Public Relations Specialist Salary in Maryland
Based on 4K+ workers in Maryland
Median Annual Salary (MD)
$79,560
$38.25/hr
vs National Average
$69,459
+14.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$42K – $147K
4K employed in Maryland
Public Relations Specialist salary in Maryland averages $79,560 annually, positioning the state 15% above the national average. With approximately 4,190 professionals employed in this field across Maryland, the role offers competitive compensation reflecting the state's strong communications industry. Salaries range from $42,060 to $147,220, indicating significant earning potential based on experience and specialization.
Several factors influence Public Relations Specialist salary in Maryland, including years of experience, employer size, and industry sector. Professionals working in larger corporations or specialized industries typically earn higher wages than those in smaller firms or nonprofit organizations. Geographic concentration in the Baltimore-Washington corridor also affects compensation, as major corporate headquarters and government agencies in these areas tend to offer premium salaries for skilled communicators.
Salary Distribution — Public Relations Specialist in Maryland
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $42,060 |
| 25th percentile | $58,600 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $79,560 |
| 75th percentile | $108,160 |
| 90th percentile | $147,220 |
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 Maryland 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 Maryland vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Maryland) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $70,420 |
| 2023 | $77,090 |
| 2024 | $72,690 |
| 2025 | $79,560 |
| 2026 (projected) | $84,334 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Maryland Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $70,420 | $63,165 |
| 2023 | $77,090 | $64,213 |
| 2024 | $72,690 | $66,413 |
| 2025 | $79,560 | $69,459 |
| 2026 (projected) | $84,334 | $73,627 |
Public Relations Specialist Salary by Experience Level in Maryland
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $58,600 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $79,560 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $108,160 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $147,220 |
Public Relations Specialist Salary in Other States
Related Public Relations Specialist Salaries in Maryland
How other high-demand occupations in Maryland compare to Public Relations Specialist ($79,560 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Public Relations Specialist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Writer and Author in MD | $104,330 | +31.1% | $50.16/hr |
| Logistician in MD | $102,700 | +29.1% | $49.38/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in MD | $90,900 | +14.3% | $43.70/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in MD | $81,550 | +2.5% | $39.21/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in MD | $76,370 | -4.0% | $36.72/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in MD | $76,370 | -4.0% | $36.72/hr |
| Editor in MD | $75,550 | -5.0% | $36.32/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in MD | $52,630 | -33.8% | $25.30/hr |
| Producer and Director in MD | $79,350 | -0.3% | $38.15/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in MD | $78,760 | -1.0% | $37.87/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in MD | $78,670 | -1.1% | $37.82/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in MD | $78,510 | -1.3% | $37.75/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do public relations specialists make in Maryland?
- Public relations specialists in Maryland earn a median salary of $79,560 per year, or $38 per hour. This is 14.5% higher than the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for PR specialists in Maryland?
- The salary range for public relations specialists in Maryland spans from $42,060 at the lower end to $147,220 at the upper end, reflecting differences in experience and specialization.
Is Maryland a good state for public relations specialist jobs?
- Yes, Maryland is above average for PR specialist compensation, with salaries running 14.5% higher than the national average. The state currently employs 4,190 public relations specialists.
What's the hourly wage for a PR specialist in Maryland?
- The median hourly wage for public relations specialists in Maryland is $38 per hour, which equates to the annual median salary of $79,560.