2023 Community Industry Report: Exploring Salary Trends and Insights

If you happened to miss it, a few weeks ago, we unveiled the highly anticipated 2023 Community Industry Report. This annual release, now in its fifth year, represents a significant milestone in our unwavering commitment to the community industry. It's not just your typical report – we'd describe it as a part report, part manifesto, and a part love letter to the community industry.

At its core, this report captures the essence of two contrasting themes: contraction and commitment. On the one hand, the industry is experiencing notable changes and adapting to a shifting landscape. On the other hand, there's an unwavering dedication to the industry's growth, coupled with an unyielding determination to overcome challenges.

While our report delves into various aspects of the community industry, including community investment, team structures, impact, and more, in this article, we will shift our focus to a pivotal topic: the community professional profile, specifically examining the latest insights on community professional salaries for 2023.

But why is the analysis of salary data so crucial? By collecting, analyzing, and sharing this information, we aim to empower individuals within the community industry. Moreover, this invaluable data not only equips you with the tools to evaluate your own salary against industry benchmarks but also offers guidance for making informed decisions about your career journey within the community industry. With this data-backed knowledge, you can confidently negotiate fair compensation at your current job or approach potential employers armed with a comprehensive understanding of industry standards.

Before we dive into the fascinating details of the community professional profile, we encourage you to check out the full 2023 Community Industry Report. It's available as a free download and offers a comprehensive analysis of the industry, providing a wealth of valuable information.

So, without further ado, let's continue with the information you've come here to find, shall we?

How We Did It

In gathering the data for this year's report, we reached out to community professionals worldwide. We received valuable insights from individuals working within organizations or providing consultancy services. We also extended the invitation to those who are currently unemployed, understanding that their perspectives contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the industry.

It's important to note that while we had representation from 25 countries, the data we're sharing here focuses specifically on salaries within the United States. Unfortunately, we didn't receive enough responses from other regions to provide statistically significant insights.

Additionally, we want to be transparent about our methodology, so it's worth mentioning that some of our sample sizes are small. However, even with these limitations, the data collected still provides valuable insights into the salary landscape of the community industry.

The Community Landscape: Roles, Levels, and Team Structures

Describing the Nature of Community-Building Work

In our survey, we asked community professionals to describe the nature of their community-building work. Here's a breakdown of their responses:

Professional Levels in the Community Industry

When it comes to professional levels, we observed the following distribution in 2023:

Comparing the data to the previous year, we noticed some shifts:

• The distribution in 2022 was similar, with 19% Associates or Specialists.
• There was an increase in Manager (42%), Director (20%), and VP (2%) positions.
• However, there was a decrease in Executive or C-level positions from 5% to 2% and Founder positions from 8% to 2%. 

Beyond Community: Diverse Responsibilities

Community professionals often have diverse responsibilities beyond community building. Here's a glimpse of what they work on in addition to their community-related tasks in 2023:

Comparing to 2022, the data shows slight shifts in these additional responsibilities, with increases in Marketing, Communications, Social Media, and HR/People Ops.

Where Do Community Teams Fit Within Organizations?

Lastly, we examined the departments where community teams are situated within organizations:

Comparing to 2022, there were slight variations in departmental distribution, such as a decrease in the standalone Community department and in Customer Success, Product, and Engineering departments.

2023 Community Professional Salaries

Even though job descriptions in the community industry can vary greatly, one question we often receive from community managers is about appropriate salary ranges. While salaries depend on factors like responsibilities, years of experience, and location, we can provide some insights based on the data we collected. It's worth noting that salaries have increased since last year, when we began collecting this data.

Please note again that we did not receive enough data from regions outside the US to provide statistically significant insights. Therefore, all the data we share here pertains to US-based salaries. Furthermore, please keep in mind that some of our sample sizes are small.

By Level:

In 2023, here's a breakdown of average salaries by level:

By Years of Experience:

Looking at salaries based on years of experience in 2023:

Comparing to 2022, there were some variations in average salaries based on years of experience. We can see an increase in 3-4 years and 5-9 years of experience salaries. Yet, a decrease in +10 years of experience salaries throughout the years. 

Use Data to Shape Your Community-Building Career

In conclusion, this analysis offers valuable insights that can shape the trajectory of your career in the industry. By utilizing this data, you can make informed decisions and negotiate salaries that reflect your experience and contributions.

Understanding the salary landscape is essential for community professionals looking to advance their careers and ensure fair compensation. The insights provided in this report serve as a compass, guiding you through the intricacies of the industry and helping you navigate the path to success.

Remember, salaries can vary based on factors such as responsibilities, years of experience, and location. Having access to this data allows you to benchmark your own salary and advocate for yourself effectively. Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently approach negotiations and secure the compensation you deserve.

We encourage you to take full advantage of the insights provided in the 2023 Community Industry Report. Dive into the comprehensive analysis, explore the trends, and delve deeper into the rich data we've collected. Let it serve as a resource to empower your decision-making and fuel your ambition in the industry.