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Public Relations Specialist III Salary in the United States

How much does a Public Relations Specialist III make in the United States?

As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Public Relations Specialist III in the United States is $94,699 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $116,642
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $83,511 to $106,185
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $73,325
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View as table View as graph 25% $83,511 10% $73,325 90% $116,642 75% $106,185 $94,699 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Public Relations Specialist III Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $106,185 $8,849 $2,042 $51
Average $94,699 $7,892 $1,821 $46
25th Percentile $83,511 $6,959 $1,606 $40
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Key Factors That Influence Public Relations Specialist III Salaries

A Public Relations Specialist III'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 Relations Specialist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Public Relations Specialist III'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:

  • Public Relations Specialist I (0-2 years): $61,010
  • Public Relations Specialist II (2-4 years): $75,411
  • Public Relations Specialist III (4-7 years): $94,699
  • Public Relations Specialist IV (7+ years): $118,071
  • Public Relations Manager (7+ years): $133,238
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Public Relations Specialist I0-2 years$61,010
Public Relations Specialist II2-4 years$75,411
Public Relations Specialist III4-7 years$94,699
Public Relations Specialist IV7+ years$118,071
Public Relations Manager7+ years$133,238
$61,010 Public Re...
$75,411 Public Re...
$94,699 Public Re...
$118,071 Public Re...
$133,238 Public Re...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Public Relations Specialist IIIs

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: $119,444
  • San Francisco: $118,136
  • Oakland: $115,646

What Skills Can Increase a Public Relations Specialist III's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Leadership (Mentioned in 4.69% Job Postings): Knowledge of and ability to employ effective strategies that motivate and guide other members within our business to achieve optimum results.
  • Advertising (Mentioned in 1.52% Job Postings): Advertising is a marketing communication that employs an openly sponsored, non-personal message to promote or sell a product, service or idea.:465 Sponsors of advertising are typically businesses wishing to promote their products or services. Advertising is differentiated from public relations in that an advertiser pays for and has control over the message. It differs from personal selling in that the message is non-personal, i.e., not directed to a particular individual.:661,672 Advertising is communicated through various mass media, including traditional media such as newspapers, magazines, television, radio, outdoor advertising or direct mail; and new media such as search results, blogs, social media, websites or text messages. The actual presentation of the message in a medium is referred to as an advertisement, or "ad" or advert for short. Commercial ads often seek to generate increased consumption of their products or services through "branding", which associates a product name or image with certain qualities in the minds of consumers. On the other hand, ads that intend to elicit an immediate sale are known as direct-response advertising. Non-commercial entities that advertise more than consumer products or services include political parties, interest groups, religious organizations and governmental agencies. Non-profit organizations may use free modes of persuasion, such as a public service announcement. Advertising may also help to reassure employees or shareholders that a company is viable or successful.
  • Fiscal Management (Mentioned in 1.04% Job Postings): Fiscal management is the process of keeping an organization running efficiently within its allotted budget.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Leadership 4.69%
Advertising 1.52%
Fiscal Management 1.04%
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 Relations Specialist III's salary.
  • Account Management: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • Innovation: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • Staff Management: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Account Management
$102,275
8%
Innovation
$102,275
8%
Staff Management
$101,328
7%
Commitment
$100,381
6%
Attention to Detail
$99,434
5%
Flexibility
$99,434
5%
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How Education impacts a Public Relations Specialist III's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Public Relations Specialist IIIs 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 Relations Specialist III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $93,791 and $99,352).

Public Relations Specialist III Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Public Relations Specialist III
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.0%
High School 1.0%
Associates 1.3%
Bachelors 67.8%
Masters 28.2%
Doctorate 1.7%
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Public Relations Specialist III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Public Relations Specialist III'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, 2026

Public Relations Specialist III Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Public Relations Specialist III, 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 Relations Specialist III Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Community Relations Specialist IV $119,585 26%
Media Relations Manager $108,427 14%
Public Relations Specialist IV $118,071 25%

Salary Trends for Public Relations Specialist III

Salaries for a Public Relations Specialist III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $93,592 in 2023 to around $90,365 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Public Relations Specialist III salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Public Relations Specialist III Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$93,592
2024
$92,143
2025
$90,365
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $93,592
2024 $92,143
2025 $90,365
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Public Relations Specialist III

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Public Relations Specialist III

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

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FAQ about Public Relations Specialist III

1. Where can a Public Relations Specialist III earn the most?

A Public Relations Specialist III'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 Public Relations Specialist III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Public Relations Specialist III is $119,444.

2. What is the highest pay for Public Relations Specialist III?

The highest pay for Public Relations Specialist III is $116,642.

3. What is the lowest pay for Public Relations Specialist III?

The lowest pay for Public Relations Specialist III is $73,325.

4. What are the responsibilities of Public Relations Specialist III?

Prepares and disseminates information regarding an organization through newspapers, periodicals, television, radio and social media. Develops goals and ensures public relations strategies are met. Helps maintain a favorable public image for the organization. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Typically requires 4 to 7 years of related experience.

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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