Media & Communications Aurora, IL Pop. 197,757

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Aurora, Illinois

The median public relations specialist salary in Aurora, IL is $64,068 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 0.0% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$64,068
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-3,372
Cost of Living
95%

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

Aurora offers a median public relations specialist salary of $64,068, which is $0 above the Illinois state average of $64,068. Compared to the national median of $67,440, Aurora pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Aurora's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for public relations specialists in Aurora spans from $36,100 at the 10th percentile to $114,000 at the 90th percentile — a $77,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,900, while senior public relations specialists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $106,400. With a population of 197,757, Aurora is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Aurora by Experience

In Aurora, an entry-level public relations specialist earns around $39,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $106,400 per year. The local cost of living index 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 Aurora, IL

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

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$72,835
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$72,161
Pop. 2,693,976
Springfield, IL
$57,324
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$55,301
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Public Relations Specialist in Aurora

Education

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

Find Public Relations Specialist Jobs in Aurora

Browse open public relations specialist positions in Aurora, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Public Relations Specialist Salary in Aurora

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in Aurora, IL? ▼
The median public relations specialist salary in Aurora, 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 Aurora? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,068, a public relations specialist in Aurora earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aurora compare to the Illinois state average for public relations specialist pay? ▼
Aurora's median public relations specialist salary of $64,068 is 0.0% above the Illinois state average of $64,068. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Aurora, IL? ▼
Aurora has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a public relations specialist salary of $64,068 in Aurora has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a public relations specialist in Aurora? ▼
Most public relations specialist positions in Aurora 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.