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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Public Relations Officer in Illinois is $137,391 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $66.
However, a Public Relations Officer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Public Relations Officer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $152,002 | $12,667 | $2,923 | $73 |
| Average | $137,391 | $11,449 | $2,642 | $66 |
| 25th Percentile | $126,736 | $10,561 | $2,437 | $61 |
Interdependence - Chicago, IL
Interdependence - Chicago, IL
Prime Healthcare - Aurora, IL
Prime Healthcare - Elgin, IL
A Public Relations Officer'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 Public Relations Officer'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 Officer | $96,863 |
| Public Re... Level Public Relations Officer | $120,732 |
| Public Re... Level Public Relations Officer | $136,317 |
| Public Re... Level Public Relations Officer | $164,621 |
| VP of Pub... Level Public Relations Officer | $258,615 |
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 Officers. 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 Public Relations Officer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 73% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Public Relations Officer positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Public Relations Officer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $185,478 | $89.0 | 35% |
| Internet | $178,609 | $86.0 | 30% |
| Energy & Utilities | $171,739 | $83.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $158,000 | $76.0 | 15% |
| Financial Services | $151,131 | $73.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Public Relations Officer'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 | $152,002 | $12,667 | $2,923 | $73 |
| Average | $137,391 | $11,449 | $2,642 | $66 |
| 25th Percentile | $126,736 | $10,561 | $2,437 | $61 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Public Relations Officer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Prime Healthcare
Kankakee, IL
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Community First Medical Center
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Job Description. Job Description. Description. The Safety and Security Officer perform activities necessary to the provision of a safe and secure environme... more
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Advocate Health Care
Elgin, IL
Advocate Health Care | Elgin, IL
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