Media & Communications Norfolk, VA Pop. 238,005

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Norfolk, Virginia

The median public relations specialist salary in Norfolk, VA is $64,742 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 7.7% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$64,742
vs State Avg
$-5,396
vs National
$-2,698
Cost of Living
96%

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

Norfolk offers a median public relations specialist salary of $64,742, which is $5,396 below the Virginia state average of $70,138. Compared to the national median of $67,440, Norfolk pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Norfolk's cost of living is 96% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for public relations specialists in Norfolk spans from $36,480 at the 10th percentile to $115,200 at the 90th percentile — a $78,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,320, while senior public relations specialists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $107,520. With a population of 238,005, Norfolk is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Norfolk by Experience

In Norfolk, an entry-level public relations specialist earns around $40,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $107,520 per year. The local cost of living index 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

Salary Percentiles in Norfolk, VA

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

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$89,021
Pop. 238,643
Virginia Beach, VA
$68,789
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$67,440
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$66,091
Pop. 249,422

How to Become a Public Relations Specialist in Norfolk

Education

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

Find Public Relations Specialist Jobs in Norfolk

Browse open public relations specialist positions in Norfolk, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Public Relations Specialist Salary in Norfolk

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in Norfolk, VA? ▼
The median public relations specialist salary in Norfolk, Virginia 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 Norfolk? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,742, a public relations specialist in Norfolk earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Norfolk compare to the Virginia state average for public relations specialist pay? ▼
Norfolk's median public relations specialist salary of $64,742 is 7.7% below the Virginia state average of $70,138. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Norfolk, VA? ▼
Norfolk has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a public relations specialist salary of $64,742 in Norfolk 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 Norfolk? ▼
Most public relations specialist positions in Norfolk 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.