SalaryData

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Illinois

Based on 6K+ workers in Illinois

Data year: 2025 · Last updated: June 2026

Median Annual Salary (IL)

$76,380

$36.721/hr

vs National Average

$69,459

+10.0% vs national median

Salary Range (10th–90th)

$48K $140K

6K employed in Illinois

Public Relations Specialist salary in Illinois averages $76,380 per year, which is approximately 10% above the national average. With roughly 6,200 professionals employed in this field across the state, Illinois offers competitive compensation for PR specialists. Salaries in this role typically range from $47,690 to $139,570 annually, reflecting considerable variation based on individual circumstances and career progression.

Several factors influence Public Relations Specialist salary in Illinois, including years of experience, education level, and industry sector. Agency-based roles often differ from in-house corporate positions in terms of compensation packages. Geographic location within Illinois, company size, and specific skill sets—such as digital media expertise or crisis management—also play significant roles in determining individual earning potential in this competitive field.

Salary Distribution — Public Relations Specialist in Illinois

Public Relations Specialist (IL) salary percentiles
PercentileAnnual Salary
10th percentile$47,690
25th percentile$59,400
Median (50th percentile)$76,380
75th percentile$102,950
90th percentile$139,570

Historical Salary Trend — Public Relations Specialist in Illinois vs National

Historical Public Relations Specialist (Illinois vs National) salary trend
YearMedian Salary (United States)
2022$69,240
2023$70,110
2024$63,590
2025$76,380
Historical salary trend for Public Relations Specialist in Illinois
YearIllinois MedianNational Median
2022$69,240$63,165
2023$70,110$64,213
2024$63,590$66,413
2025$76,380$69,459

Public Relations Specialist Salary by Experience Level in Illinois

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Other States

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do public relations specialists make in Illinois?

The median salary for public relations specialists in Illinois is $76,380 per year, or $37 per hour. This is 10% higher than the national average for this position.

What is the salary range for PR specialists in Illinois?

Public relations specialists in Illinois earn between $47,690 and $139,570 annually, depending on experience, employer size, and specific role responsibilities.

Is the PR specialist salary in Illinois above the national average?

Yes, Illinois public relations specialists earn 10% more than the national average, with a median salary of $76,380 compared to the lower national median.

How many public relations specialists are employed in Illinois?

There are approximately 6,200 public relations specialists currently employed in Illinois, making it a reasonably sized job market for this profession.

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