Public Relations Specialist Salary in Washington
Based on 6K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$87,470
$42.05/hr
vs National Average
$69,459
+25.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$61K – $136K
6K employed in Washington
The median Public Relations Specialist salary in Washington stands at a robust $87,470 annually, significantly outpacing the national average by 26%. With 6,430 professionals employed in this vital field within the state, Washington offers a competitive environment for public relations expertise, with earnings generally falling between $60,760 and $136,020 per year.
Several factors contribute to the Public Relations Specialist salary in Washington. These can include the level of experience, specific industry within PR (e.g., tech, healthcare), the size and success of the employer, and the geographic location within the state, with metropolitan areas typically commanding higher compensation due to increased demand and cost of living.
Salary Distribution — Public Relations Specialist in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $60,760 |
| 25th percentile | $71,140 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $87,470 |
| 75th percentile | $111,890 |
| 90th percentile | $136,020 |
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 Washington 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 Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $78,450 |
| 2023 | $82,650 |
| 2024 | $85,500 |
| 2025 | $87,470 |
| 2026 (projected) | $89,485 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $78,450 | $63,165 |
| 2023 | $82,650 | $64,213 |
| 2024 | $85,500 | $66,413 |
| 2025 | $87,470 | $69,459 |
| 2026 (projected) | $89,485 | $71,059 |
Public Relations Specialist Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $71,140 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $87,470 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $111,890 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $136,020 |
Public Relations Specialist Salary in Other States
Related Public Relations Specialist Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Public Relations Specialist ($87,470 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Public Relations Specialist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logistician in WA | $107,250 | +22.6% | $51.56/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in WA | $95,120 | +8.7% | $45.73/hr |
| Writer and Author in WA | $85,700 | -2.0% | $41.20/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in WA | $85,130 | -2.7% | $40.93/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in WA | $82,790 | -5.4% | $39.80/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in WA | $81,860 | -6.4% | $39.36/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in WA | $79,130 | -9.5% | $38.04/hr |
| Editor in WA | $77,850 | -11.0% | $37.43/hr |
| Compliance Officer in WA | $88,790 | +1.5% | $42.69/hr |
| Human Resources Specialist in WA | $84,550 | -3.3% | $40.65/hr |
| Dietitian and Nutritionist in WA | $84,220 | -3.7% | $40.49/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in WA | $84,050 | -3.9% | $40.41/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in Washington?
- The median salary for a Public Relations Specialist in Washington is $87,470 per year, which is equivalent to $42 per hour. This means that half of Public Relations Specialists in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the typical salary range for Public Relations Specialists in Washington?
- In Washington, Public Relations Specialists can expect to earn within a range of $60,760 to $136,020 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location within the state, and the specific employer.
How does the average salary for Public Relations Specialists in Washington compare to the national average?
- Public Relations Specialists in Washington earn significantly more than the national average, with salaries being 25.9% higher. This suggests that the demand and compensation for these roles are particularly strong in Washington.
How many Public Relations Specialists are employed in Washington?
- There are approximately 6,430 Public Relations Specialists currently employed in Washington. This indicates a substantial market for professionals in this field within the state.