Media & Communications South Carolina (SC) Rank #40 of 50

Public Relations Specialist Salary in South Carolina

The median public relations specialist salary in South Carolina is $60,022 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $67,440.

Median Salary
$60,022
vs National
$-7,418
State Rank
#40 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Public Relations Specialist Salary Overview in South Carolina (2026)

South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for public relations specialist compensation. Public Relations Specialist salaries in South Carolina are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $60,022 per year, public relations specialists in South Carolina earn $7,418 less than the national median of $67,440.

A key advantage of working in South Carolina is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $60,022 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $67,440 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Carolina is significant: public relations specialists at the 10th percentile earn $33,820, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $106,800 — a $72,980 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in South Carolina for this role is Mount Pleasant, where the median reaches $70,812.

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 South Carolina by Experience

In South Carolina, an entry-level public relations specialist earns around $37,380, while experienced professionals earn up to $99,680 per year. The cost of living index in South Carolina is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,380
$-4,620 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,300
$-7,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$99,680
$-12,320 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Carolina

Percentile SC Salary
10th Percentile $33,820
25th Percentile $44,500
Median (50th) $60,022
75th Percentile $80,990
90th Percentile $106,800

Public Relations Specialist Salary by City in South Carolina

The largest employment areas for public relations specialists in South Carolina include Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and North Charleston. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Public Relations Specialist in South Carolina

Education

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

Key Skills

Media RelationsPress ReleasesCrisis CommunicationsSocial MediaEvent PlanningBrand Management

Job Outlook in South Carolina

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Public Relations Specialist Salary in South Carolina

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in South Carolina? ▼
The median public relations specialist salary in South Carolina is $60,022 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $67,440. Salaries range from $33,820 (10th percentile) to $106,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Public Relations Specialist make per hour in South Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,022, a public relations specialist in South Carolina earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Carolina a good state for public relations specialists? ▼
South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for public relations specialist pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level public relations specialists earn $37,380, while senior professionals earn $99,680.
How does South Carolina compare to other states for public relations specialist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for public relations specialists is Hawaii at $114,648. South Carolina's median of $60,022 ranks #40 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Ohio ($60,696) and Iowa ($60,022).
What is the entry-level public relations specialist salary in South Carolina? ▼
An entry-level public relations specialist in South Carolina earns approximately $37,380 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $62,300. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $99,680.
What city in South Carolina pays public relations specialists the most? ▼
Mount Pleasant is the highest paying city in South Carolina for public relations specialists, with a median salary of $70,812. Other cities include Charleston and Columbia.