Media & Communications Milwaukee, WI Pop. 577,222

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The median public relations specialist salary in Milwaukee, WI is $62,045 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average.

City Median
$62,045
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-5,395
Cost of Living
92%

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

Milwaukee offers a median public relations specialist salary of $62,045, which is $0 above the Wisconsin state average of $62,045. Compared to the national median of $67,440, Milwaukee pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Milwaukee's cost of living is 92% 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 Milwaukee spans from $34,960 at the 10th percentile to $110,400 at the 90th percentile — a $75,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,640, while senior public relations specialists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,040. As a major metro area with a population of 577,222, Milwaukee typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Milwaukee by Experience

In Milwaukee, an entry-level public relations specialist earns around $38,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,040 per year. The local cost of living index 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

Salary Percentiles in Milwaukee, WI

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

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities

How to Become a Public Relations Specialist in Milwaukee

Education

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

Find Public Relations Specialist Jobs in Milwaukee

Browse open public relations specialist positions in Milwaukee, WI:

Frequently Asked Questions: Public Relations Specialist Salary in Milwaukee

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
The median public relations specialist salary in Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,045, a public relations specialist in Milwaukee earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Milwaukee compare to the Wisconsin state average for public relations specialist pay? ▼
Milwaukee's median public relations specialist salary of $62,045 is 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average of $62,045. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a public relations specialist salary of $62,045 in Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee? ▼
Most public relations specialist positions in Milwaukee 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.