Media & Communications South Portland, ME Pop. 25,665

Public Relations Specialist Salary in South Portland, Maine

The median public relations specialist salary in South Portland, ME is $70,812 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 7.1% above the Maine state average.

City Median
$70,812
vs State Avg
+$4,721
vs National
+$3,372
Cost of Living
105%

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

South Portland offers a median public relations specialist salary of $70,812, which is $4,721 above the Maine state average of $66,091. Compared to the national median of $67,440, South Portland pays above average for this role.

South Portland's cost of living is 105% 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 South Portland spans from $39,900 at the 10th percentile to $126,000 at the 90th percentile — a $86,100 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,100, while senior public relations specialists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $117,600. South Portland is a smaller market (pop. 25,665), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Public Relations Specialist Salary in South Portland by Experience

In South Portland, an entry-level public relations specialist earns around $44,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,100
+$2,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,500
+$3,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$117,600
+$5,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in South Portland, ME

Percentile South Portland
10th Percentile $39,900
25th Percentile $52,500
Median (50th) $70,812
75th Percentile $95,550
90th Percentile $126,000

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Other Maine Cities

Portland, ME
$72,835
Pop. 68,408
Bangor, ME
$62,045
Pop. 32,029
Lewiston, ME
$60,696
Pop. 37,121
Auburn, ME
$60,022
Pop. 23,926

How to Become a Public Relations Specialist in South Portland

Education

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

Find Public Relations Specialist Jobs in South Portland

Browse open public relations specialist positions in South Portland, ME:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Public Relations Specialist Salary in South Portland

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in South Portland, ME? ▼
The median public relations specialist salary in South Portland, Maine is $70,812 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $67,440. Salaries range from $39,900 (10th percentile) to $126,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Public Relations Specialist make per hour in South Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,812, a public relations specialist in South Portland earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does South Portland compare to the Maine state average for public relations specialist pay? ▼
South Portland's median public relations specialist salary of $70,812 is 7.1% above the Maine state average of $66,091. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in South Portland, ME? ▼
South Portland has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a public relations specialist salary of $70,812 in South Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a public relations specialist in South Portland? ▼
Most public relations specialist positions in South Portland 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.