Public Relations Specialist Salary in the United States
Based on 283K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$69,459
$33.39/hr
▲ 4.6% vs 2024Salary Range
$44K – $121K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
283K
workers nationwide
The median Public Relations Specialist salary in the United States is $69,459 per year, which translates to approximately $33 per hour. This figure provides a baseline understanding for individuals entering or advancing in this dynamic field, reflecting the average compensation across a wide range of experience levels and locations.
Several factors significantly influence the Public Relations Specialist salary in the United States. These include years of experience, the size and type of the employing organization, geographic location, and specific industry demands. For instance, specialists in high-cost-of-living areas or those with specialized skills often command higher salaries within the $43,861 to $120,940 range.
Salary Distribution — Public Relations Specialist
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $43,861 |
| 25th percentile | $54,560 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $69,459 |
| 75th percentile | $91,730 |
| 90th percentile | $120,940 |
Public Relations Specialist Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Public Relations Specialist
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $102,740 | +47.9% | 17K |
| 2 | Washington | $87,470 | +25.9% | 6K |
| 3 | California | $85,030 | +22.4% | 33K |
| 4 | Connecticut | $84,990 | +22.4% | 2K |
| 5 | New York | $81,250 | +17.0% | 28K |
| 6 | Colorado | $80,680 | +16.2% | 7K |
| 7 | Virginia | $80,380 | +15.7% | 10K |
| 8 | New Jersey | $80,130 | +15.4% | 5K |
| 9 | Massachusetts | $79,660 | +14.7% | 7K |
| 10 | Maryland | $79,560 | +14.5% | 4K |
Public Relations Specialist Salary by Industry
How much Public Relations Specialists earn across industries nationwide — Utilities pays the most ($99,670 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utilities | $99,670 | +43.5% | 2K |
| 2 | Finance and Insurance | $94,140 | +35.5% | 14K |
| 3 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $92,740 | +33.5% | 13K |
| 4 | Information | $84,820 | +22.1% | 13K |
| 5 | Transportation and Warehousing | $83,210 | +19.8% | 1K |
| 6 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $81,490 | +17.3% | 31K |
| 7 | Wholesale Trade | $80,970 | +16.6% | 6K |
| 8 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $78,870 | +13.5% | 62K |
| 9 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $75,940 | +9.3% | 240 |
| 10 | Administrative and Support Services | $73,710 | +6.1% | 8K |
| 11 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $71,650 | +3.2% | 41K |
| 12 | Manufacturing | $70,770 | +1.9% | 6K |
| 13 | Educational Services | $66,220 | -4.7% | 38K |
| 14 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $64,790 | -6.7% | 4K |
| 15 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $64,550 | -7.1% | 22K |
| 16 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $53,150 | -23.5% | 10K |
| 17 | Construction | $53,060 | -23.6% | 2K |
| 18 | Retail Trade | $50,340 | -27.5% | 7K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Public Relations Specialist
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Public Relations Specialist roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gen Digital | $120,000 | 3 |
| 2 | Tt Commerce & Global Services | $130,000 | 3 |
Historical Salary Trend — Public Relations Specialist
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,165 |
| 2023 | $64,213 |
| 2024 | $66,413 |
| 2025 | $69,459 |
| 2026 (projected) | $72,645 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Public Relations Specialist Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $54,560 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $69,459 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $91,730 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $120,940 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Public Relations Specialist in the US?
- The salary range for a Public Relations Specialist in the United States typically falls between $43,861 and $120,940 annually. This wide spectrum accounts for differences in experience, location, and employer.
How much do Public Relations Specialists make in the District of Columbia?
- Public Relations Specialists in the District of Columbia earn the most, with a median salary of $102,740 per year. This is significantly higher than the national median.
What is the median annual salary for a Public Relations Specialist?
- The median annual Public Relations Specialist salary in the United States is $69,459. This means half of all specialists earn more, and half earn less than this amount.
How many Public Relations Specialists are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 283,380 Public Relations Specialists employed across the United States. This indicates a robust job market for professionals in this field.