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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Community Relations Specialist in Illinois is $76,745 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, a Community Relations Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Community Relations Specialist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $85,355 | $7,113 | $1,641 | $41 |
| Average | $76,745 | $6,395 | $1,476 | $37 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,690 | $5,891 | $1,359 | $34 |
Villas of Holly Brook - Bloomington, IL
Hanover Township - Bartlett, IL
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet - Crest Hill, IL
Aspired Living of La Grange - La Grange Park, IL
A Community Relations Specialist'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 Specialist'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 |
|---|---|
| Community... Level Community Relations Specialist | $60,828 |
| Community... Level Community Relations Specialist | $76,112 |
| Community... Level Community Relations Specialist | $97,189 |
| Community... Level Community Relations Specialist | $120,079 |
| Community... Level Community Relations Specialist | $153,014 |
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 Specialists. 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:
For Community Relations Specialist 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 Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Community Relations Specialist positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Community Relations Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $92,094 | $44.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $92,094 | $44.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $90,559 | $44.0 | 18% |
| Energy & Utilities | $90,559 | $44.0 | 18% |
| Internet | $85,954 | $41.0 | 12% |
Understanding how a Community Relations Specialist'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 | $85,355 | $7,113 | $1,641 | $41 |
| Average | $76,745 | $6,395 | $1,476 | $37 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,690 | $5,891 | $1,359 | $34 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Community Relations Specialist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Senior Lifestyle
Lisle, IL
Senior Lifestyle | Lisle, IL
Community Relations Counselor. Do you have HEART. We are looking for individuals who can embrace our mission to purposely brighten and enrich the lives of ... more
5 Days Ago
Charter Senior Living of TROY
Troy, IL
Charter Senior Living of TROY | Troy, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Director of Community Relations/ Sales & Marketing. Dual Community Coverage- Charter Senior Living of Troy and Godfrey. $... more
6 Days Ago
Senior Healthcare Center
DuPage County, IL
Senior Healthcare Center | DuPage County, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Job Title. Director of Community Relations. Location. Senior Living Community – Dupage County Illinois. Position Overview... more
6 Days Ago
Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana
Vernon Hills, IL
Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana | Vernon Hills, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Job Description. The community specialist will be the local primary point of contact for volunteers, troop leaders. membe... more
7 Days Ago
International Fellowship of Christians and Jews
Chicago, IL
International Fellowship of Christians and Jews | Chicago, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Are you looking to start your career in nonprofits. As a. Donor Relations Associate. you will interact directly with our ... more
3 Days Ago
Marklund
Bloomingdale, IL
Marklund | Bloomingdale, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Marklund is built on our mission of making everyday life possible for individuals with profound disabilities. Our service... more
4 Days Ago
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