Public Relations Specialist Salary in Birmingham, AL: $60,696 (2026)

Public Relations Specialist Pay in Birmingham: What to Expect (2026)

Birmingham offers a median public relations specialist salary of $60,696, which is $2,023 above the Alabama state average of $58,673. Compared to the national median of $67,440, Birmingham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Birmingham's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for public relations specialists in Birmingham spans from $34,200 at the 10th percentile to $108,000 at the 90th percentile — a $73,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,800, while senior public relations specialists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $100,800. With a population of 197,575, Birmingham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Birmingham by Experience

In Birmingham, an entry-level public relations specialist earns around $37,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $100,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$37,800

$-4,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$63,000

$-7,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$100,800

$-11,200 vs national

Percentile	Birmingham	AL State	National
10th Percentile	$34,200	$33,060	$38,000
25th Percentile	$45,000	$43,500	$50,000
Median (50th)	$60,696	$58,673	$67,440
75th Percentile	$81,900	$79,170	$91,000
90th Percentile	$108,000	$104,400	$120,000

Percentile

Birmingham

10th Percentile

$34,200

25th Percentile

$45,000

Median (50th)

$60,696

75th Percentile

$81,900

90th Percentile

$108,000

How to Become a Public Relations Specialist in Birmingham

Education

Most public relations specialist positions require a bachelor's degree. Birmingham and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Media RelationsPress ReleasesCrisis CommunicationsSocial MediaEvent PlanningBrand Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, public relations specialist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Birmingham may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Public Relations Specialist Salary in Birmingham

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in Birmingham, AL? ▼

The median public relations specialist salary in Birmingham, Alabama is $60,696 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $67,440. Salaries range from $34,200 (10th percentile) to $108,000 (90th percentile).

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make per hour in Birmingham? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $60,696, a public relations specialist in Birmingham earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Birmingham compare to the Alabama state average for public relations specialist pay? ▼

Birmingham's median public relations specialist salary of $60,696 is 3.4% above the Alabama state average of $58,673. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Birmingham, AL? ▼

Birmingham has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a public relations specialist salary of $60,696 in Birmingham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a public relations specialist in Birmingham? ▼

Most public relations specialist positions in Birmingham require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Media Relations, Press Releases, Crisis Communications, Social Media. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Birmingham, Alabama