Media & Communications Boulder, CO Pop. 105,673

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Boulder, Colorado

The median public relations specialist salary in Boulder, CO is $86,323 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median and 21.9% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$86,323
vs State Avg
+$15,511
vs National
+$18,883
Cost of Living
128%

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

Boulder offers a median public relations specialist salary of $86,323, which is $15,511 above the Colorado state average of $70,812. Compared to the national median of $67,440, Boulder pays above average for this role.

However, Boulder's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $86,323 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $67,440. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boulder should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for public relations specialists in Boulder spans from $48,640 at the 10th percentile to $153,600 at the 90th percentile — a $104,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,760, while senior public relations specialists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $143,360. With a population of 105,673, Boulder is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Boulder by Experience

In Boulder, an entry-level public relations specialist earns around $53,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $143,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,760
+$11,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$89,600
+$19,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$143,360
+$31,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boulder, CO

Percentile Boulder
10th Percentile $48,640
25th Percentile $64,000
Median (50th) $86,323
75th Percentile $116,480
90th Percentile $153,600

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Other Colorado Cities

How to Become a Public Relations Specialist in Boulder

Education

Most public relations specialist positions require a bachelor's degree. Boulder and the surrounding Colorado 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 Boulder may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Public Relations Specialist Jobs in Boulder

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Frequently Asked Questions: Public Relations Specialist Salary in Boulder

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in Boulder, CO? ▼
The median public relations specialist salary in Boulder, Colorado is $86,323 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $67,440. Salaries range from $48,640 (10th percentile) to $153,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Public Relations Specialist make per hour in Boulder? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $86,323, a public relations specialist in Boulder earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boulder compare to the Colorado state average for public relations specialist pay? ▼
Boulder's median public relations specialist salary of $86,323 is 21.9% above the Colorado state average of $70,812. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boulder, CO? ▼
Boulder has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a public relations specialist salary of $86,323 in Boulder has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a public relations specialist in Boulder? ▼
Most public relations specialist positions in Boulder 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.