Media & Communications Washington (WA) Rank #7 of 50

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Washington

The median public relations specialist salary in Washington is $77,556 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $67,440.

Median Salary
$77,556
vs National
+$10,116
State Rank
#7 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Washington by Experience

In Washington, an entry-level public relations specialist earns around $48,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $128,800 per year. The cost of living index in Washington is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,300
+$6,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,500
+$10,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$128,800
+$16,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Washington

Percentile WA Salary
10th Percentile $43,700
25th Percentile $57,500
Median (50th) $77,556
75th Percentile $104,650
90th Percentile $138,000

Public Relations Specialist Salary by City in Washington

The largest employment areas for public relations specialists in Washington include Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Bellevue. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Seattle, WA
$99,811
Pop. 737,015 · COL 148%
Spokane, WA
$62,045
Pop. 228,989 · COL 92%
Tacoma, WA
$74,184
Pop. 219,346 · COL 110%
Bellevue, WA
$102,509
Pop. 151,854 · COL 152%
Vancouver, WA
$68,789
Pop. 190,915 · COL 102%

How to Become a Public Relations Specialist in Washington

Education

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

Key Skills

Media RelationsPress ReleasesCrisis CommunicationsSocial MediaEvent PlanningBrand Management

Job Outlook in Washington

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

Find Public Relations Specialist Jobs in Washington

Browse open public relations specialist positions in Washington:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Public Relations Specialist Salary in Washington

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in Washington? ▼
The median public relations specialist salary in Washington is $77,556 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $67,440. Salaries range from $43,700 (10th percentile) to $138,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Public Relations Specialist make per hour in Washington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $77,556, a public relations specialist in Washington earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Washington a good state for public relations specialists? ▼
Washington ranks #7 out of 50 states for public relations specialist pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level public relations specialists earn $48,300, while senior professionals earn $128,800.
How does Washington compare to other states for public relations specialist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for public relations specialists is Hawaii at $114,648. Washington's median of $77,556 ranks #7 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New York ($82,277) and New Jersey ($77,556).
What is the entry-level public relations specialist salary in Washington? ▼
An entry-level public relations specialist in Washington earns approximately $48,300 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $80,500. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $128,800.
What city in Washington pays public relations specialists the most? ▼
Bellevue is the highest paying city in Washington for public relations specialists, with a median salary of $102,509. Other cities include Seattle and Spokane.