Public Relations Specialist Salary in Illinois
Based on 6K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$76,380
$36.72/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
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,690 |
| 25th percentile | $59,400 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $76,380 |
| 75th percentile | $102,950 |
| 90th percentile | $139,570 |
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 Illinois 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 Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $69,240 |
| 2023 | $70,110 |
| 2024 | $63,590 |
| 2025 | $76,380 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,963 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $69,240 | $63,165 |
| 2023 | $70,110 | $64,213 |
| 2024 | $63,590 | $66,413 |
| 2025 | $76,380 | $69,459 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,963 | $73,627 |
Public Relations Specialist Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $59,400 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $76,380 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $102,950 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $139,570 |
Public Relations Specialist Salary in Other States
Related Public Relations Specialist Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Public Relations Specialist ($76,380 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Public Relations Specialist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logistician in IL | $80,100 | +4.9% | $38.51/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in IL | $79,120 | +3.6% | $38.04/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in IL | $78,470 | +2.7% | $37.73/hr |
| Editor in IL | $76,060 | -0.4% | $36.57/hr |
| Writer and Author in IL | $68,220 | -10.7% | $32.80/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in IL | $67,380 | -11.8% | $32.39/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in IL | $62,540 | -18.1% | $30.07/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in IL | $59,220 | -22.5% | $28.47/hr |
| Interior Designer in IL | $76,290 | -0.1% | $36.68/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in IL | $76,110 | -0.4% | $36.59/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in IL | $76,050 | -0.4% | $36.56/hr |
| Human Resources Specialist in IL | $76,820 | +0.6% | $36.93/hr |
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.