Public Relations Specialist Salary in Hawaii
Based on 2K+ workers in Hawaii
Median Annual Salary (HI)
$63,880
$30.71/hr
vs National Average
$69,459
-8.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$42K – $104K
2K employed in Hawaii
The median Public Relations Specialist salary in Hawaii is $63,880 per year, representing compensation for approximately 1,800 workers in the state. This figure falls about 8% below the national average, reflecting Hawaii's unique cost-of-living dynamics and regional employment market. Salaries in this field typically range from $42,070 to $104,240 annually, depending on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence earnings for public relations professionals working in Hawaii. Experience level, educational background, and employer type significantly impact compensation, as do industry sector and company size. Geographic location within the islands, professional certifications, and the ability to work with high-profile clients can also affect salary outcomes. Additionally, the state's smaller population and specialized market for PR services create different opportunities compared to larger mainland markets.
Salary Distribution — Public Relations Specialist in Hawaii
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $42,070 |
| 25th percentile | $50,640 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $63,880 |
| 75th percentile | $81,900 |
| 90th percentile | $104,240 |
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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Hawaii) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $61,190 |
| 2023 | $61,080 |
| 2024 | $63,510 |
| 2025 | $63,880 |
| 2026 (projected) | $64,252 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Hawaii Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $61,190 | $63,165 |
| 2023 | $61,080 | $64,213 |
| 2024 | $63,510 | $66,413 |
| 2025 | $63,880 | $69,459 |
| 2026 (projected) | $64,252 | $69,864 |
Public Relations Specialist Salary by Experience Level in Hawaii
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $50,640 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $63,880 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $81,900 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $104,240 |
Public Relations Specialist Salary in Other States
Related Public Relations Specialist Salaries in Hawaii
How other high-demand occupations in Hawaii compare to Public Relations Specialist ($63,880 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Public Relations Specialist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logistician in HI | $100,340 | +57.1% | $48.24/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in HI | $74,310 | +16.3% | $35.73/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in HI | $74,240 | +16.2% | $35.69/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in HI | $60,960 | -4.6% | $29.31/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in HI | $59,390 | -7.0% | $28.55/hr |
| Editor in HI | $55,070 | -13.8% | $26.48/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in HI | $46,220 | -27.6% | $22.22/hr |
| Interior Designer in HI | $63,780 | -0.2% | $30.66/hr |
| Loan Officer in HI | $63,740 | -0.2% | $30.64/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in HI | $64,170 | +0.5% | $30.85/hr |
| Paralegal in HI | $62,840 | -1.6% | $30.21/hr |
| Financial Examiner in HI | $62,720 | -1.8% | $30.15/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do public relations specialists make in Hawaii?
- The median salary for public relations specialists in Hawaii is $63,880 per year, or $31 per hour. This is about 8% lower than the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for PR specialists in Hawaii?
- Public relations specialists in Hawaii earn between $42,070 and $104,240 annually, depending on experience, employer, and specific role responsibilities.
How many public relations specialist jobs are available in Hawaii?
- There are currently 1,800 public relations specialists employed in Hawaii, representing the total employment for this profession in the state.
Is the Hawaii PR specialist salary competitive compared to the national average?
- No, the Hawaii median salary of $63,880 is 8% lower than the national average. However, the top earners in Hawaii can reach $104,240 annually, which may be competitive depending on the national comparison at that level.