who is naturally energetic, entrepreneurial, effective, humble and who simply hates to lose. 

Key Areas of Responsibility:

  • Conduct keyword research and selection for SEO projects based on client needs 
  • Analyze website architecture and document changes required for SEO 
  • Monitor, on an on-going basis, clients' SEO results and manage projects to ensure continued high rankings 
  • Provide ongoing support of all SEO initiatives including reporting, analysis and optimization recommendations 
  • Monitor campaign results, analyze key metrics, and optimize click-through and conversion rates 
  • Optimize landing pages for conversion and performance improvement 
  • Serve as liaison with SEO Vendor Tool contacts

Qualifications

  • 1-3 years SEO experience 
  • Good writing and verbal communication skills (including presentation skills) 
  • Strong analytic skills and ability to relate results to client business objectives 
  • Proficient at managing projects and able to multi-task, organize, prioritize and structure workload 
  • Proficient with Search engine interfaces, tracking tools (analytics) and procedures (both search and online) 
  • A thorough grounding in at least one of the following: technical SEO, SEO Content and/or Promotions/Linking.