As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Community Relations Director in the United States is $184,342 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $89.
However, a Community Relations Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Community Relations Director'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Community Relations Director'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Community Relations Specialist V | 7-10 years | $152,413 |
| Community Relations Manager | 10+ years | $108,340 |
| Community Relations Senior Manager | 10+ years | $156,410 |
| Community Relations Director | 10+ years | $184,342 |
| VP of Community Relations | 10+ years | $251,996 |
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 Community Relations Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Understanding how a Community Relations Director'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 May 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Community Relations Director, 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.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| VP of Community Relations | $251,996 | 37% |
| VP of Public Relations | $252,811 | 37% |
Salaries for a Community Relations Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $171,734 in 2023 to around $160,261 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Community Relations Director salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $171,734 |
| 2024 | $166,197 |
| 2025 | $160,261 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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A Community Relations Director'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 Community Relations Director earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Community Relations Director is $232,511.
The highest pay for Community Relations Director is $212,429.
The lowest pay for Community Relations Director is $139,173.
Directs the community relations strategy and programs designed to promote and represent the organization and brand as a socially responsible force in the community. Oversees the planning of outreach programs that engage, support, and partner with the community and produce a positive impact to address local issues. Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to develop clear objectives and deliver meaningful and measurable results. Supports community relations programs' entire life cycle, including coordinating events, managing volunteers, and executing grant proposals. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to top management. Manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. Typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function.
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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