As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Public Relations in the United States is $59,291 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, a Public Relations's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Public Relations'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 Public Relations'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 |
|---|---|
| Public Re... Level Public Relations | $60,988 |
| Public Re... Level Public Relations | $75,394 |
| Public Re... Level Public Relations | $94,676 |
| Public Re... Level Public Relations | $118,018 |
| Public Re... Level Public Relations | $133,228 |
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 Public Relations. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 5.52% |
| Campaign Management | 2.03% |
| Strategic Communication | 1.71% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Marketing Research
|
$67,592 |
14%
|
|
Campaign Management
|
$66,406 |
12%
|
|
Corporate Communications
|
$65,813 |
11%
|
|
Marketing Concepts
|
$65,813 |
11%
|
|
Project Management
|
$65,220 |
10%
|
|
Guest Relations
|
$65,220 |
10%
|
For Public Relations roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Public Relations positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Public Relations as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $74,114 | $36.0 | 25% |
| Internet | $71,149 | $34.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $68,185 | $33.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $65,220 | $31.0 | 10% |
| Financial Services | $65,220 | $31.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Public Relations enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $61,171 and $63,866).
Public Relations Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.1% |
| High School | 2.1% |
| Associates | 2.2% |
| Bachelors | 81.1% |
| Masters | 14.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.5% |
Understanding how a Public Relations'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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Public Relations can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $62,526 in 2023 to around $61,631 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Public Relations salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $62,526 |
| 2024 | $62,220 |
| 2025 | $61,631 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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