Public Relations Specialist Salary in Rhode Island
Based on 1K+ workers in Rhode Island
Median Annual Salary (RI)
$77,540
$37.28/hr
vs National Average
$69,459
+11.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$48K – $129K
1K employed in Rhode Island
The median Public Relations Specialist salary in Rhode Island is $77,540 annually, placing it significantly above the national average by 12%. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings for these professionals in the state, with a considerable range from $47,750 to $129,360. Currently, approximately 1,140 individuals are employed in this capacity within Rhode Island.
Several factors can influence the Public Relations Specialist salary in Rhode Island. These include years of experience, the specific industry of employment, the size and success of the organization, and geographic location within the state. Holding advanced degrees or specialized certifications may also lead to higher compensation for Public Relations Specialists.
Salary Distribution — Public Relations Specialist in Rhode Island
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,750 |
| 25th percentile | $63,310 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $77,540 |
| 75th percentile | $102,280 |
| 90th percentile | $129,360 |
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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Rhode Island) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $72,990 |
| 2023 | $68,730 |
| 2024 | $72,770 |
| 2025 | $77,540 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,192 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Rhode Island Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $72,990 | $63,165 |
| 2023 | $68,730 | $64,213 |
| 2024 | $72,770 | $66,413 |
| 2025 | $77,540 | $69,459 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,192 | $73,627 |
Public Relations Specialist Salary by Experience Level in Rhode Island
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $63,310 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $77,540 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $102,280 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $129,360 |
Public Relations Specialist Salary in Other States
Related Public Relations Specialist Salaries in Rhode Island
How other high-demand occupations in Rhode Island compare to Public Relations Specialist ($77,540 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Public Relations Specialist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchasing Agent in RI | $86,240 | +11.2% | $41.46/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in RI | $86,240 | +11.2% | $41.46/hr |
| Editor in RI | $77,960 | +0.5% | $37.48/hr |
| Logistician in RI | $76,180 | -1.8% | $36.63/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in RI | $75,910 | -2.1% | $36.50/hr |
| Writer and Author in RI | $70,190 | -9.5% | $33.75/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in RI | $60,310 | -22.2% | $29.00/hr |
| Human Resources Specialist in RI | $77,560 | +0.0% | $37.29/hr |
| Loan Officer in RI | $77,250 | -0.4% | $37.14/hr |
| Police Officer in RI | $77,230 | -0.4% | $37.13/hr |
| Operations Research Analyst in RI | $77,910 | +0.5% | $37.46/hr |
| Graphic Designer in RI | $78,220 | +0.9% | $37.61/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in Rhode Island?
- The median salary for a Public Relations Specialist in Rhode Island is $77,540 per year, which equates to about $37 per hour. The salary range can vary significantly, from $47,750 to $129,360 annually.
What is the average salary for a PR Specialist in Rhode Island compared to the national average?
- Public Relations Specialists in Rhode Island earn 11.6% more than the national average. This means the median Rhode Island salary of $77,540 is notably higher than the national median.
What is the typical salary range for Public Relations Specialists in Rhode Island?
- In Rhode Island, Public Relations Specialists typically earn between $47,750 and $129,360 per year. The median salary falls within this range at $77,540 annually.
How many Public Relations Specialists are employed in Rhode Island?
- There are approximately 1,140 Public Relations Specialists employed in Rhode Island. This figure represents the total number of professionals in this role within the state.