Public Relations Specialist Salary in 2026
Public relations specialists create and maintain a favorable public image for organizations through media relations, press releases, and strategic communications campaigns.
Median Salary
$63,000
$5,250/mo
Entry Level
$40,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$91,000
experienced
Job Growth
+6%
10-yr outlook
Public Relations Specialist Overview
Public relations specialists create and maintain a favorable public image for organizations through media relations, press releases, and strategic communications campaigns.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
1-3 years
Industry
Marketing
Total Jobs (US)
280K
5-Year Growth
+14%
Category
Marketing
Hourly Rate
$30.29/hr
Monthly Pay
$5,250
Public Relations Specialist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Public Relations Specialist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Public Relations Specialist Salary
$74,000
$6,167/month · $2,846/biweekly · $35.58/hr
Public Relations Specialist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Public Relations Specialist field.
Entry-level Public Relations Specialists earn around $40,000, while the top 10% earn $103,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Public Relations Specialists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $74,000 | +$11,000 |
| New York | $72,000 | +$9,000 |
| Illinois | $66,000 | +$3,000 |
| Washington DC | $63,000 | $0 |
| Florida | $62,000 | $-1,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Public Relations Specialists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $74,000 | +$11,000 |
| Washington DC | $72,000 | +$9,000 |
| Los Angeles | $71,000 | +$8,000 |
| Chicago | $66,000 | +$3,000 |
| Miami | $64,000 | +$1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Public Relations Specialist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Public Relations Specialist from entry level to expert.
$40,000
0-2 years
$66,000
3-7 years
$91,000
8-14 years
$116,000
15+ years
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Public Relations Specialist Salary FAQ
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