Media & Communications Colorado (CO) Rank #11 of 50

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Colorado

The median public relations specialist salary in Colorado is $70,812 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $67,440.

Median Salary
$70,812
vs National
+$3,372
State Rank
#11 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Public Relations Specialist Salary Overview in Colorado (2026)

Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for public relations specialist compensation. Colorado falls in the middle of the pack for public relations specialist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $70,812 per year, public relations specialists in Colorado earn $3,372 more than the national median of $67,440.

Colorado's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning public relations specialist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Colorado is significant: public relations specialists at the 10th percentile earn $39,900, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $126,000 — a $86,100 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Colorado for this role is Boulder, where the median reaches $86,323.

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 Colorado by Experience

In Colorado, an entry-level public relations specialist earns around $44,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,600 per year. The cost of living index in Colorado is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,100
+$2,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,500
+$3,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$117,600
+$5,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Colorado

Percentile CO Salary
10th Percentile $39,900
25th Percentile $52,500
Median (50th) $70,812
75th Percentile $95,550
90th Percentile $126,000

Public Relations Specialist Salary by City in Colorado

The largest employment areas for public relations specialists in Colorado include Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Fort Collins. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Public Relations Specialist in Colorado

Education

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

Key Skills

Media RelationsPress ReleasesCrisis CommunicationsSocial MediaEvent PlanningBrand Management

Job Outlook in Colorado

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Public Relations Specialist Salary in Colorado

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in Colorado? ▼
The median public relations specialist salary in Colorado is $70,812 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $67,440. Salaries range from $39,900 (10th percentile) to $126,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Public Relations Specialist make per hour in Colorado? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,812, a public relations specialist in Colorado earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Colorado a good state for public relations specialists? ▼
Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for public relations specialist pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level public relations specialists earn $44,100, while senior professionals earn $117,600.
How does Colorado compare to other states for public relations specialist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for public relations specialists is Hawaii at $114,648. Colorado's median of $70,812 ranks #11 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Maryland ($74,184) and Oregon ($74,184).
What is the entry-level public relations specialist salary in Colorado? ▼
An entry-level public relations specialist in Colorado earns approximately $44,100 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $73,500. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $117,600.
What city in Colorado pays public relations specialists the most? ▼
Boulder is the highest paying city in Colorado for public relations specialists, with a median salary of $86,323. Other cities include Denver and Colorado Springs.