Public Relations Specialist Salary in Tennessee
Based on 3K+ workers in Tennessee
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$60,900
$29.28/hr
vs National Average
$69,459
-12.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$37K – $98K
3K employed in Tennessee
The median Public Relations Specialist salary in Tennessee sits at $60,900 per year, with the majority of professionals earning between $37,450 and $98,370 annually. This figure indicates that Tennessee's average compensation is 12% lower than the national median for this role. Currently, approximately 3,380 individuals are employed as Public Relations Specialists within the state.
Several factors influence the Public Relations Specialist salary in Tennessee. Experience level, the size and type of employer, and the specific industry within which the specialist works all play significant roles. Additionally, geographic location within Tennessee, with larger metropolitan areas often offering higher salaries, can also impact overall earning potential for these professionals.
Salary Distribution — Public Relations Specialist in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,450 |
| 25th percentile | $47,320 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $60,900 |
| 75th percentile | $79,210 |
| 90th percentile | $98,370 |
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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $57,390 |
| 2023 | $53,740 |
| 2024 | $56,200 |
| 2025 | $60,900 |
| 2026 (projected) | $64,554 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Tennessee Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $57,390 | $63,165 |
| 2023 | $53,740 | $64,213 |
| 2024 | $56,200 | $66,413 |
| 2025 | $60,900 | $69,459 |
| 2026 (projected) | $64,554 | $73,627 |
Public Relations Specialist Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,320 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $60,900 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $79,210 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $98,370 |
Public Relations Specialist Salary in Other States
Related Public Relations Specialist Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to Public Relations Specialist ($60,900 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Public Relations Specialist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logistician in TN | $71,280 | +17.0% | $34.27/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in TN | $69,790 | +14.6% | $33.55/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in TN | $65,430 | +7.4% | $31.46/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in TN | $62,280 | +2.3% | $29.94/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in TN | $60,150 | -1.2% | $28.92/hr |
| Editor in TN | $59,550 | -2.2% | $28.63/hr |
| Writer and Author in TN | $58,870 | -3.3% | $28.30/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in TN | $46,250 | -24.1% | $22.24/hr |
| Electrician in TN | $61,090 | +0.3% | $29.37/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in TN | $60,690 | -0.3% | $29.18/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in TN | $59,980 | -1.5% | $28.84/hr |
| School Counselor in TN | $59,960 | -1.5% | $28.83/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in Tennessee?
- The median salary for a Public Relations Specialist in Tennessee is $60,900 per year, which breaks down to approximately $29 per hour. The salary range for these professionals typically falls between $37,450 and $98,370 annually.
What is the average salary for a Public Relations Specialist in Tennessee compared to the national average?
- Public Relations Specialists in Tennessee earn an average salary that is 12.3% lower than the national average. This means the median Tennessee salary of $60,900 is significantly below what specialists earn nationwide.
What is the salary range for Public Relations Specialists in Tennessee?
- In Tennessee, Public Relations Specialists can expect to earn a salary ranging from $37,450 on the lower end to $98,370 on the higher end annually. The median salary for this role in the state is $60,900.
How many Public Relations Specialists are employed in Tennessee?
- There are approximately 3,380 Public Relations Specialists employed in Tennessee. This number represents the total employed workforce for this specific role within the state.