Public Relations Specialist Salary in Kansas City, KS: $59,347 (2026)

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

Kansas City offers a median public relations specialist salary of $59,347, which is $674 above the Kansas state average of $58,673. Compared to the national median of $67,440, Kansas City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Kansas City'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 Kansas City an attractive option for public relations specialists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for public relations specialists in Kansas City 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 156,607, Kansas City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Kansas City by Experience

In Kansas City, 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	Kansas City	KS State	National
10th Percentile	$33,440	$33,060	$38,000
25th Percentile	$44,000	$43,500	$50,000
Median (50th)	$59,347	$58,673	$67,440
75th Percentile	$80,080	$79,170	$91,000
90th Percentile	$105,600	$104,400	$120,000

Percentile

Kansas City

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 Kansas City

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Public Relations Specialist Salary in Kansas City

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in Kansas City, KS? ▼

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

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

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

Kansas City's median public relations specialist salary of $59,347 is 1.1% above the Kansas state average of $58,673. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Kansas City, KS? ▼

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

Most public relations specialist positions in Kansas 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 Kansas City, Kansas