Public Relations Specialist Salary in Des Moines, IA: $62,045 (2026)

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

Des Moines offers a median public relations specialist salary of $62,045, which is $2,023 above the Iowa state average of $60,022. Compared to the national median of $67,440, Des Moines pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Des Moines's cost of living is 92% 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 Des Moines spans from $34,960 at the 10th percentile to $110,400 at the 90th percentile — a $75,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,640, while senior public relations specialists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,040. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level public relations specialist earns around $38,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$38,640

$-3,360 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$64,400

$-5,600 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$103,040

$-8,960 vs national

Percentile	Des Moines	IA State	National
10th Percentile	$34,960	$33,820	$38,000
25th Percentile	$46,000	$44,500	$50,000
Median (50th)	$62,045	$60,022	$67,440
75th Percentile	$83,720	$80,990	$91,000
90th Percentile	$110,400	$106,800	$120,000

Percentile

Des Moines

10th Percentile

$34,960

25th Percentile

$46,000

Median (50th)

$62,045

75th Percentile

$83,720

90th Percentile

$110,400

How to Become a Public Relations Specialist in Des Moines

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Public Relations Specialist Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in Des Moines, IA? ▼

The median public relations specialist salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $62,045 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $67,440. Salaries range from $34,960 (10th percentile) to $110,400 (90th percentile).

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make per hour in Des Moines? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $62,045, a public relations specialist in Des Moines earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for public relations specialist pay? ▼

Des Moines's median public relations specialist salary of $62,045 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $60,022. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Des Moines, IA? ▼

Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a public relations specialist salary of $62,045 in Des Moines 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 Des Moines? ▼

Most public relations specialist positions in Des Moines 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 Des Moines, Iowa