Media & Communications Virginia (VA) Rank #14 of 50

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Virginia

The median public relations specialist salary in Virginia is $70,138 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $67,440.

Median Salary
$70,138
vs National
+$2,698
State Rank
#14 of 50
Cost of Living
104%

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Virginia by Experience

In Virginia, an entry-level public relations specialist earns around $43,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $116,480 per year. The cost of living index in Virginia is 104% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,680
+$1,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,800
+$2,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$116,480
+$4,480 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Virginia

Percentile VA Salary
10th Percentile $39,520
25th Percentile $52,000
Median (50th) $70,138
75th Percentile $94,640
90th Percentile $124,800

Public Relations Specialist Salary by City in Virginia

The largest employment areas for public relations specialists in Virginia include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, and Arlington. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Virginia Beach, VA
$68,789
Pop. 449,974 · COL 102%
Norfolk, VA
$64,742
Pop. 238,005 · COL 96%
Richmond, VA
$67,440
Pop. 226,610 · COL 100%
Arlington, VA
$89,021
Pop. 238,643 · COL 132%
Chesapeake, VA
$66,091
Pop. 249,422 · COL 98%

How to Become a Public Relations Specialist in Virginia

Education

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

Key Skills

Media RelationsPress ReleasesCrisis CommunicationsSocial MediaEvent PlanningBrand Management

Job Outlook in Virginia

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

Find Public Relations Specialist Jobs in Virginia

Browse open public relations specialist positions in Virginia:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Public Relations Specialist Salary in Virginia

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in Virginia? ▼
The median public relations specialist salary in Virginia is $70,138 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $67,440. Salaries range from $39,520 (10th percentile) to $124,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Public Relations Specialist make per hour in Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,138, a public relations specialist in Virginia earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Virginia a good state for public relations specialists? ▼
Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for public relations specialist pay. The cost of living index is 104% of the national average. Entry-level public relations specialists earn $43,680, while senior professionals earn $116,480.
How does Virginia compare to other states for public relations specialist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for public relations specialists is Hawaii at $114,648. Virginia's median of $70,138 ranks #14 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Hampshire ($70,812) and Rhode Island ($70,812).
What is the entry-level public relations specialist salary in Virginia? ▼
An entry-level public relations specialist in Virginia earns approximately $43,680 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $72,800. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $116,480.
What city in Virginia pays public relations specialists the most? ▼
Arlington is the highest paying city in Virginia for public relations specialists, with a median salary of $89,021. Other cities include Virginia Beach and Norfolk.