Public Relations Manager Salary in Washington
Based on 2K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$159,440
$76.65/hr
vs National Average
$129,420
+23.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$105K – $255K
2K employed in Washington
The median Public Relations Manager salary in Washington is $159,440 per year, which is 23.2% higher than the national average. This indicates strong earning potential for professionals in this field within the state. With 1,610 individuals currently employed in this role, Washington offers a significant market for PR expertise.
Several factors influence the Public Relations Manager salary in Washington, including years of experience, the specific industry of employment, and the geographic location within the state. Larger metropolitan areas and companies with extensive PR needs tend to offer higher compensation packages. Skills in digital media, crisis communication, and strategic planning can also command a premium.
Salary Distribution — Public Relations Manager in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $104,500 |
| 25th percentile | $128,760 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $159,440 |
| 75th percentile | $198,500 |
| 90th percentile | $255,280 |
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 Washington 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 Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $159,440 |
| 2026 (projected) | $164,223 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $159,440 | $129,420 |
| 2026 (projected) | $164,223 | $133,303 |
Public Relations Manager Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $128,760 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $159,440 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $198,500 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $255,280 |
Public Relations Manager Salary in Other States
Related Public Relations Manager Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Public Relations Manager ($159,440 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Public Relations Manager | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officer in WA | $339,810 | +113.1% | $163.37/hr |
| Sales Manager in WA | $174,000 | +9.1% | $83.65/hr |
| Marketing Manager in WA | $172,270 | +8.0% | $82.82/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in WA | $165,530 | +3.8% | $79.58/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in WA | $163,360 | +2.5% | $78.54/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in WA | $162,730 | +2.1% | $78.24/hr |
| Construction Manager in WA | $155,070 | -2.7% | $74.55/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in WA | $145,210 | -8.9% | $69.81/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in WA | $133,750 | -16.1% | $64.30/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in WA | $130,630 | -18.1% | $62.80/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in WA | $124,160 | -22.1% | $59.69/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in WA | $119,320 | -25.2% | $57.37/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Public Relations Manager in Washington?
- The median salary for a Public Relations Manager in Washington is $159,440 annually. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings, with half of professionals earning more and half earning less.
What is the typical salary range for a Public Relations Manager in Washington?
- Public Relations Managers in Washington can expect to earn between $104,500 and $255,280 per year. This wide range reflects differences in experience, company size, and responsibilities.
How does the Public Relations Manager salary in Washington compare to the national average?
- The Public Relations Manager salary in Washington is significantly higher than the national average, coming in at 23.2% above it. This means professionals in Washington are earning considerably more than their counterparts across the country.
Is the demand for Public Relations Managers high in Washington?
- Yes, there are 1,610 Public Relations Managers employed in Washington. This indicates a solid job market for individuals in this profession within the state.