Media & Communications Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median public relations specialist salary in Cambridge, MA is $107,904 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$107,904
vs State Avg
+$16,860
vs National
+$40,464
Cost of Living
160%

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

Cambridge offers a median public relations specialist salary of $107,904, which is $16,860 above the Massachusetts state average of $91,044. Compared to the national median of $67,440, Cambridge pays above average for this role.

However, Cambridge's cost of living index is 160%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $107,904 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $67,440. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for public relations specialists in Cambridge spans from $60,800 at the 10th percentile to $192,000 at the 90th percentile — a $131,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $67,200, while senior public relations specialists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $179,200. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level public relations specialist earns around $67,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $179,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$67,200
+$25,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$112,000
+$42,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$179,200
+$67,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $60,800
25th Percentile $80,000
Median (50th) $107,904
75th Percentile $145,600
90th Percentile $192,000

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA
$102,509
Pop. 675,647
Worcester, MA
$74,184
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$70,812
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$66,091
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Public Relations Specialist in Cambridge

Education

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

Find Public Relations Specialist Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open public relations specialist positions in Cambridge, MA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Public Relations Specialist Salary in Cambridge

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median public relations specialist salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $107,904 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $67,440. Salaries range from $60,800 (10th percentile) to $192,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Public Relations Specialist make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $107,904, a public relations specialist in Cambridge earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cambridge compare to the Massachusetts state average for public relations specialist pay? ▼
Cambridge's median public relations specialist salary of $107,904 is 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average of $91,044. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cambridge, MA? ▼
Cambridge has a cost of living index of 160% compared to the national average. This means a public relations specialist salary of $107,904 in Cambridge 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 Cambridge? ▼
Most public relations specialist positions in Cambridge 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.