Public Relations Manager Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 7K+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$197,600
$95.00/hr
vs National Average
$129,420
+52.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$117K – $346K
7K employed in District of Columbia
The median Public Relations Manager salary in District of Columbia is $197,600 per year, significantly higher than the national average by 52.7%. This positions Washington D.C. as a top market for PR professionals, with a substantial employed base of 7,410 individuals in this field.
Several factors influence the Public Relations Manager salary in District of Columbia, including years of experience, the specific industry of employment, and the size and prestige of the organization. Those with specialized skills or working for high-profile government agencies or non-profits may command salaries at the upper end of the reported range, which extends from $117,350 to $346,130 annually.
Salary Distribution — Public Relations Manager in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $117,350 |
| 25th percentile | $142,020 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $197,600 |
| 75th percentile | $296,830 |
| 90th percentile | $346,130 |
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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $197,600 |
| 2026 (projected) | $203,528 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $197,600 | $129,420 |
| 2026 (projected) | $203,528 | $133,303 |
Public Relations Manager Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $142,020 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $197,600 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $296,830 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $346,130 |
Public Relations Manager Salary in Other States
Related Public Relations Manager Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Public Relations Manager ($197,600 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Public Relations Manager | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Resources Manager in DC | $184,350 | -6.7% | $88.63/hr |
| Marketing Manager in DC | $177,170 | -10.3% | $85.18/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in DC | $175,720 | -11.1% | $84.48/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in DC | $168,000 | -15.0% | $80.77/hr |
| Sales Manager in DC | $141,800 | -28.2% | $68.17/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in DC | $141,710 | -28.3% | $68.13/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in DC | $128,610 | -34.9% | $61.83/hr |
| Construction Manager in DC | $126,430 | -36.0% | $60.78/hr |
| Management Analyst in DC | $126,140 | -36.2% | $60.64/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in DC | $124,420 | -37.0% | $59.82/hr |
| Human Resources Specialist in DC | $110,970 | -43.8% | $53.35/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in DC | $104,900 | -46.9% | $50.43/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Public Relations Manager in Washington D.C.?
- The median salary for a Public Relations Manager in Washington D.C. is $197,600 per year. This median figure indicates that half of Public Relations Managers in the area earn more, and half earn less.
What is the salary range for Public Relations Managers in the District of Columbia?
- The salary range for Public Relations Managers in the District of Columbia is quite broad, typically falling between $117,350 and $346,130 annually. This wide variation reflects different levels of experience and responsibility.
How does the Public Relations Manager salary in D.C. compare to the national average?
- Public Relations Manager salaries in the District of Columbia are considerably higher than the national average. They are approximately 52.7% above the national figure, with a median of $197,600 compared to the national median.
How many Public Relations Managers are employed in the District of Columbia?
- There are approximately 7,410 Public Relations Managers employed in the District of Columbia. This substantial number reflects the city's status as a hub for public affairs and communications roles.