Public Relations Specialist Salary in Knoxville, TN: $59,347 (2026)

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

Knoxville offers a median public relations specialist salary of $59,347, which is $675 below the Tennessee state average of $60,022. Compared to the national median of $67,440, Knoxville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Knoxville's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $59,347 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $67,440 in an average-cost city. This makes Knoxville an attractive option for public relations specialists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for public relations specialists in Knoxville spans from $33,440 at the 10th percentile to $105,600 at the 90th percentile — a $72,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,960, while senior public relations specialists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $98,560. With a population of 190,740, Knoxville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Knoxville by Experience

In Knoxville, an entry-level public relations specialist earns around $36,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $98,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$36,960

$-5,040 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$61,600

$-8,400 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$98,560

$-13,440 vs national

Percentile	Knoxville	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$33,440	$33,820	$38,000
25th Percentile	$44,000	$44,500	$50,000
Median (50th)	$59,347	$60,022	$67,440
75th Percentile	$80,080	$80,990	$91,000
90th Percentile	$105,600	$106,800	$120,000

Percentile

Knoxville

10th Percentile

$33,440

25th Percentile

$44,000

Median (50th)

$59,347

75th Percentile

$80,080

90th Percentile

$105,600

How to Become a Public Relations Specialist in Knoxville

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Public Relations Specialist Salary in Knoxville

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in Knoxville, TN? ▼

The median public relations specialist salary in Knoxville, Tennessee is $59,347 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $67,440. Salaries range from $33,440 (10th percentile) to $105,600 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $59,347, a public relations specialist in Knoxville earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Knoxville compare to the Tennessee state average for public relations specialist pay? ▼

Knoxville's median public relations specialist salary of $59,347 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $60,022. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Knoxville, TN? ▼

Knoxville has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a public relations specialist salary of $59,347 in Knoxville 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 Knoxville? ▼

Most public relations specialist positions in Knoxville 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 Knoxville, Tennessee