Public Relations Specialist Salary in New York
Based on 28K+ workers in New York
Median Annual Salary (NY)
$81,250
$39.06/hr
vs National Average
$69,459
+17.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$52K – $158K
28K employed in New York
The median Public Relations Specialist salary in New York is an impressive $81,250 per year, significantly higher than the national average by 17%. This figure reflects the competitive nature of the New York job market, where approximately 28,250 professionals are employed in this vital communications field. The salary range for Public Relations Specialists in New York spans from $51,730 to $157,610 annually, indicating substantial variation in earning potential.
Several factors contribute to the wide salary spectrum for a Public Relations Specialist salary in New York. These include the specific industry of employment, the size and prestige of the agency or company, years of experience, and the level of responsibility held by the individual. Specialized skills, a strong track record of successful campaigns, and advanced degrees can also command higher compensation in this dynamic metropolitan area.
Salary Distribution — Public Relations Specialist in New York
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $51,730 |
| 25th percentile | $63,420 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $81,250 |
| 75th percentile | $107,920 |
| 90th percentile | $157,610 |
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 New York 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 New York vs National
| Year | Median Salary (New York) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $77,770 |
| 2023 | $78,820 |
| 2024 | $78,510 |
| 2025 | $81,250 |
| 2026 (projected) | $84,086 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | New York Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $77,770 | $63,165 |
| 2023 | $78,820 | $64,213 |
| 2024 | $78,510 | $66,413 |
| 2025 | $81,250 | $69,459 |
| 2026 (projected) | $84,086 | $71,883 |
Public Relations Specialist Salary by Experience Level in New York
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $63,420 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $81,250 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $107,920 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $157,610 |
Public Relations Specialist Salary in Other States
Related Public Relations Specialist Salaries in New York
How other high-demand occupations in New York compare to Public Relations Specialist ($81,250 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Public Relations Specialist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Sales Agent in NY | $102,990 | +26.8% | $49.51/hr |
| Editor in NY | $101,480 | +24.9% | $48.79/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in NY | $98,580 | +21.3% | $47.39/hr |
| Logistician in NY | $88,240 | +8.6% | $42.42/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in NY | $79,460 | -2.2% | $38.20/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in NY | $76,080 | -6.4% | $36.58/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in NY | $80,560 | -0.8% | $38.73/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in NY | $82,160 | +1.1% | $39.50/hr |
| Dietitian and Nutritionist in NY | $82,480 | +1.5% | $39.65/hr |
| Data Analyst in NY | $79,460 | -2.2% | $38.20/hr |
| Social Worker in NY | $79,380 | -2.3% | $38.16/hr |
| Electrician in NY | $78,750 | -3.1% | $37.86/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in New York?
- The median salary for a Public Relations Specialist in New York is $81,250 per year, which averages out to $39 per hour. This is 17.0% higher than the national average, with most professionals earning between $51,730 and $157,610 annually.
What is the typical salary range for Public Relations Specialists in NYC?
- In New York, Public Relations Specialists can expect to earn a wide range of salaries, from $51,730 on the lower end to $157,610 at the top end. The median annual salary sits at $81,250, indicating a strong earning potential within the field.
How does the salary for PR Specialists in New York compare to the rest of the country?
- Public Relations Specialists in New York earn significantly more than the national average, with salaries being 17.0% higher. This means that while the national median might be lower, New York offers a median salary of $81,250 per year.
What's the average hourly wage for a Public Relations Specialist in New York?
- The average hourly wage for a Public Relations Specialist in New York is approximately $39 per hour. This translates to a median annual salary of $81,250, reflecting the competitive market in the city for this role.