Public Relations Specialist Salary in Arizona
Based on 5K+ workers in Arizona
Median Annual Salary (AZ)
$66,710
$32.07/hr
vs National Average
$69,459
-4.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$45K – $111K
5K employed in Arizona
Public Relations Specialist salary in Arizona averages $66,710 annually, positioning the state slightly below the national median. With approximately 5,350 PR professionals employed across Arizona, the field offers diverse opportunities in major metropolitan areas and growing markets throughout the state.
Compensation for PR specialists in Arizona varies significantly based on experience level, employer size, and industry sector. Entry-level positions start near $45,080, while senior professionals with extensive portfolios can earn upward of $111,220. Geography within the state, educational credentials, and specialized expertise in areas like crisis management or digital strategy also influence earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Public Relations Specialist in Arizona
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $45,080 |
| 25th percentile | $52,580 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $66,710 |
| 75th percentile | $85,950 |
| 90th percentile | $111,220 |
Top-Paying Industries for Public Relations Specialist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Public Relations Specialists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Public Relations Specialists in Arizona tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $99,670 | 2K |
| Finance and Insurance | $94,140 | 14K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $92,740 | 13K |
| Information | $84,820 | 13K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $83,210 | 1K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Public Relations Specialist in Arizona vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arizona) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $62,210 |
| 2023 | $63,320 |
| 2024 | $64,800 |
| 2025 | $66,710 |
| 2026 (projected) | $68,676 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arizona Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $62,210 | $63,165 |
| 2023 | $63,320 | $64,213 |
| 2024 | $64,800 | $66,413 |
| 2025 | $66,710 | $69,459 |
| 2026 (projected) | $68,676 | $71,506 |
Public Relations Specialist Salary by Experience Level in Arizona
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $52,580 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $66,710 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $85,950 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $111,220 |
Public Relations Specialist Salary in Other States
Related Public Relations Specialist Salaries in Arizona
How other high-demand occupations in Arizona compare to Public Relations Specialist ($66,710 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Public Relations Specialist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logistician in AZ | $77,620 | +16.4% | $37.32/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in AZ | $75,340 | +12.9% | $36.22/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in AZ | $74,260 | +11.3% | $35.70/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in AZ | $71,940 | +7.8% | $34.59/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in AZ | $67,140 | +0.6% | $32.28/hr |
| Editor in AZ | $63,090 | -5.4% | $30.33/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in AZ | $58,780 | -11.9% | $28.26/hr |
| Writer and Author in AZ | $55,990 | -16.1% | $26.92/hr |
| Producer and Director in AZ | $67,320 | +0.9% | $32.37/hr |
| Mental Health Counselor in AZ | $65,300 | -2.1% | $31.39/hr |
| Computer Network Support Specialist in AZ | $68,880 | +3.3% | $33.12/hr |
| Dietitian and Nutritionist in AZ | $64,410 | -3.4% | $30.97/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in Arizona?
- The median salary for a Public Relations Specialist in Arizona is $66,710 per year, or $32 per hour. This is approximately 4% below the national average for this role.
What is the salary range for PR specialists in Arizona?
- Public Relations Specialists in Arizona earn between $45,080 and $111,220 annually, depending on experience, location within the state, and employer size.
How many public relations jobs are available in Arizona?
- There are currently 5,350 Public Relations Specialists employed in Arizona, indicating a substantial job market for this profession in the state.
Is the PR specialist salary in Arizona competitive compared to the national average?
- Arizona's median PR specialist salary of $66,710 is slightly below the national average at -4.0%, making it a moderately competitive market for this career field.