Media & Communications Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median public relations specialist salary in Chicago, IL is $72,161 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$72,161
vs State Avg
+$8,093
vs National
+$4,721
Cost of Living
107%

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level public relations specialist earns around $44,940, while experienced professionals earn up to $119,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,940
+$2,940 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,900
+$4,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$119,840
+$7,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $40,660
25th Percentile $53,500
Median (50th) $72,161
75th Percentile $97,370
90th Percentile $128,400

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$72,835
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$64,068
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$57,324
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$55,301
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Public Relations Specialist in Chicago

Education

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

Find Public Relations Specialist Jobs in Chicago

Browse open public relations specialist positions in Chicago, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Public Relations Specialist Salary in Chicago

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median public relations specialist salary in Chicago, Illinois is $72,161 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $67,440. Salaries range from $40,660 (10th percentile) to $128,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Public Relations Specialist make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,161, a public relations specialist in Chicago earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for public relations specialist pay? ▼
Chicago's median public relations specialist salary of $72,161 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $64,068. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a public relations specialist salary of $72,161 in Chicago 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 Chicago? ▼
Most public relations specialist positions in Chicago 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.