Salary Outlook
The BLS reports the median annual wage for public relations specialists was $53,190 in 2010. The best-paid 10 percent in the field made approximately $96,880, while the bottom 10 percent made approximately $30,860. The highest-paid in the profession work in the metropolitan areas of San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and San Jose, Calif.
| Job Salary | Year |
|---|---|
| 2002 | $44,210.00 |
| 2004 | $38,310.00 |
| 2006 | $42,020.00 |
| 2008 | $47,680.00 |
| 2010 | $59,150.00 |
Average Public Relations Specialist Pay vs. All Creative Jobs
A PR specialist made an average salary of $53,190 in 2010, which is about $20,000 less than many architects make in a year. PR professionals also make almost $30,000 less than art directors.
| Job Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Art Director | $81,260.00 |
| Architect | $73,340.00 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $53,190.00 |
See Complete List of Best Creative Jobs
Best Paying Cities for Public Relations Specialists
The highest paid in the public relations specialist profession work in the metropolitan areas of San Francisco, CA, Washington, DC, and San Jose, CA. The Bethesda, MD area also pays well, as does the city of Framingham, MA.
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $83,610 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a public relations specialist working in San Francisco, CA is $83,610, which is $30,420 more than the average pay in the profession.
Washington, DC
Average Salary: $81,700 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a public relations specialist working in Washington, DC is $81,700, which is $28,510 more than the average pay in the profession.
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $79,960 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a public relations specialist working in San Jose, CA is $79,960, which is $26,770 more than the average pay in the profession.
Bethesda, MD
Average Salary: $79,370 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a public relations specialist working in Bethesda, MD is $79,370, which is $26,180 more than the average pay in the profession.
Framingham, MA
Average Salary: $77,860 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a public relations specialist working in Framingham, MA is $77,860, which is $24,670 more than the average pay in the profession.
