Public Relations Specialist Salary in Cleveland, OH: $57,998 (2026)

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

Cleveland offers a median public relations specialist salary of $57,998, which is $2,698 below the Ohio state average of $60,696. Compared to the national median of $67,440, Cleveland pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cleveland'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 Cleveland an attractive option for public relations specialists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for public relations specialists in Cleveland 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 372,624, Cleveland is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Cleveland by Experience

In Cleveland, 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

Percentile	Cleveland	OH State	National
10th Percentile	$32,680	$34,200	$38,000
25th Percentile	$43,000	$45,000	$50,000
Median (50th)	$57,998	$60,696	$67,440
75th Percentile	$78,260	$81,900	$91,000
90th Percentile	$103,200	$108,000	$120,000

Percentile

Cleveland

10th Percentile

$32,680

25th Percentile

$43,000

Median (50th)

$57,998

75th Percentile

$78,260

90th Percentile

$103,200

How to Become a Public Relations Specialist in Cleveland

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Public Relations Specialist Salary in Cleveland

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

The median public relations specialist salary in Cleveland, Ohio 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 Cleveland? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $57,998, a public relations specialist in Cleveland earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Cleveland's median public relations specialist salary of $57,998 is 4.4% below the Ohio state average of $60,696. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

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

Cleveland has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a public relations specialist salary of $57,998 in Cleveland 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 Cleveland? ▼

Most public relations specialist positions in Cleveland 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 Cleveland, Ohio