Public Relations Specialist Salary in Virginia
Based on 10K+ workers in Virginia
Median Annual Salary (VA)
$80,380
$38.64/hr
vs National Average
$69,459
+15.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$47K – $162K
10K employed in Virginia
The median Public Relations Specialist salary in Virginia is $80,380 per year, placing it significantly above the national average by 16%. This figure represents a strong earning potential for professionals in this field within the state, with a substantial number of individuals, around 9,990, employed in these roles.
Several factors contribute to the Public Relations Specialist salary in Virginia. These include years of experience, the specific industry of employment (e.g., government, tech, healthcare), and the geographic location within Virginia. Employers also consider the individual's specific skills, educational background, and the overall demand for PR expertise in the state's job market.
Salary Distribution — Public Relations Specialist in Virginia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $46,840 |
| 25th percentile | $60,610 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $80,380 |
| 75th percentile | $111,600 |
| 90th percentile | $162,050 |
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 Virginia 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 Virginia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Virginia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $76,960 |
| 2023 | $69,910 |
| 2024 | $77,800 |
| 2025 | $80,380 |
| 2026 (projected) | $83,046 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Virginia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $76,960 | $63,165 |
| 2023 | $69,910 | $64,213 |
| 2024 | $77,800 | $66,413 |
| 2025 | $80,380 | $69,459 |
| 2026 (projected) | $83,046 | $71,762 |
Public Relations Specialist Salary by Experience Level in Virginia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $60,610 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $80,380 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $111,600 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $162,050 |
Public Relations Specialist Salary in Other States
Related Public Relations Specialist Salaries in Virginia
How other high-demand occupations in Virginia compare to Public Relations Specialist ($80,380 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Public Relations Specialist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logistician in VA | $98,920 | +23.1% | $47.56/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in VA | $89,210 | +11.0% | $42.89/hr |
| Writer and Author in VA | $85,000 | +5.7% | $40.87/hr |
| Editor in VA | $80,590 | +0.3% | $38.75/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in VA | $77,690 | -3.3% | $37.35/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in VA | $77,270 | -3.9% | $37.15/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in VA | $76,980 | -4.2% | $37.01/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in VA | $63,980 | -20.4% | $30.76/hr |
| Compliance Officer in VA | $80,380 | +0.0% | $38.64/hr |
| Radiologic Technologist in VA | $80,670 | +0.4% | $38.78/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in VA | $79,810 | -0.7% | $38.37/hr |
| Multimedia Artist and Animator in VA | $81,510 | +1.4% | $39.19/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Public Relations Specialist in Virginia?
- The median salary for a Public Relations Specialist in Virginia is $80,380 per year, which equates to approximately $39 per hour. This is 15.7% higher than the national average for this role.
How much do Public Relations Specialists make in Virginia?
- In Virginia, Public Relations Specialists can expect to earn a median salary of $80,380 annually. The salary range is quite broad, from $46,840 for entry-level positions up to $162,050 for experienced professionals.
What is the salary range for Public Relations Specialists in Virginia?
- The salary range for Public Relations Specialists in Virginia spans from $46,840 to $162,050 per year. The median earning for this profession in the state is $80,380 annually.
How does the salary for Public Relations Specialists in Virginia compare to the national average?
- Public Relations Specialists in Virginia earn significantly more than the national average, with a median salary of $80,380 per year, which is 15.7% higher. This means Virginia offers a more lucrative market for these professionals.