Public Relations Specialist Salary in Kentucky
Based on 3K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$60,150
$28.92/hr
vs National Average
$69,459
-13.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$37K – $104K
3K employed in Kentucky
# Public Relations Specialist Salary in Kentucky
The median Public Relations Specialist salary in Kentucky is $60,150 per year, with salaries typically ranging from $37,190 to $103,530 depending on experience and employer. This median falls approximately 13% below the national average, reflecting regional differences in cost of living and market demand. Currently, around 2,580 public relations specialists work throughout the state.
Several factors influence earning potential for public relations professionals in Kentucky. Experience level significantly impacts compensation, with entry-level positions starting near the lower end of the range and senior roles commanding premium salaries. Industry sector, company size, and geographic location within the state also play important roles, as larger metropolitan areas tend to offer higher salaries than rural regions. Additionally, specialized skills in digital media, crisis management, and strategic communications can lead to increased earning opportunities.
Salary Distribution — Public Relations Specialist in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,190 |
| 25th percentile | $47,920 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $60,150 |
| 75th percentile | $77,670 |
| 90th percentile | $103,530 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $58,360 |
| 2023 | $59,010 |
| 2024 | $58,150 |
| 2025 | $60,150 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,219 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $58,360 | $63,165 |
| 2023 | $59,010 | $64,213 |
| 2024 | $58,150 | $66,413 |
| 2025 | $60,150 | $69,459 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,219 | $71,848 |
Public Relations Specialist Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,920 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $60,150 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $77,670 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $103,530 |
Public Relations Specialist Salary in Other States
Related Public Relations Specialist Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Public Relations Specialist ($60,150 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Public Relations Specialist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logistician in KY | $68,420 | +13.7% | $32.89/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in KY | $65,240 | +8.5% | $31.37/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in KY | $61,480 | +2.2% | $29.56/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in KY | $61,390 | +2.1% | $29.51/hr |
| Editor in KY | $59,430 | -1.2% | $28.57/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in KY | $58,610 | -2.6% | $28.18/hr |
| Writer and Author in KY | $48,780 | -18.9% | $23.45/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in KY | $60,280 | +0.2% | $28.98/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in KY | $60,460 | +0.5% | $29.07/hr |
| Paralegal in KY | $59,830 | -0.5% | $28.76/hr |
| Police Officer in KY | $60,490 | +0.6% | $29.08/hr |
| Electrician in KY | $59,720 | -0.7% | $28.71/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do public relations specialists make in Kentucky?
- Public relations specialists in Kentucky earn a median salary of $60,150 per year, or $29 per hour. This is approximately 13.4% below the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for a PR specialist in Kentucky?
- The salary range for public relations specialists in Kentucky spans from $37,190 at the lower end to $103,530 at the upper end, depending on experience, employer, and specific role responsibilities.
How many public relations specialists work in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 2,580 public relations specialists currently employed in Kentucky, representing the available job opportunities in the state.
Is the PR specialist salary in Kentucky below the national average?
- Yes, Kentucky's median PR specialist salary of $60,150 is 13.4% below the national average, making it a lower-paying state for this profession compared to the rest of the country.