Public Relations Specialist Salary

Public relations (PR) is the art of building and maintaining relationships with the public. PR specialists are responsible for creating and executing communication campaigns that promote a company, organization, or individual in a positive light. They work with the media, stakeholders, and the public to disseminate information, build relationships, and manage reputation.

The median annual salary for public relations specialists was $61,420 in May 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $36,640, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $110,000.

The salary of a public relations specialist can vary depending on several factors, including their experience, education, industry, and location.

Public Relations Specialist Salary

Table of Contents

1 Public Relations Specialist Salary

The salary of a public relations specialist can vary depending on several factors, including their experience, education, industry, and location.

Median salary: $61,420
Lowest 10%: Less than $36,640
Highest 10%: More than $110,000
Experience: Significant impact
Education: Bachelor’s degree required
Industry: Tech industry pays highest

Public relations specialists with more experience typically earn higher salaries. Those with a bachelor’s degree in public relations or a related field also tend to earn more than those without a degree. The industry in which a public relations specialist works can also affect their salary, with those working in the tech industry typically earning the highest salaries.

Median salary: $61,420

The median annual salary for public relations specialists was $61,420 in May 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means that half of all public relations specialists earned more than this amount and half earned less.

Experience: Public relations specialists with more experience typically earn higher salaries. For example, those with 10 or more years of experience earned a median annual salary of $76,130 in May 2020, while those with less than 5 years of experience earned a median annual salary of $47,330.
Education: Public relations specialists with a bachelor’s degree in public relations or a related field also tend to earn more than those without a degree. For example, those with a bachelor’s degree earned a median annual salary of $65,640 in May 2020, while those with only a high school diploma earned a median annual salary of $49,000.
Industry: The industry in which a public relations specialist works can also affect their salary. For example, those working in the tech industry earned a median annual salary of $76,740 in May 2020, while those working in the healthcare industry earned a median annual salary of $60,660.
Location: The location of a public relations specialist’s job can also affect their salary. For example, those working in the New York City area earned a median annual salary of $78,790 in May 2020, while those working in the Los Angeles area earned a median annual salary of $72,220.

It is important to note that these are just some of the factors that can affect a public relations specialist’s salary. Other factors, such as the size of the company or organization, the specific job responsibilities, and the individual’s skills and abilities, can also play a role.

Lowest 10%: Less than $36,640

The lowest 10% of public relations specialists earned less than $36,640 in May 2020. This means that there are a significant number of public relations specialists who are not earning a living wage. There are several reasons why a public relations specialist might be earning less than $36,640 per year, including:

Lack of experience: Public relations specialists with less than 5 years of experience typically earn lower salaries than those with more experience. This is because they have not yet had the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to command a higher salary.

Lack of education: Public relations specialists with only a high school diploma typically earn lower salaries than those with a bachelor’s degree in public relations or a related field. This is because a bachelor’s degree provides the specialized knowledge and skills that are necessary to be successful in the field of public relations.

Working in a low-paying industry: Public relations specialists who work in low-paying industries, such as the non-profit sector or government, typically earn lower salaries than those who work in high-paying industries, such as the tech industry or healthcare.

Working in a low-paying location: Public relations specialists who work in low-paying locations, such as rural areas or small towns, typically earn lower salaries than those who work in high-paying locations, such as large cities or metropolitan areas.

It is important to note that these are just some of the reasons why a public relations specialist might be earning less than $36,640 per year. Other factors, such as the size of the company or organization, the specific job responsibilities, and the individual’s skills and abilities, can also play a role.

Highest 10%: More than $110,000

The highest 10% of public relations specialists earned more than $110,000 in May 2020. This means that there are a significant number of public relations specialists who are earning a very good living. There are several reasons why a public relations specialist might be earning more than $110,000 per year, including:

Extensive experience: Public relations specialists with more than 10 years of experience typically earn higher salaries than those with less experience. This is because they have developed the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in the field and to take on leadership roles.
Advanced education: Public relations specialists with a master’s degree or doctorate in public relations or a related field typically earn higher salaries than those with only a bachelor’s degree. This is because they have acquired the specialized knowledge and skills that are necessary to be successful in high-level public relations roles.
Working in a high-paying industry: Public relations specialists who work in high-paying industries, such as the tech industry or healthcare, typically earn higher salaries than those who work in low-paying industries, such as the non-profit sector or government.
Working in a high-paying location: Public relations specialists who work in high-paying locations, such as large cities or metropolitan areas, typically earn higher salaries than those who work in low-paying locations, such as rural areas or small towns.

It is important to note that these are just some of the reasons why a public relations specialist might be earning more than $110,000 per year. Other factors, such as the size of the company or organization, the specific job responsibilities, and the individual’s skills and abilities, can also play a role.

Experience: Significant impact

Experience has a significant impact on the salary of a public relations specialist. This is because experience allows public relations specialists to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in the field. Public relations specialists with more experience are also more likely to be promoted to leadership roles, which typically come with higher salaries.

Entry-level public relations specialists: Entry-level public relations specialists typically have less than 5 years of experience. They are responsible for basic tasks, such as writing press releases, managing social media accounts, and assisting with media relations. Entry-level public relations specialists typically earn salaries in the range of $35,000 to $50,000 per year.
Mid-level public relations specialists: Mid-level public relations specialists typically have 5 to 10 years of experience. They are responsible for more complex tasks, such as developing and executing public relations campaigns, managing relationships with the media, and providing strategic advice to clients. Mid-level public relations specialists typically earn salaries in the range of $50,000 to $75,000 per year.
Senior public relations specialists: Senior public relations specialists typically have more than 10 years of experience. They are responsible for leading public relations teams and developing and executing complex public relations campaigns. Senior public relations specialists typically earn salaries in the range of $75,000 to $120,000 per year.
Public relations directors: Public relations directors are responsible for overseeing all aspects of a company’s or organization’s public relations program. They are responsible for developing and executing public relations campaigns, managing relationships with the media, and providing strategic advice to senior management. Public relations directors typically earn salaries in the range of $120,000 to $200,000 per year.

It is important to note that these are just general salary ranges. The actual salary of a public relations specialist will vary depending on a number of factors, including the size of the company or organization, the industry in which they work, and their location.

Education: Bachelor’s degree required

A bachelor’s degree is required for most public relations specialist positions. The most common undergraduate major for public relations specialists is public relations, but other majors, such as communications, journalism, and marketing, can also be helpful. Public relations programs typically include coursework in public relations theory and practice, media relations, social media, and crisis communications.

Public relations specialists with a bachelor’s degree: Public relations specialists with a bachelor’s degree in public relations or a related field typically earn higher salaries than those with only a high school diploma. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, public relations specialists with a bachelor’s degree earned a median annual salary of $65,640 in May 2020, while those with only a high school diploma earned a median annual salary of $49,000.
Public relations specialists with a master’s degree: Public relations specialists with a master’s degree in public relations or a related field typically earn higher salaries than those with only a bachelor’s degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, public relations specialists with a master’s degree earned a median annual salary of $78,250 in May 2020.
Public relations specialists with a doctorate: Public relations specialists with a doctorate in public relations or a related field typically earn the highest salaries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, public relations specialists with a doctorate earned a median annual salary of $94,200 in May 2020.
Other factors that can affect salary: In addition to education, other factors that can affect the salary of a public relations specialist include experience, industry, and location.

Industry: Tech industry pays highest

The tech industry is one of the highest-paying industries for public relations specialists. This is because tech companies typically have large budgets for public relations and marketing, and they are willing to pay top dollar for experienced public relations professionals who can help them build and maintain a positive reputation.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, public relations specialists working in the tech industry earned a median annual salary of $76,740 in May 2020. This is higher than the median annual salary for public relations specialists in all other industries.

There are several reasons why the tech industry pays higher salaries to public relations specialists. First, tech companies are often at the forefront of new technologies and trends, and they need public relations specialists who can help them communicate their message to the public in a clear and concise way.

Second, tech companies often have complex products and services, and they need public relations specialists who can help them explain these products and services to the media and the public. Finally, tech companies are often targets of negative publicity, and they need public relations specialists who can help them manage their reputation and protect their brand.

If you are a public relations specialist who is looking for a high-paying job, the tech industry is a great place to start your search.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about public relations specialist salary:

Question 1: What is the median salary for public relations specialists?
Answer: The median annual salary for public relations specialists was $61,420 in May 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Question 2: What is the lowest 10% salary for public relations specialists?
Answer: The lowest 10% of public relations specialists earned less than $36,640 in May 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Question 3: What is the highest 10% salary for public relations specialists?
Answer: The highest 10% of public relations specialists earned more than $110,000 in May 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Question 4: What factors affect the salary of a public relations specialist?
Answer: Several factors can affect the salary of a public relations specialist, including their experience, education, industry, and location.

Question 5: What is the highest-paying industry for public relations specialists?
Answer: The tech industry is the highest-paying industry for public relations specialists, with a median annual salary of $76,740 in May 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Question 6: What is the job outlook for public relations specialists?
Answer: The job outlook for public relations specialists is expected to grow by 7% from 2020 to 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Closing Paragraph for FAQ:

These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about public relations specialist salary. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact a career counselor or human resources professional.

Now that you know more about public relations specialist salary, you can start to think about how to increase your earning potential. Here are a few tips:

Tips

Here are four tips for increasing your public relations specialist salary:

1. Get experience. The more experience you have, the more valuable you will be to potential employers. Entry-level public relations specialists typically earn lower salaries than those with more experience. However, as you gain experience and develop your skills, you can negotiate for a higher salary.

2. Get a higher education. A bachelor’s degree in public relations or a related field is required for most public relations specialist positions. However, a master’s degree or doctorate can give you a competitive edge and help you earn a higher salary.

3. Network. Networking is essential for any job seeker, but it is especially important for public relations specialists. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with other public relations professionals on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the more likely you are to hear about new job opportunities and get your foot in the door at a higher-paying company.

4. Specialize. If you want to earn a higher salary, it is helpful to specialize in a particular area of public relations, such as media relations, social media, or crisis communications. By becoming an expert in a particular area, you will be more valuable to potential employers and you will be able to command a higher salary.

Closing Paragraph for Tips:

These are just a few tips for increasing your public relations specialist salary. If you are looking for a high-paying job in the field of public relations, it is important to gain experience, get a higher education, network, and specialize in a particular area of public relations.

Now that you know more about public relations specialist salary and how to increase your earning potential, you can start to plan your career and make the right decisions to achieve your financial goals.

Conclusion

Public relations specialists play a vital role in shaping the public perception of companies, organizations, and individuals. They are responsible for building and maintaining relationships with the media, stakeholders, and the public. The salary of a public relations specialist can vary depending on several factors, including their experience, education, industry, and location.

If you are interested in a career as a public relations specialist, there are several things you can do to increase your earning potential. First, gain as much experience as possible. Second, get a higher education. Third, network with other public relations professionals. And fourth, specialize in a particular area of public relations.

By following these tips, you can increase your value to potential employers and earn a higher salary as a public relations specialist.

Closing Message:

Thank you for reading this article about public relations specialist salary. I hope you found it informative and helpful. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact a career counselor or human resources professional.