Media & Communications Illinois (IL) Rank #24 of 50

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Illinois

The median public relations specialist salary in Illinois is $64,068 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $67,440.

Median Salary
$64,068
vs National
$-3,372
State Rank
#24 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Illinois by Experience

In Illinois, an entry-level public relations specialist earns around $39,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $106,400 per year. The cost of living index in Illinois is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,900
$-2,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,500
$-3,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$106,400
$-5,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Illinois

Percentile IL Salary
10th Percentile $36,100
25th Percentile $47,500
Median (50th) $64,068
75th Percentile $86,450
90th Percentile $114,000

Public Relations Specialist Salary by City in Illinois

The largest employment areas for public relations specialists in Illinois include Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, and Rockford. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Chicago, IL
$72,161
Pop. 2,693,976 · COL 107%
Aurora, IL
$64,068
Pop. 197,757 · COL 95%
Naperville, IL
$72,835
Pop. 149,540 · COL 108%
Rockford, IL
$55,301
Pop. 148,655 · COL 82%
Springfield, IL
$57,324
Pop. 114,394 · COL 85%

How to Become a Public Relations Specialist in Illinois

Education

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

Key Skills

Media RelationsPress ReleasesCrisis CommunicationsSocial MediaEvent PlanningBrand Management

Job Outlook in Illinois

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

Find Public Relations Specialist Jobs in Illinois

Browse open public relations specialist positions in Illinois:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Public Relations Specialist Salary in Illinois

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in Illinois? ▼
The median public relations specialist salary in Illinois is $64,068 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $67,440. Salaries range from $36,100 (10th percentile) to $114,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Public Relations Specialist make per hour in Illinois? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,068, a public relations specialist in Illinois earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Illinois a good state for public relations specialists? ▼
Illinois ranks #24 out of 50 states for public relations specialist pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level public relations specialists earn $39,900, while senior professionals earn $106,400.
How does Illinois compare to other states for public relations specialist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for public relations specialists is Hawaii at $114,648. Illinois's median of $64,068 ranks #24 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Utah ($65,417) and Pennsylvania ($64,742).
What is the entry-level public relations specialist salary in Illinois? ▼
An entry-level public relations specialist in Illinois earns approximately $39,900 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $66,500. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $106,400.
What city in Illinois pays public relations specialists the most? ▼
Naperville is the highest paying city in Illinois for public relations specialists, with a median salary of $72,835. Other cities include Chicago and Aurora.