Public Relations Specialist Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA: $59,347 (2026)

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

Cedar Rapids offers a median public relations specialist salary of $59,347, which is $675 below the Iowa state average of $60,022. Compared to the national median of $67,440, Cedar Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cedar Rapids's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $59,347 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $67,440 in an average-cost city. This makes Cedar Rapids an attractive option for public relations specialists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for public relations specialists in Cedar Rapids spans from $33,440 at the 10th percentile to $105,600 at the 90th percentile — a $72,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,960, while senior public relations specialists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $98,560. With a population of 137,710, Cedar Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Cedar Rapids by Experience

In Cedar Rapids, an entry-level public relations specialist earns around $36,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $98,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$36,960

$-5,040 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$61,600

$-8,400 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$98,560

$-13,440 vs national

Percentile	Cedar Rapids	IA State	National
10th Percentile	$33,440	$33,820	$38,000
25th Percentile	$44,000	$44,500	$50,000
Median (50th)	$59,347	$60,022	$67,440
75th Percentile	$80,080	$80,990	$91,000
90th Percentile	$105,600	$106,800	$120,000

Percentile

Cedar Rapids

10th Percentile

$33,440

25th Percentile

$44,000

Median (50th)

$59,347

75th Percentile

$80,080

90th Percentile

$105,600

How to Become a Public Relations Specialist in Cedar Rapids

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Public Relations Specialist Salary in Cedar Rapids

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼

The median public relations specialist salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is $59,347 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $67,440. Salaries range from $33,440 (10th percentile) to $105,600 (90th percentile).

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make per hour in Cedar Rapids? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $59,347, a public relations specialist in Cedar Rapids earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Cedar Rapids compare to the Iowa state average for public relations specialist pay? ▼

Cedar Rapids's median public relations specialist salary of $59,347 is 1.1% below the Iowa state average of $60,022. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼

Cedar Rapids has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a public relations specialist salary of $59,347 in Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids? ▼

Most public relations specialist positions in Cedar Rapids 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.

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa