Public Relations Specialist Salary in Akron, OH: $56,650 (2026)

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

Akron offers a median public relations specialist salary of $56,650, which is $4,046 below the Ohio state average of $60,696. Compared to the national median of $67,440, Akron pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Akron's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $56,650 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $67,440 in an average-cost city. This makes Akron an attractive option for public relations specialists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for public relations specialists in Akron spans from $31,920 at the 10th percentile to $100,800 at the 90th percentile — a $68,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,280, while senior public relations specialists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $94,080. With a population of 190,469, Akron is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Akron by Experience

In Akron, an entry-level public relations specialist earns around $35,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $94,080 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$35,280

$-6,720 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$58,800

$-11,200 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$94,080

$-17,920 vs national

Percentile	Akron	OH State	National
10th Percentile	$31,920	$34,200	$38,000
25th Percentile	$42,000	$45,000	$50,000
Median (50th)	$56,650	$60,696	$67,440
75th Percentile	$76,440	$81,900	$91,000
90th Percentile	$100,800	$108,000	$120,000

Percentile

Akron

10th Percentile

$31,920

25th Percentile

$42,000

Median (50th)

$56,650

75th Percentile

$76,440

90th Percentile

$100,800

How to Become a Public Relations Specialist in Akron

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Public Relations Specialist Salary in Akron

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in Akron, OH? ▼

The median public relations specialist salary in Akron, Ohio is $56,650 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $67,440. Salaries range from $31,920 (10th percentile) to $100,800 (90th percentile).

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make per hour in Akron? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $56,650, a public relations specialist in Akron earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Akron compare to the Ohio state average for public relations specialist pay? ▼

Akron's median public relations specialist salary of $56,650 is 6.7% below the Ohio state average of $60,696. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Akron, OH? ▼

Akron has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a public relations specialist salary of $56,650 in Akron 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 Akron? ▼

Most public relations specialist positions in Akron 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.

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Akron, Ohio