Public Relations Specialist Salary in Colorado
Based on 7K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$80,680
$38.79/hr
vs National Average
$69,459
+16.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$52K – $139K
7K employed in Colorado
Public Relations Specialist salary in Colorado averages $80,680 annually, positioning the state well above the national benchmark. With approximately 7,410 professionals employed in this field across Colorado, the median compensation reflects strong demand for skilled communicators in the region's growing business and nonprofit sectors.
Several factors influence earning potential for PR specialists in Colorado. Experience level, industry sector, company size, and geographic location within the state all impact compensation. Denver-based agencies and large corporations typically offer higher salaries than smaller markets, while specialists in tech and healthcare sectors often command premium rates compared to other industries.
Salary Distribution — Public Relations Specialist in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $51,710 |
| 25th percentile | $64,090 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $80,680 |
| 75th percentile | $105,190 |
| 90th percentile | $139,040 |
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 Colorado 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 Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $66,060 |
| 2023 | $74,850 |
| 2024 | $77,120 |
| 2025 | $80,680 |
| 2026 (projected) | $84,404 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Colorado Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $66,060 | $63,165 |
| 2023 | $74,850 | $64,213 |
| 2024 | $77,120 | $66,413 |
| 2025 | $80,680 | $69,459 |
| 2026 (projected) | $84,404 | $72,665 |
Public Relations Specialist Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $64,090 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $80,680 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $105,190 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $139,040 |
Public Relations Specialist Salary in Other States
Related Public Relations Specialist Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Public Relations Specialist ($80,680 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Public Relations Specialist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logistician in CO | $96,090 | +19.1% | $46.20/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in CO | $93,050 | +15.3% | $44.74/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in CO | $83,590 | +3.6% | $40.19/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in CO | $79,970 | -0.9% | $38.45/hr |
| Editor in CO | $77,870 | -3.5% | $37.44/hr |
| Writer and Author in CO | $76,830 | -4.8% | $36.94/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in CO | $75,790 | -6.1% | $36.44/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in CO | $63,670 | -21.1% | $30.61/hr |
| Human Resources Specialist in CO | $80,840 | +0.2% | $38.87/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in CO | $81,230 | +0.7% | $39.05/hr |
| Credit Analyst in CO | $81,270 | +0.7% | $39.07/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in CO | $82,160 | +1.8% | $39.50/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do public relations specialists make in Colorado?
- The median salary for a public relations specialist in Colorado is $80,680 per year, or approximately $39 per hour. This is 16.2% higher than the national average, making Colorado a competitive market for PR professionals.
What is the salary range for PR specialists in Colorado?
- Public relations specialists in Colorado earn between $51,710 and $139,040 annually, depending on experience, skills, and employer. This wide range reflects the variation in compensation across different companies and career stages in the state.
Is Colorado a good state for public relations specialist salaries?
- Yes, Colorado offers above-average compensation for public relations specialists, paying 16.2% more than the national average. With a median salary of $80,680 per year, Colorado ranks favorably for PR professionals seeking competitive wages.
How many public relations specialists are employed in Colorado?
- There are approximately 7,410 public relations specialists currently employed in Colorado, indicating a stable job market in the state for PR professionals.