Public Relations Manager Salary in California
Based on 9K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$167,980
$80.76/hr
vs National Average
$129,420
+29.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$98K – $301K
9K employed in California
The median Public Relations Manager salary in California is an impressive $167,980 per year, significantly exceeding the national average by 29.8%. With approximately 9,400 professionals employed in this field across the state, California offers substantial earning potential for experienced PR managers.
Several factors influence the Public Relations Manager salary in California, including years of experience, the specific industry, company size, and geographic location within the state. More senior roles or those in high-cost-of-living areas like San Francisco or Los Angeles tend to command higher compensation.
Salary Distribution — Public Relations Manager in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $97,800 |
| 25th percentile | $125,550 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $167,980 |
| 75th percentile | $222,310 |
| 90th percentile | $300,800 |
Top-Paying Industries for Public Relations Manager (U.S.)
Which industries pay Public Relations Managers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Public Relations Managers in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $217,150 | 150 |
| Information | $199,290 | 5K |
| Manufacturing | $176,820 | 2K |
| Wholesale Trade | $174,020 | 2K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $171,250 | 8K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Public Relations Manager in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $167,980 |
| 2026 (projected) | $173,019 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $167,980 | $129,420 |
| 2026 (projected) | $173,019 | $133,303 |
Public Relations Manager Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $125,550 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $167,980 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $222,310 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $300,800 |
Public Relations Manager Salary in Other States
Related Public Relations Manager Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Public Relations Manager ($167,980 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Public Relations Manager | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officer in CA | $218,600 | +30.1% | $105.10/hr |
| Marketing Manager in CA | $193,620 | +15.3% | $93.09/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in CA | $170,080 | +1.3% | $81.77/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in CA | $159,830 | -4.9% | $76.84/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in CA | $156,260 | -7.0% | $75.13/hr |
| Sales Manager in CA | $134,910 | -19.7% | $64.86/hr |
| Construction Manager in CA | $133,160 | -20.7% | $64.02/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in CA | $132,620 | -21.1% | $63.76/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in CA | $124,390 | -25.9% | $59.80/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in CA | $120,910 | -28.0% | $58.13/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in CA | $108,890 | -35.2% | $52.35/hr |
| Management Analyst in CA | $101,460 | -39.6% | $48.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Public Relations Manager make in California?
- The median Public Relations Manager salary in California is $167,980 annually. The typical salary range for this role falls between $97,800 and $300,800 per year.
What is the average hourly wage for a PR Manager in California?
- Public Relations Managers in California earn an average hourly wage of $81. This is derived from the median annual salary of $167,980.
Is the Public Relations Manager salary in California higher than the national average?
- Yes, the Public Relations Manager salary in California is significantly higher than the national average. It is approximately 29.8% above the national median.
What is the salary range for a Public Relations Manager in California?
- The salary range for a Public Relations Manager in California is quite broad, spanning from $97,800 at the lower end to $300,800 at the higher end, with the median sitting at $167,980.