Media & Communications
Public Relations Specialist Salary
PR specialists manage media relations and develop communications strategies for organizations.
Median Salary
$67,440
Mean Salary
$73,200
Total Employed
278,400
Job Growth
+6%
Public Relations Specialist Salary by Experience Level
Entry-level public relations specialists earn around $42,000 per year, while mid-career professionals earn $70,000. Senior-level public relations specialists can earn $112,000 or more.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,000 Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,000 Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$112,000 Salary Percentile Breakdown
The salary range for public relations specialists varies significantly. The bottom 10% earn $38,000, while the top 10% earn $120,000.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $38,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,000 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $67,440 |
| 75th Percentile | $91,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $120,000 |
Public Relations Specialist Salary by State
Public Relations Specialist salaries vary significantly by state due to cost of living, demand, and industry concentration. The highest paying state is Hawaii at $114,648, while Mississippi offers the lowest at $55,975.
| State | Median | |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Hawaii | $114,648 | Details → |
| #2 California | $93,067 | Details → |
| #3 Massachusetts | $91,044 | Details → |
| #4 Alaska | $83,626 | Details → |
| #5 New York | $82,277 | Details → |
| #6 New Jersey | $77,556 | Details → |
| #7 Washington | $77,556 | Details → |
| #8 Connecticut | $75,533 | Details → |
| #9 Maryland | $74,184 | Details → |
| #10 Oregon | $74,184 | Details → |
| #11 Colorado | $70,812 | Details → |
| #12 New Hampshire | $70,812 | Details → |
| #13 Rhode Island | $70,812 | Details → |
| #14 Virginia | $70,138 | Details → |
| #15 Delaware | $68,114 | Details → |
| #16 Vermont | $68,114 | Details → |
| #17 Florida | $66,091 | Details → |
| #18 Maine | $66,091 | Details → |
| #19 Arizona | $65,417 | Details → |
| #20 Minnesota | $65,417 | Details → |
| #21 Nevada | $65,417 | Details → |
| #22 Utah | $65,417 | Details → |
| #23 Pennsylvania | $64,742 | Details → |
| #24 Illinois | $64,068 | Details → |
| #25 Montana | $64,068 | Details → |
| #26 Idaho | $63,394 | Details → |
| #27 Georgia | $62,719 | Details → |
| #28 New Mexico | $62,719 | Details → |
| #29 North Carolina | $62,045 | Details → |
| #30 Texas | $62,045 | Details → |
| #31 Wisconsin | $62,045 | Details → |
| #32 Wyoming | $62,045 | Details → |
| #33 Louisiana | $61,370 | Details → |
| #34 Indiana | $60,696 | Details → |
| #35 Michigan | $60,696 | Details → |
| #36 Nebraska | $60,696 | Details → |
| #37 North Dakota | $60,696 | Details → |
| #38 Ohio | $60,696 | Details → |
| #39 Iowa | $60,022 | Details → |
| #40 South Carolina | $60,022 | Details → |
| #41 Tennessee | $60,022 | Details → |
| #42 Missouri | $59,347 | Details → |
| #43 South Dakota | $59,347 | Details → |
| #44 Alabama | $58,673 | Details → |
| #45 Kansas | $58,673 | Details → |
| #46 Kentucky | $58,673 | Details → |
| #47 Oklahoma | $57,998 | Details → |
| #48 Arkansas | $56,650 | Details → |
| #49 West Virginia | $56,650 | Details → |
| #50 Mississippi | $55,975 | Details → |
Key Responsibilities
- ● Write press releases
- ● Manage media relations
- ● Execute PR campaigns
- ● Monitor media coverage
- ● Organize press events
Top Skills
Media Relations Press Releases Crisis Communications Social Media Event Planning Brand Management
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
Job Outlook
Faster than average — projected 6% growth over the next decade
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Frequently Asked Questions About Public Relations Specialist Salaries
How much does a Public Relations Specialist make per year? ▼
The median public relations specialist salary in the United States is $67,440 per year. Entry-level positions start around $42,000, while senior-level professionals earn up to $112,000 annually. The mean (average) salary is $73,200.
How much does a Public Relations Specialist make per hour? ▼
Based on the national median salary of $67,440 per year, a public relations specialist earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by experience, location, and employer.
What is the highest paying state for public relations specialists? ▼
Hawaii is the highest paying state for public relations specialists, with a median salary of $114,648. Other top-paying states include California ($93,067) and Massachusetts ($91,044).
What education do you need to become a public relations specialist? ▼
Most public relations specialist positions require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Media Relations, Press Releases, Crisis Communications, Social Media. Relevant certifications and hands-on experience can also strengthen your qualifications.
What is the job outlook for public relations specialists? ▼
Employment for public relations specialists is projected to grow 6% over the next decade, which is faster than average. There are currently 278,400 public relations specialists employed in the United States.
How much does an entry-level public relations specialist make? ▼
An entry-level public relations specialist with 0-2 years of experience earns around $42,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to approximately $70,000. The bottom 10% of earners make $38,000, while the top 10% earn $120,000.