The short answer
In 2026, social media management typically costs $500 to $5,000 or more per month. Jen's starts at $2,500 a month.
Jen Newcombe, a co-founder of The App Chicks, has managed social media since 2007. She calls these "general market ranges, not standardized industry rates." What's included changes the price a lot.
The ranges, in Jen's words
Jen lays out the market this way. She stresses the services included can vary dramatically.
| Monthly price | What it often is |
|---|---|
| $500 to $1,500 | Entry-level freelancers, limited posting or a smaller scope |
| $1,500 to $3,000 | Experienced independents with fuller planning, management and strategy |
| $3,000 to $5,000+ | Experienced managers and agencies with more channels and involved content |
| $10,000+ | Larger agencies or programs with production teams, ads and several specialists |
She also cites Sprout Social's 2026 guide. It puts agency packages at commonly $2,000 to $10,000 or more a month, and freelancers at generally $500 to $3,000.
What $2,500 a month gets you
At Jen Jamē Media, social media management starts at $2,500 per month. Jen says her starting services include:
- Management of three social media channels
- Light Reel editing
- Two meetings per month
- Other management and content services
It's month-to-month with no contracts.
What costs extra
Jen says a monthly fee usually doesn't include everything. These services may cost extra:
- On-site video filming at your business.
- Founder and employee interviews.
- Advanced video editing for complex Reels or promotional videos.
- Professional photography.
- Paid advertising management.
- More social media channels.
- Community management, when it isn't in the package.
Filming is worth asking about before you sign. A manager may edit footage you provide without ever visiting your business. Those are two separate services.
Ad spend is a separate cost too. What you pay a manager to run ads is different from what you pay Meta, TikTok, Pinterest or Google to show them.
Why price alone is a poor guide
Jen says she's often the person brands hire "after they've hired and fired the $500-a-month social media manager." She describes taking over accounts with badly cropped images, unreadable text, sloppy bios and little consistency.
She is careful here. A low price doesn't automatically mean a bad hire. Some experienced managers charge older rates, and some are just starting out.
Her concern is the owner who compares a $500 proposal to a $2,500 one and assumes the only difference is price. She says, "You're paying for that judgment."
Questions to ask before you hire
Jen recommends asking lots of questions, including:
- How many posts and Stories are included each month?
- Which channels are included?
- Who creates the photos and videos?
- Are in-person filming sessions included?
- Who answers comments and direct messages?
- How often will we meet, and how is content approved?
- How do you measure success?
- Will the strategy be customized for my business?
She'd be wary of anyone whose strategy never changes. Defined deliverables are fine. You should know exactly what you're paying for.
Freelancer, agency or in-house
Jen says there's no universally correct answer. An independent can give you direct contact with an experienced professional.
An agency may suit a business that needs a larger team for video, ads and design. An in-house hire can work when you have a constant stream of content to capture.
Her tip is to find out who is actually doing the work, and how much experience that person has.
Who this isn't for
If you want basic posting with content you already have, a lower-priced service may be enough. Jen says so herself. For an experienced strategist who shapes your message, Jen says to expect to invest more.
Keep reading
- Do I need a social media manager, or should I keep doing it myself?
- Is hiring a social media manager worth it?
- What does a social media audit include?
- Source: Jen's article, How Much Does Social Media Management Cost in 2026?
Book with Jen
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