As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Community Relations Director in Tennessee is $172,287 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $83.
However, a Community Relations Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Community Relations Director Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $186,037 | $15,503 | $3,578 | $89 |
| Average | $172,287 | $14,357 | $3,313 | $83 |
| 25th Percentile | $150,176 | $12,515 | $2,888 | $72 |
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 | $142,424 |
| Community Relations Manager | 10+ years | $101,250 |
| Community Relations Senior Manager | 10+ years | $146,193 |
| Community Relations Director | 10+ years | $172,287 |
| VP of Community Relations | 10+ years | $235,566 |
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:
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:
Community Relations Director salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $192,702. While startup companies pay approximate $162,968.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $162,968 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $172,364 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $186,090 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $192,702 |
For Community Relations Director roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 42% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 22% above the average. In contrast, Community Relations Director positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Community Relations Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $210,190 | $101.0 | 22% |
| Internet | $203,299 | $98.0 | 18% |
| Biotechnology | $198,130 | $95.0 | 15% |
| Healthcare | $198,130 | $95.0 | 15% |
| Insurance | $192,962 | $93.0 | 12% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $186,037 | $15,503 | $3,578 | $89 |
| Average | $172,287 | $14,357 | $3,313 | $83 |
| 25th Percentile | $150,176 | $12,515 | $2,888 | $72 |
Promotions 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 | $235,566 | 37% |
| VP of Public Relations | $236,329 | 37% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Community Relations Director job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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