Public Relations Manager Salary in North Carolina
Based on 2K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$132,280
$63.60/hr
vs National Average
$129,420
+2.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$79K – $229K
2K employed in North Carolina
The Public Relations Manager salary in North Carolina sits at a median of $132,280 annually, which translates to approximately $64 per hour. This figure is slightly above the national average by 2.2%. Currently, there are about 1,510 Public Relations Managers employed within the state.
Several factors influence the Public Relations Manager salary in North Carolina, including years of experience, the specific industry of employment, and the geographic location within the state. The salary range for these professionals in North Carolina is quite broad, extending from $79,320 to $229,270, reflecting these varied influences.
Salary Distribution — Public Relations Manager in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $79,320 |
| 25th percentile | $103,700 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $132,280 |
| 75th percentile | $173,020 |
| 90th percentile | $229,270 |
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $132,280 |
| 2026 (projected) | $136,248 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $132,280 | $129,420 |
| 2026 (projected) | $136,248 | $133,303 |
Public Relations Manager Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $103,700 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $132,280 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $173,020 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $229,270 |
Public Relations Manager Salary in Other States
Related Public Relations Manager Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Public Relations Manager ($132,280 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Public Relations Manager | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officer in NC | $314,290 | +137.6% | $151.10/hr |
| Marketing Manager in NC | $165,480 | +25.1% | $79.56/hr |
| Sales Manager in NC | $150,470 | +13.8% | $72.34/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in NC | $142,990 | +8.1% | $68.75/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in NC | $138,710 | +4.9% | $66.69/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in NC | $126,200 | -4.6% | $60.67/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in NC | $125,940 | -4.8% | $60.55/hr |
| Construction Manager in NC | $106,640 | -19.4% | $51.27/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in NC | $105,630 | -20.1% | $50.78/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in NC | $101,950 | -22.9% | $49.01/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in NC | $100,820 | -23.8% | $48.47/hr |
| Management Analyst in NC | $98,560 | -25.5% | $47.38/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Public Relations Manager in North Carolina?
- The median Public Relations Manager salary in North Carolina is $132,280 per year. This means half of Public Relations Managers in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
How much can a Public Relations Manager earn in North Carolina?
- The salary range for Public Relations Managers in North Carolina is between $79,320 and $229,270 annually. This wide range indicates significant differences in compensation based on various factors.
Is the Public Relations Manager salary in North Carolina higher than the national average?
- Yes, the Public Relations Manager salary in North Carolina is approximately 2.2% higher than the national average. This suggests that the demand or cost of living may be influencing this figure.
What is the hourly rate for a Public Relations Manager in North Carolina?
- Based on the median annual salary of $132,280, a Public Relations Manager in North Carolina typically earns around $64 per hour. This hourly rate reflects the substantial annual earnings for the role.