As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Media Relations Manager in the United States is $108,460 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.
However, a Media Relations Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Media Relations Manager | $103,997 |
| Intermediate Level Media Relations Manager | $104,533 |
| Senior Level Media Relations Manager | $105,782 |
| Specialist Level Media Relations Manager | $107,210 |
| Expert Level Media Relations Manager | $109,610 |
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 Media Relations Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 4.97% |
| Strategic Communication | 1.26% |
| Business Development | 0.76% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Stewardship
|
$129,067 |
19%
|
|
Commitment
|
$120,391 |
11%
|
|
Planning
|
$117,137 |
8%
|
|
Corporate Communications
|
$116,052 |
7%
|
|
Alignment
|
$114,968 |
6%
|
|
Insight
|
$114,968 |
6%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many 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 Media Relations Manager with a Bachelor's Degree is between $102,982 and $113,902).
Media Relations Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| 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% |
Understanding how a 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 April 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a 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.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Community Relations Director | $184,332 | 70% |
| VP of Public Relations | $252,771 | 133% |
Salaries for a 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 Media Relations Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $141,579 |
| 2024 | $135,036 |
| 2025 | $129,646 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Media Relations 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 Media Relations Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Media Relations Manager is $136,801.
The highest pay for Media Relations Manager is $129,481.
The lowest pay for Media Relations Manager is $85,609.
Develops and implements policies and procedures for the relations between the media and the organization. Works to expand understanding of the organization's business, performance, and strategy. Prepares summaries of media activity for senior management. May serve as the company's spokesperson. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a head of a unit/department. Typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments. Typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience.
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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