SEO specialists in the United States earn between $57,000 and $85,000 annually on average in 2025, with entry-level positions starting around $44,000 and senior professionals commanding $100,000 to $130,000+. Your actual salary depends heavily on experience, location, technical skills, and specialization.
If you’re considering an SEO career, negotiating an offer, or benchmarking your current compensation, understanding the salary landscape gives you leverage. The digital marketing field continues evolving rapidly, but SEO specialists remain among the most in-demand professionals—93% of online experiences begin with a search engine, making organic visibility critical for business growth.
This guide breaks down current salary data from multiple authoritative sources, reveals what drives higher compensation, and provides actionable strategies to maximize your earning potential.
What Is an SEO Specialist Salary?
What is the average salary for an SEO specialist? The answer varies by data source, but most platforms report figures between $55,000 and $85,000 for 2025:
💰 SEO Specialist Salary: Source Comparison (2025)
Average salary data from 5 leading platforms—compare ranges and methodology
📊 Quick Comparison Summary
Understanding the Variance
Different platforms use different data collection methods. Glassdoor relies on self-reported salaries from current employees. ZipRecruiter aggregates job postings. PayScale surveys a broad market sample. Indeed combines job posting data with user reports. Built In focuses on tech companies and startups. Use multiple sources for the most accurate picture of your market value.
Reconciled methodological discrepancies across research sources.
This variance is expected and I should explain why. The documents show different methodologies and sample populations. I’ll explain this briefly.
The variance reflects different methodologies—Glassdoor captures companies willing to pay premium rates, while PayScale surveys a broader market sample. For practical planning, expect $65,000–$75,000 as a realistic benchmark for mid-market positions.
Key percentiles to know:
- 25th percentile: $53,000 (entry-level to early-career)
- 50th percentile: $67,000 (mid-level with 3-5 years)
- 75th percentile: $75,000 (experienced specialists)
- 90th percentile: $90,000+ (senior specialists and managers)
Most SEO specialists receive more than base salary. Expect annual bonuses of $3,000–$8,000 tied to KPIs like traffic growth, ranking improvements, and conversion increases. Total compensation often reaches $70,000–$95,000 when you factor in benefits, remote work flexibility, and performance incentives.
SEO Specialist Salary Distribution 2025
National salary ranges by experience level and percentile
Salary Range by Experience Level
💡 Key Insights
- The median SEO specialist earns $67,000 annually in 2025
- Top earners (90th percentile) make 35% more than the median
- Most professionals fall between $53,000-$75,000 (25th-75th percentile)
- Senior specialists with specialized skills can exceed $130,000+
SEO Specialist Salary by Experience Level
Experience is the strongest predictor of compensation. The progression from entry to senior level can double your salary within 5-7 years.
Entry-Level SEO Specialists (0-3 Years)
Salary Range: $44,000–$64,000
Average: $52,000–$57,000
Entry-level specialists handle foundational tasks—keyword research, basic on-page optimization, site audits, and analytics monitoring. You’re learning industry-standard tools like Google Analytics, Search Console, SEMrush, and Ahrefs while building your portfolio.
Professionals with less than one year of experience earn around $44,597, while those with 1-3 years reach approximately $64,488 annually. Most entry positions require a bachelor’s degree in marketing or related fields, though strong certifications and demonstrable skills can substitute for formal education.
Key responsibilities at this level:
- Conducting keyword research and competitive analysis
- Optimizing meta tags, headers, and content
- Running basic technical audits using Screaming Frog
- Monitoring rankings and traffic in analytics platforms
- Supporting senior team members on strategy execution
Mid-Level SEO Specialists (3-5 Years)
Salary Range: $70,000–$85,000
Average: $75,000–$80,000
Mid-level specialists work independently, own strategy execution, and directly impact business growth through measurable KPIs. These professionals earn approximately $85,380 annually and execute SEO strategies that influence business outcomes.
Your responsibilities expand to include technical SEO audits, link-building campaigns, content strategy development, and stakeholder presentations. Many specialists at this level develop expertise in specific areas like local SEO, e-commerce optimization, or technical SEO—specializations that push salaries toward the higher end.
Senior-Level SEO Specialists (5+ Years)
Salary Range: $85,000–$130,000+
Average: $95,000–$113,000
Senior specialists with 5-7+ years of experience bring strategic thinking and leadership, often managing teams or consulting with executives on digital strategy. You’re no longer just executing tactics—you’re shaping organizational SEO direction and proving ROI.
Senior roles often carry titles like SEO Manager, SEO Director, or Head of SEO. SEO directors earn median salaries of $97,468, with top performers at major companies exceeding $165,000 annually. At this level, compensation frequently includes bonuses (10-20% of base), profit-sharing, and equity options.
🚀 SEO Career Progression Roadmap
Your pathway from entry-level to director: salary growth, timeline, and key skills at each stage
SEO Director
12+ years experience
SEO Manager
8-12 years experience
Senior SEO Specialist
5-8 years experience
Mid-Level SEO Specialist
3-5 years experience
Entry-Level SEO Specialist
0-3 years experience
🔑 Career Progression Insights
The jump from entry to mid-level shows the highest percentage increase (+32%), typically occurring after 3 years when you prove independent capability.
Technical SEO skills and programming knowledge accelerate progression from mid to senior level, commanding premium salaries.
Moving into management (Manager/Director) requires strong leadership skills, not just technical expertise, and adds $50K+ to your salary.
Progression isn’t strictly time-based—exceptional performers can advance faster by delivering measurable business results and acquiring new skills quickly.
Ready to Climb the Ladder?
Focus on developing skills at your current level while building expertise for the next. Document your results, pursue relevant certifications, and network actively to accelerate your career progression.
Geographic Impact: Where SEO Specialists Earn the Most
Location dramatically affects compensation. High-paying cities like San Jose offer salaries of $95,000-$101,000, while tech hubs command 20-50% premiums over the national average.
Top-Paying U.S. Cities for SEO Specialists
🏙️ Top-Paying Cities for SEO Specialists (2025)
Where location makes the biggest difference in your earning potential
💡 Geographic Salary Insights
Consider Cost of Living
A $95K salary in San Jose has similar purchasing power to $65K in Denver due to housing costs being 145% above national average. When evaluating offers, use cost-of-living calculators to compare real take-home value. Remote work increasingly allows professionals to earn coastal salaries while living in more affordable markets.
California leads with an average of $60,736, while Wyoming sits at the lower end around $49,458. However, purchasing power equations often even out—a $75,000 salary in Denver provides a similar lifestyle to $95,000 in San Francisco.
The Remote Work Advantage
Remote SEO positions command an average salary of $81,644, representing a 21% premium over on-site roles. This trend has democratized access to high-paying positions, allowing professionals in lower-cost areas to earn tech hub salaries while maximizing purchasing power.
Remote work also saves $3,000–$8,000 annually in commuting costs and provides flexibility that many professionals value as much as compensation.
💼 SEO Specialist Salary by State (2025)
Click any state to view top-paying cities • Includes cost-of-living adjustments
About This Data
Salaries represent average annual compensation for SEO Specialists as of September 2025. Cost-of-living adjusted figures show relative purchasing power. Data compiled from ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, and PayScale. Click any state for top 3 cities.
Skills That Command Higher SEO Salaries
Technical SEO specialists often command 15-25% higher salaries than generalists. Your specific skill set directly correlates with earning potential.
High-Value Technical Competencies
Technical SEO Mastery (+$15,000–$25,000)
- Site architecture and crawlability optimization
- Core Web Vitals and page speed improvements
- JavaScript rendering and single-page application SEO
- Schema markup and structured data implementation
- International SEO with hreflang configurations
Data Analytics & Visualization (+$10,000–$18,000)
- Advanced Google Analytics 4 implementations
- Custom dashboard creation in Looker Studio or Tableau
- Predictive modeling and forecasting
- Attribution modeling across channels
- Python for SEO automation and data processing
Programming Knowledge (+$8,000–$15,000)
- Python for automation scripts and data analysis
- JavaScript for understanding site functionality
- API integrations with SEO tools and platforms
- Basic understanding of backend technologies
AI-related skill requirements in SEO job postings increased by 21% over the past year. Professionals who master AI-assisted content optimization, ChatGPT for strategy development, and machine learning for predictive SEO position themselves in top earning brackets.
Certifications Worth Pursuing
Valuable certifications can boost your salary by 5-15%:
- Google Analytics Individual Qualification (GAIQ) – Validates measurement expertise
- Google Ads Certification – Understanding paid search enhances SEO strategy
- SEMrush SEO Toolkit Certification – Industry-standard tool proficiency
- HubSpot SEO Certification – Inbound marketing and content strategy
- Moz SEO Certification – Technical foundations and link building
- UC Davis SEO Specialization (Coursera) – Comprehensive academic credential
While certifications alone don't guarantee raises, they validate expertise and strengthen negotiating positions—especially when combined with demonstrable results.
Specialization Premiums
E-commerce SEO Specialists ($70,000–$95,000): Optimizing product catalogs, category structures, and faceted navigation for large-scale retail sites requires specialized knowledge that commands premium compensation.
Local SEO Specialists ($65,000–$85,000): Mastering Google Business Profile optimization, local citation building, and multi-location strategies fills a valuable niche as businesses prioritize local visibility.
International SEO Specialists ($85,000–$120,000): Managing hreflang implementations, multi-regional content strategies, and global campaigns for enterprise companies represents one of the highest-paying specializations due to complexity and language requirements.
⚡ Skills That Boost Your SEO Salary
Specialized skills can increase your earning potential by 15-40% above the base salary
💡 Stack Skills for Maximum Impact
Combining multiple specialized skills compounds your earning potential beyond individual premiums:
🎯 Your Next Steps
- Assess your current skill set against the highest-paying specializations above
- Choose 2-3 complementary skills that align with your interests and market demand
- Invest in certifications (Google Analytics, SEMrush, HubSpot) to validate expertise
- Build a portfolio showcasing real results with your specialized skills
- Negotiate confidently using salary data that reflects your skill combination
Salary premiums based on aggregated data from ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, PayScale, and industry surveys (2025). Individual results may vary based on experience level, location, and proven expertise.
Industry and Company Size Impact on Compensation
Not all SEO roles pay equally across sectors and organizational structures.
Highest-Paying Industries
Top-paying industries include pharmaceutical & biotechnology at $83,289 median, followed by technology and SaaS companies ranging $75,000–$90,000. Industries with higher profit margins and heavy dependence on digital visibility consistently pay premium rates.
Industry salary breakdown:
- Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology: $83,289 median (regulatory complexity premium)
- Technology & SaaS: $75,000–$90,000 (direct revenue dependency)
- Financial Services & Fintech: $70,000–$85,000 (compliance requirements)
- E-commerce & Retail: $65,000–$80,000 (measurable ROI justifies investment)
- Healthcare: $62,000–$75,000 (growing digital transformation needs)
- Agency/Consulting: $60,000–$85,000 (variable based on client mix)
In-House vs. Agency vs. Freelance
In-house positions typically offer 10-25% higher salaries than agency roles, with 40% of in-house SEO jobs exceeding $100,000 annually compared to roughly 25% of agency positions.
Employment model comparison:
In-House Positions ($70,000–$100,000+)
- Deeper industry expertise and strategic focus
- Better work-life balance and stability
- Comprehensive benefits packages
- Slower skill diversification across industries
Agency Roles ($60,000–$85,000)
- Rapid skill development across diverse clients
- Collaborative team environment
- Broader experience portfolio
- Often higher stress and longer hours
Freelance/Consulting ($75–$200+ per hour)
- Freelance SEO specialists earn 68% more than employed specialists, averaging $113,000+
- Ultimate flexibility and control
- Variable income and self-funded benefits
- Requires business development skills
Company Size Considerations
Enterprise organizations (1,000+ employees) generally pay 20-40% more than small businesses (under 50 employees). Mid-sized companies often provide the best balance of competitive compensation and growth opportunities.
💼 SEO Career Path Comparison: Find Your Best Fit
Compare in-house, agency, and freelance opportunities across 5 key career dimensions
Performance Across 5 Key Dimensions
Detailed Side-by-Side Comparison
🔑 Key Takeaways
- You value stability and comprehensive benefits
- You want to become an industry expert
- You prefer clear advancement paths
- You're targeting $80K-$100K+ salaries
- You're early in your career and want to learn fast
- You thrive in collaborative team environments
- You want exposure to diverse clients/industries
- You can handle fast-paced, deadline-driven work
- You have 5+ years experience and proven results
- You value flexibility and autonomy above all
- You're comfortable with variable income
- You want maximum earning potential ($100K+)
🧭 Making Your Decision
Career Stage Matters: Agencies excel for skill development (0-5 years), in-house offers advancement (5-10 years), freelance maximizes earnings (10+ years with proven expertise).
Financial Considerations: In-house provides highest stability with benefits worth $12K-$20K annually. Freelance offers highest gross income but requires self-funding healthcare, retirement, and handling income variability.
Hybrid Approach: Many successful SEO professionals combine in-house/agency positions with side freelance clients, capturing benefits of employment while building toward eventual full-time consulting.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Fit?
Evaluate your priorities, career stage, and financial goals. Each path offers unique advantages—the best choice depends on where you are now and where you want to go. Consider starting in agencies for skill building, transitioning to in-house for stability, and eventually freelancing for maximum earnings.
Total Compensation Beyond Base Salary
Base salary represents only 75-85% of total compensation for most SEO specialists.
Performance Bonuses
Average additional cash compensation ranges from $5,000–$7,500 annually, with performance bonuses typically 5-15% of base salary tied to KPIs like organic traffic growth, keyword rankings, or conversion improvements.
High performers in results-driven organizations can earn $10,000–$15,000+ in annual bonuses when they consistently exceed targets.
Benefits Packages
Standard benefits significantly impact total value:
- Health insurance: Worth $6,000–$20,000 annually depending on coverage
- 401(k) matching: Typically 3-6% of salary
- Paid time off: 2-4 weeks vacation plus holidays (valued at 8-12% of salary)
- Remote work options: Saves $3,000–$8,000 in commuting and related costs
- Professional development: $1,000–$5,000 annual stipends for courses and conferences
- Equipment stipends: $500–$2,000 for home office setup
Equity and Profit Sharing
Profit sharing is common at agencies and startups, typically 2-8% of salary, while sign-on bonuses range from $2,000–$10,000 for competitive hires. Tech companies and well-funded startups frequently include stock options that can significantly impact long-term wealth.
7 Proven Strategies to Increase Your SEO Specialist Salary
1. Develop In-Demand Technical Specializations
Focus on high-value skills that command premium pay. Technical SEO, conversion rate optimization, and enterprise-level SEO strategy consistently earn 20-30% more than general SEO work. Build case studies demonstrating measurable business impact—specific metrics like "increased organic traffic by 150% in 8 months" or "improved conversion rate from 2.1% to 4.3%" justify higher compensation during negotiations.
2. Master AI and Automation Tools
AI-related skills appear in 21% more job descriptions year-over-year. Learn to leverage ChatGPT for content strategy, Python for data analysis, and machine learning for predictive SEO. Position yourself as a future-ready professional worth premium compensation.
3. Pursue Strategic Certifications
While certifications alone don't guarantee raises, they validate expertise and strengthen negotiating positions. Focus on credentials that demonstrate specialized knowledge in technical SEO, analytics, or platform proficiency rather than basic certifications everyone holds.
4. Build a Results-Driven Portfolio
Document every success with quantifiable metrics. Create case studies showcasing your work and maintain a portfolio that directly links your efforts to business outcomes—revenue growth, lead generation, market share gains, or cost savings.
5. Consider Geographic Arbitrage
Moving to high-paying cities can increase your salary by 30-50%, even accounting for cost of living. Alternatively, secure remote positions with companies headquartered in expensive markets while living in lower-cost areas—effectively giving yourself a geographic arbitrage bonus.
6. Transition to Management or Specialized Roles
SEO Managers earn an average of $80,000–$97,000, while Directors earn $97,000–$165,000. Develop leadership skills, team management experience, and strategic planning capabilities. Even if you prefer staying technical, senior specialist roles focusing on complex enterprise implementations command salaries comparable to management positions.
7. Negotiate Strategically with Data
Research market rates thoroughly using Glassdoor, PayScale, and Built In. Time negotiations strategically—after delivering major wins, not during standard reviews. If base salary has constraints, negotiate for better benefits, professional development budgets, or equity options. Enter negotiations with specific salary data and clear examples of your value delivery.
Future Outlook: SEO Salary Trends Through 2028
The SEO profession shows strong growth indicators through 2028 and beyond.
Market Demand and Job Growth
The field shows 15% annual job growth through 2025-2030, with marketing employment growing 12% between 2022-2024. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% growth for marketing professionals (2022-2032), faster than average across all occupations.
The global SEO services market reached $88.91 billion in 2024 and is projected to hit $170 billion by 2028 (18.3% CAGR). This growth drives job creation across all experience levels and specializations.
AI's Impact on SEO Roles
Rather than replacing SEO specialists, AI is transforming the role toward strategic thinking. Automation handles routine tasks like basic keyword research and simple optimizations, freeing specialists to focus on:
- Strategic planning and competitive analysis
- User experience optimization
- Content quality and E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)
- Cross-channel integration
- AI-assisted workflow design
Mid-level roles now comprise 59% of all SEO positions, reflecting demand for experienced professionals who can leverage AI tools effectively rather than compete with them.
Emerging Opportunities
Industries increasing SEO investment include:
- Healthcare and telemedicine (regulatory compliance + visibility)
- Fintech and blockchain (competitive differentiator)
- E-commerce and DTC brands (primary customer acquisition channel)
- SaaS and technology (organic leads convert at higher rates)
- Education and online learning (search-driven discovery)
These expanding sectors create opportunities for specialists willing to develop industry-specific expertise.
📊 SEO Job Market Growth Timeline (2020-2030)
Historical data and projections showing industry expansion, salary trends, and AI adoption
🎯 Key Market Milestones
📱 Pandemic Digital Shift
COVID-19 accelerated digital transformation, driving 35% surge in SEO demand as businesses pivoted online. E-commerce SEO became critical as brick-and-mortar stores shifted to digital storefronts. Remote work normalized, changing recruitment patterns.
🤖 AI Integration Begins
ChatGPT and generative AI tools emerge, marking the start of AI-assisted SEO workflows and content optimization. SEO professionals begin integrating AI for keyword research, content ideation, and data analysis. Job descriptions start requiring AI literacy.
📈 Market Reaches $89B
Global SEO services market hits $89B with 18.3% CAGR, reflecting strong investment in organic visibility. Technical SEO becomes increasingly valued as Core Web Vitals and page experience factors mature. Mid-level positions dominate job market.
💼 Mid-Level Roles Dominate
59% of SEO positions are mid-level, showing industry maturation and demand for experienced professionals who can leverage AI tools effectively. Remote work becomes standard with 21% salary premium. Technical skills + AI literacy become baseline requirements.
🌐 Remote Work Premium
Projected: Remote SEO positions stabilize at 21% salary premium, reshaping geographic compensation models. Companies compete globally for talent. AI-augmented workflows become standard, with specialists managing 3x more projects than 2020 counterparts.
🎯 Market Matures at $170B
Projected: Industry projects to reach $170B by 2028, with AI-augmented specialists commanding top salaries. SEO evolves to "Search Experience Optimization" encompassing AI overviews, voice, and visual search. Strategic roles dominate as routine tasks are automated.
📈 Growth Trajectory Insights
Market value shows 127% growth from 2020 ($75B) to projected 2028 ($170B), driven by businesses prioritizing organic search visibility and digital-first strategies.
Average salaries increased $16K from 2020 to 2025, with further $12K growth expected by 2030. Technical specialists with AI skills command highest premiums.
AI adoption in SEO roles jumped from 8% in 2020 to 45% in 2025, projected to reach 78% by 2030. AI augments rather than replaces SEO professionals.
Job openings grew 65% over the decade, despite AI automation of routine tasks. The 2020-2023 period saw fastest growth due to pandemic-driven digitalization.
🎯 What This Timeline Means for Your Career
- Entry-level today (2025): You're entering during rapid AI integration. Master AI-assisted workflows now to position yourself as a next-generation specialist commanding premium salaries.
- Mid-career (3-5 years): Focus on technical depth + AI proficiency. The 2026-2028 period offers peak advancement opportunities as senior roles expand with market growth.
- Senior specialists: Lead AI transformation initiatives. By 2028-2030, strategic roles combining SEO, AI, and business strategy will command $100K-$150K+ compensation.
- Career switchers: The market's 127% growth trajectory creates continuous opportunities. Start now to capture 5+ years of experience before 2030 maturation phase.
Data compiled from industry reports, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, Previsible State of SEO Jobs Report, and market analysis (2020-2025 historical, 2026-2030 projected). Market projections based on 18.3% CAGR trend analysis.
Key Takeaways: Maximizing Your SEO Earning Potential
The SEO specialist salary landscape in 2025 offers strong compensation with clear advancement pathways. Whether you're entering the field or looking to increase your current earnings, focus on these strategic priorities:
Develop high-value technical skills. Master technical SEO, advanced analytics, and basic programming. Specialists with strong technical foundations earn 15-30% more than generalists and position themselves for senior roles faster.
Choose location strategically. Major tech hubs offer the highest nominal salaries, but remote opportunities increasingly provide competitive nationwide compensation. Consider remote roles with companies based in high-paying markets to maximize purchasing power.
Specialize intelligently. Identify high-demand niches—technical SEO, e-commerce optimization, or international SEO—where specialized expertise commands 20-40% salary premiums over general practitioners.
Document measurable results. Build a portfolio showcasing specific business impacts: revenue increases, traffic growth percentages, conversion rate improvements. Quantified achievements strengthen negotiating positions significantly.
Invest in continuous learning. Algorithm updates, new technologies, and evolving best practices require ongoing education. Your commitment to staying current directly correlates with compensation growth—professionals who master emerging skills like AI integration position themselves for the highest earnings.
Network actively and build visibility. Many high-paying positions fill through referrals before public posting. Engage in SEO communities, contribute to industry publications, speak at conferences, and maintain an active LinkedIn presence.
The demand for skilled SEO professionals continues outpacing supply, with the global market projected to reach $170 billion by 2028. Specialists who combine technical depth, strategic thinking, and demonstrable business impact will command premium compensation through 2028 and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions About SEO Specialist Salary
How much do SEO specialists make in Miami?
Most Miami SEO specialists make $60K–$85K a year, with seniors pushing into the $90K+ range depending on skills and industry.
Can I get an SEO job with no experience?
Yes, start with a portfolio of small projects, free certs, and volunteer/contract work to land an entry-level role.
What is the salary of SEO specialist in Google?
Google pays top-of-market; SEO/search roles typically land in six-figure total comp (base + bonus + equity) for strong candidates.
How to get paid for SEO?
Pick a model—salary (in-house), agency, or freelance/retainer—and sell clear outcomes: traffic, leads, and revenue growth.
What is the highest salary for an SEO specialist in the US?
Senior/manager-level specialists at large tech or enterprise firms can reach $130K–$180K+ total comp, with directors higher.
Can you still make money with SEO?
Absolutely—businesses keep investing in organic growth, and specialists earn via jobs, retainers, and performance bonuses.
How to make a career in SEO?
Master technical SEO + analytics, build case-study proof, earn targeted certs, specialize (e.g., e-commerce or international), and network.
How much money can I earn from SEO?
Generalists earn ~$55K–$85K, seniors $90K–$130K+, and established freelancers/consultants can clear six figures.
Is SEO Career competitive?
Yes, but results beat resumes—measurable wins and niche expertise cut through the noise.
How much do local SEO specialists make?
Local SEO pros typically earn $65K–$85K, with multi-location or niche experts earning more.
Is SEO entry level?
There are entry-level roles, and many pros start there—then climb fast by proving impact and leveling up skills.
Disclaimer: All salary data presented in this article is compiled from publicly available sources including ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, PayScale, Indeed, Built In, and industry reports current as of October 2025. Actual compensation varies significantly based on individual qualifications, specific employer, geographic location, company size, industry sector, negotiation outcomes, and current market conditions.
This information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered career advice, a guarantee of employment terms, or a substitute for professional career counseling. Salary ranges represent aggregated data and may not reflect compensation at any specific company. Before making career decisions, conduct thorough research specific to your circumstances, consult with career professionals, and negotiate based on your unique skills and situation.
Market conditions evolve continuously, and salary data becomes outdated. Always verify current compensation information through multiple recent sources when evaluating job offers or planning career transitions.
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