Media & Communications Pennsylvania (PA) Rank #23 of 50

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Pennsylvania

The median public relations specialist salary in Pennsylvania is $64,742 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $67,440.

Median Salary
$64,742
vs National
$-2,698
State Rank
#23 of 50
Cost of Living
96%

Public Relations Specialist Salary Overview in Pennsylvania (2026)

Pennsylvania ranks #23 out of 50 states for public relations specialist compensation. Pennsylvania falls in the middle of the pack for public relations specialist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $64,742 per year, public relations specialists in Pennsylvania earn $2,698 less than the national median of $67,440.

Pennsylvania's cost of living is near the national average at 96%, meaning public relations specialist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Pennsylvania is significant: public relations specialists at the 10th percentile earn $36,480, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $115,200 — a $78,720 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Pennsylvania for this role is Philadelphia, where the median reaches $68,789.

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 Pennsylvania by Experience

In Pennsylvania, an entry-level public relations specialist earns around $40,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $107,520 per year. The cost of living index in Pennsylvania is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,320
$-1,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,200
$-2,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$107,520
$-4,480 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Pennsylvania

Percentile PA Salary
10th Percentile $36,480
25th Percentile $48,000
Median (50th) $64,742
75th Percentile $87,360
90th Percentile $115,200

Public Relations Specialist Salary by City in Pennsylvania

The largest employment areas for public relations specialists in Pennsylvania include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Reading. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Public Relations Specialist in Pennsylvania

Education

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

Key Skills

Media RelationsPress ReleasesCrisis CommunicationsSocial MediaEvent PlanningBrand Management

Job Outlook in Pennsylvania

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Public Relations Specialist Salary in Pennsylvania

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in Pennsylvania? ▼
The median public relations specialist salary in Pennsylvania is $64,742 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $67,440. Salaries range from $36,480 (10th percentile) to $115,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Public Relations Specialist make per hour in Pennsylvania? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,742, a public relations specialist in Pennsylvania earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for public relations specialists? ▼
Pennsylvania ranks #23 out of 50 states for public relations specialist pay. The cost of living index is 96% of the national average. Entry-level public relations specialists earn $40,320, while senior professionals earn $107,520.
How does Pennsylvania compare to other states for public relations specialist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for public relations specialists is Hawaii at $114,648. Pennsylvania's median of $64,742 ranks #23 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Nevada ($65,417) and Utah ($65,417).
What is the entry-level public relations specialist salary in Pennsylvania? ▼
An entry-level public relations specialist in Pennsylvania earns approximately $40,320 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $67,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $107,520.
What city in Pennsylvania pays public relations specialists the most? ▼
Philadelphia is the highest paying city in Pennsylvania for public relations specialists, with a median salary of $68,789. Other cities include Pittsburgh and Allentown.