Media & Communications Winston-Salem, NC Pop. 249,545

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

The median public relations specialist salary in Winston-Salem, NC is $57,998 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 6.5% below the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$57,998
vs State Avg
$-4,047
vs National
$-9,442
Cost of Living
86%

Public Relations Specialist Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median public relations specialist salary of $57,998, which is $4,047 below the North Carolina state average of $62,045. Compared to the national median of $67,440, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $57,998 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $67,440 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for public relations specialists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for public relations specialists in Winston-Salem spans from $32,680 at the 10th percentile to $103,200 at the 90th percentile — a $70,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,120, while senior public relations specialists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $96,320. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level public relations specialist earns around $36,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,320 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,120
$-5,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,200
$-9,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,320
$-15,680 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Winston-Salem, NC

Percentile Winston-Salem
10th Percentile $32,680
25th Percentile $43,000
Median (50th) $57,998
75th Percentile $78,260
90th Percentile $103,200

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$66,091
Pop. 874,579
Raleigh, NC
$66,091
Pop. 467,665
Durham, NC
$64,068
Pop. 283,506
Greensboro, NC
$59,347
Pop. 299,035

How to Become a Public Relations Specialist in Winston-Salem

Education

Most public relations specialist positions require a bachelor's degree. Winston-Salem and the surrounding North Carolina 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 Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Public Relations Specialist Jobs in Winston-Salem

Browse open public relations specialist positions in Winston-Salem, NC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Public Relations Specialist Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼
The median public relations specialist salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $57,998 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $67,440. Salaries range from $32,680 (10th percentile) to $103,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Public Relations Specialist make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,998, a public relations specialist in Winston-Salem earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for public relations specialist pay? ▼
Winston-Salem's median public relations specialist salary of $57,998 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $62,045. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼
Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a public relations specialist salary of $57,998 in Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem? ▼
Most public relations specialist positions in Winston-Salem 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.