As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Communications Manager in the United States is $122,348 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $59.
However, a Communications Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Communications 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Communications 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Communications Representative IV | 7+ years | $117,779 |
| Communications Representative V | 7-10 years | $153,630 |
| Communications Manager | 10+ years | $122,348 |
| Communications Director | 10+ years | $180,814 |
| VP of Communications | 10+ years | $243,092 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Communications Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 7.72% |
| Strategic Communication | 3.02% |
| Executive Communications | 1.24% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Consulting
|
$133,359 |
9%
|
|
Executive Communications
|
$128,465 |
5%
|
|
Employee Engagement
|
$127,242 |
4%
|
|
Insight
|
$127,242 |
4%
|
|
Change Management
|
$127,242 |
4%
|
|
Alignment
|
$127,242 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Communications 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 Communications Manager with a Bachelor's Degree is between $121,712 and $129,458).
Communications Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.5% |
| High School | 2.4% |
| Associates | 1.9% |
| Bachelors | 59.8% |
| Masters | 34.5% |
| Doctorate | 0.9% |
Understanding how a Communications 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 March 01, 2026For a Communications Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Communications Director role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $180,814 - a projected growth of 48% over your current level.
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Communications Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.
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A Communications Manager's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Communications Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Communications Manager is $154,318.
The highest pay for Communications Manager is $142,356.
The lowest pay for Communications Manager is $99,797.
Manages an organization's internal and external communications strategies and programs. Creates, implements and oversees communications programs that effectively describe and promote the organization and its products. May aid in the preparation of presentations and/or speeches geared toward employees and consumers. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.
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.)
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