Public Relations Specialist Salary in North Carolina
Based on 10K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$67,230
$32.32/hr
vs National Average
$69,459
-3.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$40K – $136K
10K employed in North Carolina
The median Public Relations Specialist salary in North Carolina is $67,230 annually. This figure sits 3% below the national average, with the typical range for this role in the state falling between $39,840 and $136,450. Currently, approximately 9,910 individuals are employed in this profession across North Carolina.
Several factors can influence a Public Relations Specialist salary in North Carolina, including years of experience, specific industry, employer size, and geographic location within the state. Specialized skills, advanced degrees, and proven track records of successful campaigns can also command higher compensation within this dynamic field.
Salary Distribution — Public Relations Specialist in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $39,840 |
| 25th percentile | $51,530 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $67,230 |
| 75th percentile | $89,990 |
| 90th percentile | $136,450 |
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $67,590 |
| 2023 | $62,090 |
| 2024 | $63,280 |
| 2025 | $67,230 |
| 2026 (projected) | $71,264 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $67,590 | $63,165 |
| 2023 | $62,090 | $64,213 |
| 2024 | $63,280 | $66,413 |
| 2025 | $67,230 | $69,459 |
| 2026 (projected) | $71,264 | $73,627 |
Public Relations Specialist Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $51,530 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $67,230 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $89,990 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $136,450 |
Public Relations Specialist Salary in Other States
Related Public Relations Specialist Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Public Relations Specialist ($67,230 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Public Relations Specialist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logistician in NC | $80,780 | +20.2% | $38.84/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in NC | $78,410 | +16.6% | $37.70/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in NC | $75,880 | +12.9% | $36.48/hr |
| Editor in NC | $73,740 | +9.7% | $35.45/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in NC | $65,250 | -2.9% | $31.37/hr |
| Writer and Author in NC | $63,660 | -5.3% | $30.61/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in NC | $52,830 | -21.4% | $25.40/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in NC | $51,240 | -23.8% | $24.63/hr |
| Dietitian and Nutritionist in NC | $67,560 | +0.5% | $32.48/hr |
| Producer and Director in NC | $63,700 | -5.3% | $30.63/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in NC | $63,340 | -5.8% | $30.45/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in NC | $63,270 | -5.9% | $30.42/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Public Relations Specialist in North Carolina?
- The median salary for a Public Relations Specialist in North Carolina is $67,230 per year, which breaks down to about $32 per hour. This median is slightly lower than the national average, coming in at 3.2% less.
How much can a Public Relations Specialist in North Carolina expect to earn?
- The salary range for Public Relations Specialists in North Carolina is quite broad, typically falling between $39,840 and $136,450 annually. The median income falls within this range at $67,230 per year.
Is the salary for Public Relations Specialists in North Carolina higher or lower than the national average?
- Public Relations Specialists in North Carolina earn 3.2% less than the national average. The median salary in North Carolina is $67,230 per year, while the national median is higher.
How many Public Relations Specialists are employed in North Carolina?
- There are approximately 9,910 Public Relations Specialists employed in North Carolina. The median annual salary for these professionals in the state is $67,230.