Media & Communications Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median public relations specialist salary in Rockford, IL is $55,301 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 13.7% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$55,301
vs State Avg
$-8,767
vs National
$-12,139
Cost of Living
82%

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

Rockford offers a median public relations specialist salary of $55,301, which is $8,767 below the Illinois state average of $64,068. Compared to the national median of $67,440, Rockford pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Rockford's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $55,301 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $67,440 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for public relations specialists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for public relations specialists in Rockford spans from $31,160 at the 10th percentile to $98,400 at the 90th percentile — a $67,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,440, while senior public relations specialists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $91,840. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level public relations specialist earns around $34,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $91,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,440
$-7,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,400
$-12,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$91,840
$-20,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $31,160
25th Percentile $41,000
Median (50th) $55,301
75th Percentile $74,620
90th Percentile $98,400

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$72,835
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$72,161
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$64,068
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$57,324
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a Public Relations Specialist in Rockford

Education

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

Find Public Relations Specialist Jobs in Rockford

Browse open public relations specialist positions in Rockford, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Public Relations Specialist Salary in Rockford

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median public relations specialist salary in Rockford, Illinois is $55,301 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $67,440. Salaries range from $31,160 (10th percentile) to $98,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Public Relations Specialist make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,301, a public relations specialist in Rockford earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for public relations specialist pay? ▼
Rockford's median public relations specialist salary of $55,301 is 13.7% below the Illinois state average of $64,068. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rockford, IL? ▼
Rockford has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a public relations specialist salary of $55,301 in Rockford 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 Rockford? ▼
Most public relations specialist positions in Rockford 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.