Media & Communications Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Arkansas

The median public relations specialist salary in Arkansas is $56,650 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $67,440.

Median Salary
$56,650
vs National
$-10,790
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Public Relations Specialist Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for public relations specialist compensation. Public Relations Specialist salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $56,650 per year, public relations specialists in Arkansas earn $10,790 less than the national median of $67,440.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $56,650 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $67,440 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: public relations specialists at the 10th percentile earn $31,920, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $100,800 — a $68,880 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arkansas for this role is Fayetteville, where the median reaches $59,347.

Nationally, public relations specialist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for public relations specialists across the country.

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level public relations specialist earns around $35,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $94,080 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,280
$-6,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,800
$-11,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$94,080
$-17,920 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $31,920
25th Percentile $42,000
Median (50th) $56,650
75th Percentile $76,440
90th Percentile $100,800

Public Relations Specialist Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for public relations specialists in Arkansas include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Springdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Public Relations Specialist in Arkansas

Education

Most public relations specialist positions require a bachelor's degree. Arkansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Media RelationsPress ReleasesCrisis CommunicationsSocial MediaEvent PlanningBrand Management

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, public relations specialist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Public Relations Specialist Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in Arkansas? ▼
The median public relations specialist salary in Arkansas is $56,650 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $67,440. Salaries range from $31,920 (10th percentile) to $100,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Public Relations Specialist make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,650, a public relations specialist in Arkansas earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for public relations specialists? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for public relations specialist pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level public relations specialists earn $35,280, while senior professionals earn $94,080.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for public relations specialist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for public relations specialists is Hawaii at $114,648. Arkansas's median of $56,650 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($58,673) and Oklahoma ($57,998).
What is the entry-level public relations specialist salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level public relations specialist in Arkansas earns approximately $35,280 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $58,800. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $94,080.
What city in Arkansas pays public relations specialists the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for public relations specialists, with a median salary of $59,347. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.