Public relations specialists Salary in the United States
Median pay, percentile range, and top US metros — official BLS data.
The median salary for Public relations specialists in the United States is $74,750 per year — about $36 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Half of all workers in this occupation earn between $56,260 and $100,370 a year.
Salary range
Top US metros for Public relations specialists
| Metro | Local salary |
|---|---|
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | $103,030 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $117,620 |
| Bloomington, IL | $91,630 |
| Lexington Park, MD | $99,960 |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $85,650 |
| El Centro, CA | $93,100 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $101,680 |
| Rapid City, SD | $81,330 |
| Napa, CA | $98,190 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $102,520 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do Public relations specialists make in the US?
The median salary is $74,750 per year (about $36 per hour), according to BLS data. The middle 50% of workers earn between $56,260 and $100,370 a year.
How much do Public relations specialists make per hour?
About $36 per hour, based on the median annual salary of $74,750 for full-time work (2,080 hours per year).
What education do you need to work as Public relations specialists?
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do these salary figures include bonuses or overtime?
No. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics reflect base wages only — they exclude overtime pay, bonuses, and most benefits.
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