Media & Communications Owensboro, KY Pop. 60,183

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Owensboro, Kentucky

The median public relations specialist salary in Owensboro, KY is $55,301 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 5.7% below the Kentucky state average.

City Median
$55,301
vs State Avg
$-3,372
vs National
$-12,139
Cost of Living
82%

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

Owensboro offers a median public relations specialist salary of $55,301, which is $3,372 below the Kentucky state average of $58,673. Compared to the national median of $67,440, Owensboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

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

The salary range for public relations specialists in Owensboro 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. Owensboro is a smaller market (pop. 60,183), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Owensboro by Experience

In Owensboro, 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 Owensboro, KY

Percentile Owensboro
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 Kentucky Cities

How to Become a Public Relations Specialist in Owensboro

Education

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

Find Public Relations Specialist Jobs in Owensboro

Browse open public relations specialist positions in Owensboro, KY:

Frequently Asked Questions: Public Relations Specialist Salary in Owensboro

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in Owensboro, KY? ▼
The median public relations specialist salary in Owensboro, Kentucky 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 Owensboro? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,301, a public relations specialist in Owensboro earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Owensboro compare to the Kentucky state average for public relations specialist pay? ▼
Owensboro's median public relations specialist salary of $55,301 is 5.7% below the Kentucky state average of $58,673. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Owensboro, KY? ▼
Owensboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a public relations specialist salary of $55,301 in Owensboro 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 Owensboro? ▼
Most public relations specialist positions in Owensboro 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.