Public and Media Relations Manager Salary in the United States

How much does a Public and Media Relations Manager make in the United States?

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Public and Media Relations Manager in the United States is $108,560 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.

However, a Public and Media Relations Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $129,613
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $96,590 to $119,580
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $85,692
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View as table View as graph 25% $96,590 10% $85,692 90% $129,613 75% $119,580 $108,560 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Public and Media Relations Manager Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $119,580 $9,965 $2,300 $57
Average $108,560 $9,047 $2,088 $52
25th Percentile $96,590 $8,049 $1,858 $46
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Key Factors That Influence Public and Media Relations Manager Salaries

A Public and Media Relations Manager's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Public and Media Relations Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Public and Media Relations Manager's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $104,094
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $104,630
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $105,880
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $107,309
  • Expert (over 8 years): $109,711
Levels Salary
Entry Level Public and Media Relations Manager$104,094
Intermediate Level Public and Media Relations Manager$104,630
Senior Level Public and Media Relations Manager$105,880
Specialist Level Public and Media Relations Manager$107,309
Expert Level Public and Media Relations Manager$109,711
$104,094 0 yr
$104,630 < 2 yrs
$105,880 2-4 yrs
$107,309 5-8 yrs
$109,711 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Public and Media Relations Managers

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $136,930
  • San Francisco: $135,580
  • Oakland: $132,580

What Skills Can Increase a Public and Media Relations Manager's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Leadership (Mentioned in 4.97% Job Postings): Knowledge of and ability to employ effective strategies that motivate and guide other members within our business to achieve optimum results.
  • Strategic Communication (Mentioned in 1.26% Job Postings): Strategic communication refers to policy-making and guidance for consistent information activity within an organization and between organizations.
  • Business Development (Mentioned in 0.76% Job Postings): Business development entails tasks and processes to develop and implement growth opportunities within and between organizations. It is a subset of the fields of business, commerce and organizational theory. Business development is the creation of long-term value for an organization from customers, markets, and relationships. Business development can be taken to mean any activity by either a small or large organization, non-profit or for-profit enterprise which serves the purpose of ‘developing’ the business in some way. In addition, business development activities can be done internally or externally by a business development consultant. External business development can be facilitated through Planning Systems, which are put in place by governments to help small businesses. In addition, reputation building has also proven to help facilitate business development.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Leadership 4.97%
Strategic Communication 1.26%
Business Development 0.76%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Public and Media Relations Manager's salary.
  • Stewardship: Can increase your salary by up to 19%.
  • Commitment: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Planning: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Stewardship
$129,186
19%
Commitment
$120,502
11%
Planning
$117,245
8%
Corporate Communications
$116,159
7%
Alignment
$115,074
6%
Insight
$115,074
6%
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How Education impacts a Public and Media Relations Manager's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Public and Media Relations Managers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Public and Media Relations Manager with a Bachelor's Degree is between $102,554 and $113,429).

Public and Media Relations Manager Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Public and Media Relations Manager
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.2%
High School 3.4%
Associates 1.8%
Bachelors 66.8%
Masters 26.1%
Doctorate 1.4%
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Public and Media Relations Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Public and Media Relations Manager's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on January 01, 2026

Public and Media Relations Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Public and Media Relations Manager, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Public and Media Relations Manager Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Corporate Social Responsibility Director $184,400 70%
Vice President of Public Relations $252,673 133%

Salary Trends for Public and Media Relations Manager

Salaries for a Public and Media Relations Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $141,579 in 2023 to around $129,646 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Public and Media Relations Manager salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Public and Media Relations Manager Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$141,579
2024
$135,036
2025
$129,646
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $141,579
2024 $135,036
2025 $129,646
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Public and Media Relations Manager

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Public and Media Relations Manager

Here are companies hiring for Public and Media Relations Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Public and Media Relations Manager

1. What does a PR manager earn?

A Public and Media Relations Manager earns between $92,360 and $133,850 per year, with a median salary of $111,260. Salaries vary based on experience, company size, and location. The demand for skilled PR managers remains high, as every organization requires a robust public presence to thrive.

2. How much do public relations jobs pay in the US?

The salary for a Public and Media Relations Manager in the US ranges from $92,360 to $133,850, with a median salary of $111,260. This reflects the competitive nature of the field, highlighting the importance of experience and expertise in securing higher compensation.

3. What is the highest paying job in business management?

One of the highest paying jobs in business management is a Public and Media Relations Manager, with salaries ranging from $92,360 to $133,850, and a median salary of $111,260. Other lucrative roles include Corporate Controller, Director of Product Management, COO, and CFO, which also offer competitive compensation in the business sector.

4. Is PR a high paying job?

Public relations managers can indeed be considered high-paying professionals. With a minimum salary of $92,360, a mid-range salary of $111,260, and a maximum salary reaching $133,850, this field offers competitive compensation. Many experienced PR managers also choose to start their own firms, leveraging their expertise for diverse clients, further enhancing their earning potential.

5. What is the highest salary of CDM?

The highest salary for a Public and Media Relations Manager is $133,850 per year. This role typically offers a minimum salary of $92,360 and a mid-range salary of $111,260, reflecting the importance of effective communication and media strategies in organizations.

6. How to become a PR manager?

To become a PR manager, you typically need a bachelor's degree and several years of relevant work experience. Some positions may require a master's degree. The salary for a Public and Media Relations Manager ranges from $92,360 to $133,850, with a median salary of $111,260, reflecting the importance and demand for skilled professionals in this field.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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