Hiring a community manager or becoming one: what’s the better investment?

If you want it done right, you have to learn it yourself!

Community management—it’s everywhere, and the demand keeps growing. But here’s the question: should you hire a professional or learn the skill yourself?

I faced this exact dilemma. When I launched my own company, Quwa, I thought managing social media would be simple enough to handle internally. It wasn’t. Hiring a marketing agency only added frustration—high costs, disappointing results, and zero transparency. That’s when I realized: if I wanted it done right, I had to learn it myself.

In this article, I’ll share what I discovered about community management salaries, the challenges of the role, and why learning the skill yourself might be the smartest investment you make.

What does a community manager do?

A community manager isn’t just a social media expert—they’re the strategic heartbeat of your brand. They’re responsible for creating and sustaining a loyal community, representing your company’s identity, and ensuring every interaction aligns with your vision. Essentially, they’re your brand ambassador.

This role involves crafting engaging content, managing online forums or social media platforms, and building relationships with your audience. But a great community manager does much more. They know your brand’s tone and values inside out and act as its living, breathing representative online.

For example, in B2C industries like fashion or food, community managers might focus on creating visually striking campaigns or organizing giveaways to foster loyalty. In contrast, B2B managers often emphasize thought leadership and problem-solving through webinars or detailed blog content.

Creativity is their superpower. But staying relevant requires constant vigilance. A great community manager keeps an eye on competitors, monitors industry trends, and adapts quickly to changes. They don’t just react; they anticipate, ensuring your brand stays one step ahead.

Finally, they rely on tools like Hootsuite, Buffer, or Discord to streamline their work. These platforms help them analyze engagement metrics, schedule content, and maintain seamless communication with their audience.

In short, this role is as strategic as it is creative, demanding a unique blend of analytical and interpersonal skills.

Is community manager a stressful job?

Imagine spending weeks crafting a campaign only to see minimal engagement. For a community manager, this can be disheartening, especially when internal stakeholders expect quick wins. This creates a dual stress: managing external community expectations while navigating internal pressure.

There’s also the constant demand for creativity. In an age of TikTok trends and viral content, community managers can’t afford to stay stagnant. They need to continuously innovate, balancing content creation, audience interaction, and trend analysis. Add to this the need for constant vigilance, ensuring that no opportunity—or potential crisis—slips through the cracks.

Despite these challenges, the rewards can be immense. There’s nothing quite like seeing a community thrive, knowing you played a key role in fostering that growth.

What is the average salary of a community manager?

The average community management salary depends on factors like location, industry, and experience. In the U.S., entry-level community managers earn between $45,000 and $60,000 annually, while mid-level roles range from $60,000 to $75,000. Those with specialized expertise or seniority can earn $90,000 or more.

Globally, salaries vary widely. In Europe, community managers typically earn between €25,000 and €50,000 per year. In regions like Asia or Latin America, salaries are often lower, reflecting local market standards.

Freelancers and remote workers often set project-based fees, which can sometimes surpass full-time salaries if they manage multiple clients. For instance, a freelance manager might charge $2,000–$5,000 per month per client, depending on the scope of work.

What is the highest salary for a community manager?

Experienced community managers in specialized industries or leadership roles can command salaries exceeding $150,000 annually. For example, high-level managers in tech companies or Web3 organizations often earn six figures, thanks to their niche expertise and strategic impact.

Freelancers, especially those managing multiple clients, can also achieve high incomes. The key is demonstrating the ability to build loyal, engaged communities that directly contribute to business goals.

Roles that blend community management with strategy, such as Director of Community Engagement, often come with even higher pay. These professionals lead teams, shape long-term strategies, and have a direct impact on a brand’s growth.

Advantages and disadvantages of working as a community manager

Advantages

Creativity unleashed

The role allows you to design campaigns, experiment with ideas, and connect with people in unique ways.

Flexibility

Many community managers work remotely or enjoy flexible hours.

Impact

You can directly see the results of your work, from increased engagement to stronger brand loyalty.

Disadvantages

Constant pressure

Being the voice of a brand means always being “on,” which can be draining.

Emotional labor

Handling complaints, criticism, or crises takes a toll.

Fast-paced evolution

Staying up-to-date with trends and tools requires continuous learning.

What are the educational requirements for becoming a community manager?

While many community managers have degrees in marketing, communication, or related fields, formal education isn’t always necessary. What matters most are skills: strategy, creativity, and the ability to engage audiences effectively.

When I looked for training myself, I noticed a gap. Most courses were heavy on theory but didn’t offer enough real-world application. That’s why Quwa’s bootcamps focus on 90% practice, teaching participants to create strategies, run campaigns, and analyze results like pros.

Certifications like Hootsuite’s social media marketing course or Google Analytics are also excellent for gaining technical expertise.

Why become a community manager?

Becoming a community manager is more than just acquiring a skill—it’s stepping into a role that combines creativity, strategy, and connection. In today’s digital world, managing a brand’s community is a cornerstone for building visibility, trust, and long-term growth.

Mastering community management means gaining the power to influence, inspire, and engage directly with your audience. You’re not just pushing content; you’re creating a dialogue that humanizes your brand and strengthens its identity. Whether it’s through crafting impactful campaigns, engaging with followers, or navigating challenges, a skilled community manager becomes indispensable to any organization.

But here’s where the real value lies: learning these skills makes you autonomous. You’re no longer dependent on external agencies to run your campaigns or manage your online presence. Instead, you gain control—control over your messaging, your strategy, and your results. And when done effectively, community management doesn’t just support your brand; it drives it forward.

For entrepreneurs, freelancers, and marketers, this skill opens doors to career growth and opportunities. Whether you’re building your own business or managing one for someone else, community management puts you at the helm of influence and impact.

Skipping the community management salary: the ROI of learning it yourself

At first, I thought outsourcing my marketing and community management to an agency would save me time and deliver stellar results. But the reality was far from what I’d expected. The agencies I worked with didn’t truly understand my brand. How could they? No one knows your vision, values, or audience better than you or someone dedicated to your company.

While these agencies did their best, the results lacked authenticity, and the costs were astronomical. On top of that, they offered little to no transparency in their processes. Their strategies might have worked for other clients, but they weren’t tailored to the unique needs of my business.

That’s when I realized: the best person to manage a brand’s community is someone who lives and breathes that brand—someone within the company. Taking the time to learn these skills in-house was not just a cost-effective solution; it gave me unparalleled control over my messaging and allowed me to build deeper connections with my audience.

When you learn community management yourself, you gain independence. You’re no longer at the mercy of high-priced agencies or stuck with cookie-cutter solutions. Instead, you’re equipped to engage your audience directly, with authenticity and agility. It’s an investment in your business and your growth that pays off in more ways than one.

How Quwa can help you become a community manager?

At Quwa, we don’t just teach theory—we give you the tools, confidence, and hands-on experience to become your own community manager. Our bootcamps are designed for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and professionals who want to take control of their marketing and community-building efforts without relying on costly intermediaries.

What makes Quwa unique?
Our program isn’t about sitting through PowerPoints or listening to long lectures. From the very start, you’re immersed in 90% practical learning, where you’ll manage real campaigns, create compelling content, and analyze results as you go.

We also emphasize strategy. You’ll learn how to craft a community management plan tailored to your unique goals, audience, and industry. From creating impactful messaging to leveraging analytics, we ensure you have a clear roadmap for success.

And it doesn’t stop there. Quwa is about more than just acquiring skills; it’s about transforming the way you approach challenges. By training in immersive environments—handpicked locations designed to inspire creativity—you’ll be free from distractions, fully focused on your growth. This setting, combined with small group sizes, ensures a personalized experience.

With two dedicated coaches guiding you, you’ll receive the support and feedback you need to master community management. By the end of the program, you won’t just feel ready—you’ll be ready, equipped with practical knowledge and the confidence to execute it.

create, strategize, and master your digital presence

Bringing it all together

making the better investment

Hiring someone may seem convenient but...

Deciding between hiring a community manager and learning the role yourself isn’t just about cost—it’s about value. When you bring community management in-house, you’re investing in more than just a skill; you’re investing in control, authenticity, and long-term growth.

Hiring someone externally may seem convenient, but agencies or freelancers will never understand your brand as deeply as you do. They can’t replicate your passion, your vision, or your personal connection to your audience. This is where learning community management shines: it allows you to embody your brand fully and communicate with authenticity that no outsider can match.

Yes, it takes effort. Building a thriving community is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be challenges—low engagement at first, campaigns that don’t immediately take off, and the constant need to innovate. But these are challenges worth embracing because the rewards far outweigh the struggles.

When you invest in yourself, you’re not just saving money; you’re unlocking the power to influence, inspire, and connect on a deeper level. With the right training, tools, and mindset, you can create a community that drives your brand forward and builds lasting relationships with your audience.

At Quwa, we make that journey achievable. By equipping you with real-world skills, practical experience, and the confidence to execute, we ensure that your investment in learning community management pays dividends—not just for your business, but for your personal growth as well.

So, what’s the better investment? The answer is simple: you.

Ready to Invest in Yourself?