Media & Communications California (CA) Rank #2 of 50

Public Relations Specialist Salary in California

The median public relations specialist salary in California is $93,067 per year, which is 38.0% above the national median of $67,440.

Median Salary
$93,067
vs National
+$25,627
State Rank
#2 of 50
Cost of Living
138%

Public Relations Specialist Salary in California by Experience

In California, an entry-level public relations specialist earns around $57,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $154,560 per year. The cost of living index in California is 138% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,960
+$15,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$96,600
+$26,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$154,560
+$42,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in California

Percentile CA Salary
10th Percentile $52,440
25th Percentile $69,000
Median (50th) $93,067
75th Percentile $125,580
90th Percentile $165,600

Public Relations Specialist Salary by City in California

The largest employment areas for public relations specialists in California include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Los Angeles, CA
$98,462
Pop. 3,898,747 · COL 146%
San Francisco, CA
$122,741
Pop. 873,965 · COL 182%
San Diego, CA
$95,765
Pop. 1,386,932 · COL 142%
San Jose, CA
$113,299
Pop. 1,013,240 · COL 168%
Sacramento, CA
$79,579
Pop. 524,943 · COL 118%

How to Become a Public Relations Specialist in California

Education

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

Key Skills

Media RelationsPress ReleasesCrisis CommunicationsSocial MediaEvent PlanningBrand Management

Job Outlook in California

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

Find Public Relations Specialist Jobs in California

Browse open public relations specialist positions in California:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Public Relations Specialist Salary in California

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in California? ▼
The median public relations specialist salary in California is $93,067 per year, which is 38.0% above the national median of $67,440. Salaries range from $52,440 (10th percentile) to $165,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Public Relations Specialist make per hour in California? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $93,067, a public relations specialist in California earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is California a good state for public relations specialists? ▼
California ranks #2 out of 50 states for public relations specialist pay. The cost of living index is 138% of the national average. Entry-level public relations specialists earn $57,960, while senior professionals earn $154,560.
How does California compare to other states for public relations specialist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for public relations specialists is Hawaii at $114,648. California's median of $93,067 ranks #2 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($114,648) and Massachusetts ($91,044).
What is the entry-level public relations specialist salary in California? ▼
An entry-level public relations specialist in California earns approximately $57,960 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $96,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $154,560.
What city in California pays public relations specialists the most? ▼
San Francisco is the highest paying city in California for public relations specialists, with a median salary of $122,741. Other cities include Los Angeles and San Diego.