Media & Communications Wisconsin (WI) Rank #31 of 50

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Wisconsin

The median public relations specialist salary in Wisconsin is $62,045 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $67,440.

Median Salary
$62,045
vs National
$-5,395
State Rank
#31 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Public Relations Specialist Salary Overview in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin ranks #31 out of 50 states for public relations specialist compensation. Public Relations Specialist salaries in Wisconsin are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $62,045 per year, public relations specialists in Wisconsin earn $5,395 less than the national median of $67,440.

A key advantage of working in Wisconsin is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $62,045 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $67,440 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Wisconsin is significant: public relations specialists at the 10th percentile earn $34,960, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $110,400 — a $75,440 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Wisconsin for this role is Madison, where the median reaches $67,440.

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 Wisconsin by Experience

In Wisconsin, an entry-level public relations specialist earns around $38,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,040 per year. The cost of living index in Wisconsin is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,640
$-3,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$64,400
$-5,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,040
$-8,960 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Wisconsin

Percentile WI Salary
10th Percentile $34,960
25th Percentile $46,000
Median (50th) $62,045
75th Percentile $83,720
90th Percentile $110,400

Public Relations Specialist Salary by City in Wisconsin

The largest employment areas for public relations specialists in Wisconsin include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Public Relations Specialist in Wisconsin

Education

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

Key Skills

Media RelationsPress ReleasesCrisis CommunicationsSocial MediaEvent PlanningBrand Management

Job Outlook in Wisconsin

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Public Relations Specialist Salary in Wisconsin

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in Wisconsin? ▼
The median public relations specialist salary in Wisconsin is $62,045 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $67,440. Salaries range from $34,960 (10th percentile) to $110,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Public Relations Specialist make per hour in Wisconsin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,045, a public relations specialist in Wisconsin earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Wisconsin a good state for public relations specialists? ▼
Wisconsin ranks #31 out of 50 states for public relations specialist pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level public relations specialists earn $38,640, while senior professionals earn $103,040.
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for public relations specialist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for public relations specialists is Hawaii at $114,648. Wisconsin's median of $62,045 ranks #31 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Carolina ($62,045) and Texas ($62,045).
What is the entry-level public relations specialist salary in Wisconsin? ▼
An entry-level public relations specialist in Wisconsin earns approximately $38,640 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $64,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $103,040.
What city in Wisconsin pays public relations specialists the most? ▼
Madison is the highest paying city in Wisconsin for public relations specialists, with a median salary of $67,440. Other cities include Milwaukee and Green Bay.