Public Relations Specialist Salary in Iowa
Based on 3K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$62,970
$30.27/hr
vs National Average
$69,459
-9.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$39K – $105K
3K employed in Iowa
Public Relations Specialist salary in Iowa averages $62,970 annually, according to current labor data. With approximately 2,890 PR professionals working throughout the state, this represents a solid career field for communications experts. However, Iowa's median sits about 9% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and cost-of-living variations compared to major metropolitan markets.
Several factors influence Public Relations Specialist compensation in Iowa, including years of experience, educational background, and industry sector. Larger employers in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids typically offer higher salaries than smaller towns, while specialists in corporate communications often earn more than those in nonprofit roles. Agency size, client base, and individual performance also play significant roles in determining where professionals fall within the $38,890 to $104,700 salary range.
Salary Distribution — Public Relations Specialist in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,890 |
| 25th percentile | $49,040 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $62,970 |
| 75th percentile | $81,450 |
| 90th percentile | $104,700 |
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 Iowa 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 Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $59,550 |
| 2023 | $58,990 |
| 2024 | $59,490 |
| 2025 | $62,970 |
| 2026 (projected) | $66,654 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $59,550 | $63,165 |
| 2023 | $58,990 | $64,213 |
| 2024 | $59,490 | $66,413 |
| 2025 | $62,970 | $69,459 |
| 2026 (projected) | $66,654 | $73,522 |
Public Relations Specialist Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $49,040 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $62,970 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $81,450 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $104,700 |
Public Relations Specialist Salary in Other States
Related Public Relations Specialist Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Public Relations Specialist ($62,970 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Public Relations Specialist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logistician in IA | $78,740 | +25.0% | $37.86/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in IA | $70,360 | +11.7% | $33.83/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in IA | $66,390 | +5.4% | $31.92/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in IA | $66,110 | +5.0% | $31.78/hr |
| Writer and Author in IA | $61,010 | -3.1% | $29.33/hr |
| Editor in IA | $57,200 | -9.2% | $27.50/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in IA | $50,140 | -20.4% | $24.11/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in IA | $62,630 | -0.5% | $30.11/hr |
| Plumber in IA | $63,890 | +1.5% | $30.72/hr |
| Web Developer in IA | $64,210 | +2.0% | $30.87/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in IA | $64,260 | +2.0% | $30.89/hr |
| Materials Engineer in IA | $64,270 | +2.1% | $30.90/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do public relations specialists make in Iowa?
- Public relations specialists in Iowa earn a median salary of $62,970 per year, which breaks down to approximately $30 per hour. This is about 9.3% lower than the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for PR specialists in Iowa?
- The salary range for public relations specialists in Iowa spans from $38,890 at the lower end to $104,700 at the higher end, representing significant variation based on experience and employer size.
Is the Iowa PR specialist salary competitive compared to the national average?
- No, Iowa's median PR specialist salary of $62,970 is 9.3% below the national average, so job seekers in this field may find higher compensation opportunities in other states.
How many public relations specialists are employed in Iowa?
- There are approximately 2,890 public relations specialists currently employed in Iowa, providing a reasonable job market for those seeking positions in this field.