Public Relations Specialist Salary in Arkansas
Based on 980+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$65,000
$31.25/hr
vs National Average
$69,459
-6.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$39K – $137K
980 employed in Arkansas
Public Relations Specialist salary in Arkansas averages $65,000 annually, according to current labor data. This median reflects compensation for approximately 980 PR professionals currently working throughout the state. While this represents a solid income for many specialists, it falls about 6 percent below the national average, suggesting regional differences in how the profession is valued across the United States.
Several factors influence what Public Relations Specialist salary in Arkansas ultimately reaches for individual professionals. Experience level, educational background, and employer type significantly shape earning potential, with salaries ranging from $39,170 to $137,190. Agency size, industry sector, and geographic location within Arkansas also play important roles, as specialists in larger markets or corporate settings typically command higher compensation than those in smaller communities or nonprofit organizations.
Salary Distribution — Public Relations Specialist in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $39,170 |
| 25th percentile | $49,980 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $65,000 |
| 75th percentile | $96,060 |
| 90th percentile | $137,190 |
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 Arkansas 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 Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $54,600 |
| 2024 | $64,520 |
| 2025 | $65,000 |
| 2026 (projected) | $65,484 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arkansas Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $54,600 | $63,165 |
| 2024 | $64,520 | $66,413 |
| 2025 | $65,000 | $69,459 |
| 2026 (projected) | $65,484 | $69,976 |
Public Relations Specialist Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $49,980 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $65,000 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $96,060 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $137,190 |
Public Relations Specialist Salary in Other States
Related Public Relations Specialist Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Public Relations Specialist ($65,000 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Public Relations Specialist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logistician in AR | $78,400 | +20.6% | $37.69/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in AR | $75,870 | +16.7% | $36.48/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in AR | $73,800 | +13.5% | $35.48/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in AR | $65,430 | +0.7% | $31.46/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in AR | $52,290 | -19.6% | $25.14/hr |
| Editor in AR | $50,180 | -22.8% | $24.13/hr |
| Writer and Author in AR | $47,970 | -26.2% | $23.06/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in AR | $38,180 | -41.3% | $18.36/hr |
| Compliance Officer in AR | $64,680 | -0.5% | $31.10/hr |
| Dietitian and Nutritionist in AR | $65,540 | +0.8% | $31.51/hr |
| Accountant in AR | $66,330 | +2.0% | $31.89/hr |
| Radiologic Technologist in AR | $63,640 | -2.1% | $30.60/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do public relations specialists make in Arkansas?
- The median salary for a public relations specialist in Arkansas is $65,000 per year, or $31 per hour. This is 6.4% below the national average, making it a relatively modest compensation level compared to other states.
What is the salary range for PR specialists in Arkansas?
- Public relations specialists in Arkansas earn between $39,170 and $137,190 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. This wide range reflects the different career stages and specializations within the field.
Is the PR specialist salary in Arkansas lower than the national average?
- Yes, Arkansas public relations specialist salaries are 6.4% below the national average. With a median of $65,000 in Arkansas compared to the national figure, the state offers somewhat lower compensation for this role.
How many public relations specialists work in Arkansas?
- There are approximately 980 public relations specialists employed in Arkansas. This represents a relatively small job market for the profession in the state.