Public Relations Specialist Salary in Iowa City, IA: $64,068 (2026)

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

Iowa City offers a median public relations specialist salary of $64,068, which is $4,046 above the Iowa state average of $60,022. Compared to the national median of $67,440, Iowa City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Iowa City'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 Iowa City 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. Iowa City is a smaller market (pop. 74,828), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Iowa City by Experience

In Iowa City, 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

Percentile	Iowa City	IA State	National
10th Percentile	$36,100	$33,820	$38,000
25th Percentile	$47,500	$44,500	$50,000
Median (50th)	$64,068	$60,022	$67,440
75th Percentile	$86,450	$80,990	$91,000
90th Percentile	$114,000	$106,800	$120,000

Percentile

Iowa City

10th Percentile

$36,100

25th Percentile

$47,500

Median (50th)

$64,068

75th Percentile

$86,450

90th Percentile

$114,000

How to Become a Public Relations Specialist in Iowa City

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Public Relations Specialist Salary in Iowa City

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in Iowa City, IA? ▼

The median public relations specialist salary in Iowa City, Iowa 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 Iowa City? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $64,068, a public relations specialist in Iowa City earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Iowa City's median public relations specialist salary of $64,068 is 6.7% above the Iowa state average of $60,022. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Iowa City, IA? ▼

Iowa City has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a public relations specialist salary of $64,068 in Iowa City 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 Iowa City? ▼

Most public relations specialist positions in Iowa City 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 Iowa City, Iowa