As of November 01, 2025, the average salary for a Media Relations Director in the United States is $106,875 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.
However, a Media Relations Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Media 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Media 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Media Relations Director | $103,358 |
| Intermediate Level Media Relations Director | $103,898 |
| Senior Level Media Relations Director | $105,157 |
| Specialist Level Media Relations Director | $106,596 |
| Expert Level Media Relations Director | $108,973 |
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 Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Media Relations Directors 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 Director with a Bachelor's Degree is between $102,179 and $113,014.
Media Relations Director 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 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 November 01, 2025Salaries for a Media Relations Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $140,475 in 2023 to around $128,634 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Media Relations Director salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $140,475 |
| 2024 | $133,982 |
| 2025 | $128,634 |
| 2026 |
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|
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $106,875 | 65.4% |
| Bonus | $10,993 | 6.7% |
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | $9,044 | 5.5% |
| 401K/403B | $4,965 | 3.0% |
| Disability | $2,364 | 1.4% |
| Healthcare | $8,287 | 5.1% |
| Pension | $6,384 | 3.9% |
| Time Off | $14,551 | 8.9% |
| Total Compensation | $163,464 | 100% |
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Media Relations Director and their salaries, click below for more details.
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