Facebook Ads Manager Cost What to Expect

If you’re considering running Facebook ad campaigns but don’t have the time or expertise to manage them yourself, hiring a Facebook Ads Manager can be a smart move. But one of the first questions most business owners ask is: “How much does a Facebook Ads Manager cost?”

The answer depends on several factors—such as experience level, scope of services, industry, and whether you hire a freelancer, agency, or in-house expert. In this blog post, we’ll break it all down to help you understand what to expect—and how to get the most value for your investment.

Before we talk costs, let’s quickly clarify what a Facebook Ads Manager (the role—not the Meta platform) does.

A good Ads Manager will handle:

Strategy – identifying target audiences, campaign goals, and ad funnels
Ad creation – designing creative assets (images, videos, ad copy)
Campaign setup – building ad sets in Meta Ads Manager with proper targeting
Monitoring & optimization – adjusting bids, budgets, creatives, and audiences
Reporting – tracking performance metrics like ROAS, CPC, CTR, and conversions

Some managers also offer related services like landing page design, A/B testing, or retargeting strategies.

Pricing Models: How Facebook Ads Managers Charge

There are a few common ways that Facebook Ads Managers charge for their services:

1. Flat Monthly Retainer

This is the most common pricing model for freelancers and agencies. You pay a fixed fee per month, regardless of ad spend.

Typical Range (Australia):
🔹 Small business: $500–$1,500/month
🔹 Mid-sized brands: $1,500–$4,000/month
🔹 Larger or more complex accounts: $5,000+/month

This fee usually includes campaign management, reporting, and basic creative help.

📌 Tip: Make sure to clarify what’s included in the retainer—some charge extra for creative design or copywriting.

2. Percentage of Ad Spend

In this model, you pay a percentage of your monthly Facebook ad budget.

Typical Range: 10% to 20% of ad spend

For example:

If your monthly budget is $5,000 and the fee is 15%, you pay $750/month in management fees.

This model aligns the manager’s incentives with your performance, since they earn more as your budget grows.

⚠️ Important: Some Ads Managers set a minimum fee, such as “$750/month or 15% of ad spend, whichever is higher.”

3. Hourly Rate

Some freelancers charge by the hour, especially for small tasks, audits, or short-term campaigns.

Typical Range in Australia: $60 to $150/hour

This model is ideal for:

Small businesses testing ads for the first time
One-time audits or consulting sessions
DIYers who just need strategic guidance

However, hourly billing can get expensive if you need ongoing support.

4. Performance-Based Pricing

In some cases, a manager may agree to charge based on results—like cost-per-lead or a share of profits.

Example: “$25 per qualified lead” or “10% of sales driven by ads”

This model is less common and often reserved for established brands with proven products and strong tracking in place (e.g., Shopify, eCommerce).

What Influences the Cost?

Here are the main factors that affect how much you’ll pay:

1. Experience & Reputation

A junior freelancer may charge $500/month.
A highly experienced expert or boutique agency could charge $3,000–$10,000+ per month.

2. Scope of Services

If you want creative production (videos, carousels, copywriting), expect to pay more.
Ongoing A/B testing, conversion tracking, and multi-channel funnels also increase the rate.

3. Ad Spend Level

Most Ads Managers scale their fees based on your budget. A $2K ad account is simpler to manage than a $50K/month one.

4. Industry Complexity

Simple B2C products (e.g. candles, fashion) are easier to manage than high-ticket B2B, real estate, or regulated sectors like finance or health.

🔍 In-House vs Freelancer vs Agency: Cost Comparison

Type	Estimated Cost (AUD)	Best For
Freelancer	$500–$2,000/month	Small businesses, flexible projects
Marketing Agency	$1,500–$10,000+/month	Mid-large businesses, hands-off approach
In-house Employee	$70K–$120K/year (plus super)	Companies running high ad volumes regularly

Do You Still Need to Pay for Ads?

Yes—you pay ad spend separately from the manager’s fees.

If your Facebook Ads Manager charges $1,500/month and you want to run $2,000 in ads, your total monthly investment will be $3,500.

💡 Always set a clear ad budget and management fee to avoid surprises.

Is It Worth the Cost?

Hiring a Facebook Ads Manager is worth it if they deliver a solid return on ad spend (ROAS). A good manager can help you:

Avoid wasting money on ineffective targeting
Improve ad performance with better creatives
Test and scale profitable campaigns
Track real results (leads, sales, conversions)

If you spend $2,000/month on ads and earn $8,000 in revenue, a $1,000 management fee may be well worth it.

Final Thoughts

So, how much does a Facebook Ads Manager cost? In Australia, you can expect to pay:

$500–$1,500/month for freelancers or small accounts
$1,500–$5,000+/month for agencies or experienced strategists
10–20% of ad spend if using percentage-based pricing

Ultimately, it comes down to your budget, goals, and the level of expertise you need. Always ask for case studies, clarify what’s included, and make sure you’re aligned on performance expectations before signing a contract.