Public Relations Manager Salary in the United States
Based on 72K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$129,420
$62.22/hr
Salary Range
$79K – $224K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
72K
workers nationwide
The Public Relations Manager salary in the United States shows a median annual earning of $129,420, with individuals typically falling within a range of $78,662 to $223,655. This role is crucial for shaping public perception and managing an organization's image, with a significant number of professionals, around 72,380, employed in this field.
Several factors can influence the compensation for Public Relations Managers. These include the specific industry, the size and location of the company, and the level of experience and specialized skills an individual possesses. Geographic location, for instance, plays a significant role, with the District of Columbia offering the highest average salaries.
Salary Distribution — Public Relations Manager
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $78,662 |
| 25th percentile | $99,280 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $129,420 |
| 75th percentile | $169,473 |
| 90th percentile | $223,655 |
Public Relations Manager Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Public Relations Manager
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $197,600 | +52.7% | 7K |
| 2 | New York | $180,880 | +39.8% | 8K |
| 3 | Virginia | $176,340 | +36.3% | 3K |
| 4 | New Jersey | $174,980 | +35.2% | 2K |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $171,740 | +32.7% | 2K |
| 6 | California | $167,980 | +29.8% | 9K |
| 7 | Maine | $166,940 | +29.0% | — |
| 8 | Colorado | $162,870 | +25.8% | — |
| 9 | Washington | $159,440 | +23.2% | 2K |
| 10 | Rhode Island | $156,080 | +20.6% | 210 |
Public Relations Manager Salary by Industry
How much Public Relations Managers earn across industries nationwide — Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction pays the most ($217,150 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $217,150 | +67.8% | 150 |
| 2 | Information | $199,290 | +54.0% | 5K |
| 3 | Manufacturing | $176,820 | +36.6% | 2K |
| 4 | Wholesale Trade | $174,020 | +34.5% | 2K |
| 5 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $171,250 | +32.3% | 8K |
| 6 | Finance and Insurance | $169,380 | +30.9% | 5K |
| 7 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $169,030 | +30.6% | 15K |
| 8 | Utilities | $156,260 | +20.7% | 700 |
| 9 | Construction | $148,020 | +14.4% | 320 |
| 10 | Transportation and Warehousing | $141,930 | +9.7% | 740 |
| 11 | Administrative and Support Services | $138,020 | +6.6% | 2K |
| 12 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $134,230 | +3.7% | 11K |
| 13 | Retail Trade | $128,000 | -1.1% | 530 |
| 14 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $127,550 | -1.4% | 6K |
| 15 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $126,700 | -2.1% | 590 |
| 16 | Educational Services | $116,650 | -9.9% | 10K |
| 17 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $115,790 | -10.5% | 4K |
| 18 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $106,490 | -17.7% | 2K |
| 19 | Accommodation and Food Services | $98,740 | -23.7% | 320 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Historical Salary Trend — Public Relations Manager
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $129,420 |
| 2026 (projected) | $133,303 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Public Relations Manager Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $99,280 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $129,420 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $169,473 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $223,655 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Public Relations Manager salary in the US?
- The median Public Relations Manager salary in the United States is $129,420 per year. This means half of all Public Relations Managers earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the salary range for a Public Relations Manager?
- The typical salary range for a Public Relations Manager in the US spans from $78,662 to $223,655 annually. This wide range reflects the varying demands and responsibilities associated with the role.
Which state pays Public Relations Managers the most?
- The District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Public Relations Managers, with an average salary of $197,600 per year. This is significantly higher than the national median.
How many Public Relations Managers are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 72,380 Public Relations Managers employed across the United States. This indicates a substantial demand for professionals in this field.