Media & Communications Missouri (MO) Rank #42 of 50

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Missouri

The median public relations specialist salary in Missouri is $59,347 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $67,440.

Median Salary
$59,347
vs National
$-8,093
State Rank
#42 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Public Relations Specialist Salary Overview in Missouri (2026)

Missouri ranks #42 out of 50 states for public relations specialist compensation. Public Relations Specialist salaries in Missouri are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $59,347 per year, public relations specialists in Missouri earn $8,093 less than the national median of $67,440.

A key advantage of working in Missouri is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $59,347 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $67,440 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Missouri is significant: public relations specialists at the 10th percentile earn $33,440, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $105,600 — a $72,160 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Missouri for this role is Kansas City, where the median reaches $62,045.

Nationally, public relations specialist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for public relations specialists across the country.

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Missouri by Experience

In Missouri, an entry-level public relations specialist earns around $36,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $98,560 per year. The cost of living index in Missouri 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

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Salary Percentiles in Missouri

Percentile MO Salary
10th Percentile $33,440
25th Percentile $44,000
Median (50th) $59,347
75th Percentile $80,080
90th Percentile $105,600

Public Relations Specialist Salary by City in Missouri

The largest employment areas for public relations specialists in Missouri include Kansas City, Saint Louis, Springfield, and Columbia. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Public Relations Specialist in Missouri

Education

Most public relations specialist positions require a bachelor's degree. Missouri has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Media RelationsPress ReleasesCrisis CommunicationsSocial MediaEvent PlanningBrand Management

Job Outlook in Missouri

Nationally, public relations specialist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Missouri's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Public Relations Specialist Salary in Missouri

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in Missouri? ▼
The median public relations specialist salary in Missouri 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 Missouri? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,347, a public relations specialist in Missouri earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Missouri a good state for public relations specialists? ▼
Missouri ranks #42 out of 50 states for public relations specialist pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level public relations specialists earn $36,960, while senior professionals earn $98,560.
How does Missouri compare to other states for public relations specialist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for public relations specialists is Hawaii at $114,648. Missouri's median of $59,347 ranks #42 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Carolina ($60,022) and Tennessee ($60,022).
What is the entry-level public relations specialist salary in Missouri? ▼
An entry-level public relations specialist in Missouri earns approximately $36,960 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $61,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $98,560.
What city in Missouri pays public relations specialists the most? ▼
Kansas City is the highest paying city in Missouri for public relations specialists, with a median salary of $62,045. Other cities include Saint Louis and Springfield.