Public Relations Specialists
Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.Salary by State
| State Name | Employment | Annual Salary | Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 2,160 | $63,980 | $30.76 | |
| Alaska | 600 | $64,040 | $30.79 | |
| Arizona | 4,650 | $70,390 | $33.84 | |
| Arkansas | 1,030 | $63,080 | $30.33 | |
| California | 25,050 | $81,840 | $39.35 | |
| Colorado | 6,060 | $71,280 | $34.27 | |
| Connecticut | 1,830 | $73,420 | $35.30 | |
| Delaware | 880 | $70,730 | $34.01 | |
| District of Columbia | 17,750 | $106,040 | $50.98 | |
| Florida | 17,380 | $63,590 | $30.57 | |
| Georgia | 4,950 | $63,020 | $30.30 | |
| Hawaii | 1,100 | $62,070 | $29.84 | |
| Idaho | 770 | $60,900 | $29.28 | |
| Illinois | 5,720 | $72,110 | $34.67 | |
| Indiana | 4,250 | $60,290 | $28.98 | |
| Iowa | 2,100 | $61,070 | $29.36 | |
| Kansas | 2,030 | $56,410 | $27.12 | |
| Kentucky | 2,120 | $64,770 | $31.14 | |
| Louisiana | 1,110 | $58,840 | $28.29 | |
| Maine | 1,720 | $52,420 | $25.20 | |
| Maryland | 3,760 | $74,150 | $35.65 | |
| Massachusetts | 7,160 | $79,620 | $38.28 | |
| Michigan | 6,890 | $62,650 | $30.12 | |
| Minnesota | 5,160 | $73,700 | $35.43 | |
| Mississippi | 1,550 | $46,110 | $22.17 | |
| Missouri | 7,510 | $61,020 | $29.34 | |
| Montana | 840 | $58,850 | $28.29 | |
| Nebraska | 1,210 | $57,210 | $27.51 | |
| Nevada | 720 | $64,820 | $31.16 | |
| New Hampshire | 1,080 | $64,370 | $30.95 | |
| New Jersey | 4,800 | $77,020 | $37.03 | |
| New Mexico | 1,100 | $61,710 | $29.67 | |
| New York | 25,540 | $83,460 | $40.13 | |
| North Carolina | 5,770 | $69,670 | $33.49 | |
| North Dakota | 470 | $66,930 | $32.18 | |
| Ohio | 6,970 | $69,560 | $33.44 | |
| Oklahoma | 1,450 | $58,630 | $28.19 | |
| Oregon | 3,320 | $66,410 | $31.93 | |
| Pennsylvania | 6,630 | $65,090 | $31.30 | |
| Rhode Island | 1,080 | $75,670 | $36.38 | |
| South Carolina | 2,200 | $60,360 | $29.02 | |
| South Dakota | 370 | $56,090 | $26.97 | |
| Tennessee | 2,230 | $59,720 | $28.71 | |
| Texas | 21,720 | $63,540 | $30.55 | |
| Utah | 1,530 | $63,310 | $30.44 | |
| Vermont | 770 | $56,250 | $27.05 | |
| Virginia | 7,690 | $82,080 | $39.46 | |
| Washington | 5,240 | $85,300 | $41.01 | |
| West Virginia | 410 | $54,330 | $26.12 | |
| Wisconsin | 3,900 | $64,360 | $30.94 | |
| Wyoming | 380 | $57,590 | $27.69 |
Education
The programs listed below are typically the education paths that can land you this kind of job.
A program that focuses on the comprehensive study of communication, and that spans the study of mass communication/media studies, old and new media technologies, social and political applications, and speech communication and rhetoric. Includes instruction in interpersonal, group, organizational, and intercultural communication; theories of communication; critical thinking, argumentation, and persuasion; written communication; printed, electronic, and digital media; rhetorical tradition and criticism; media, society, and culture; consequences and effects of mass media; media social science and criticism; and quantitative and qualitative methods of inquiry.
A program that focuses on the scientific, humanistic, and critical study of human communication in a variety of formats, media, and contexts. Includes instruction in the theory and practice of interpersonal, group, organizational, professional, and intercultural communication; speaking and listening; verbal and nonverbal interaction; rhetorical theory and criticism; performance studies; argumentation and persuasion; technologically mediated communication; popular culture; and various contextual applications.
A general program that focuses on organizational communication, public relations, and advertising; and that prepares individuals to function in a wide range of public and private sector positions requiring the skills of persuasive communication. Includes instruction in communications, public relations, and advertising theory; principles and techniques of persuasion; message/image design; marketing strategy; professional writing; public speaking and multi-media presentation skills; digital communications; and applied research.
A program that focuses on the theories and methods for managing the media image of a business, organization, or individual and the communication process with stakeholders, constituencies, audiences, and the general public; and that prepares individuals to function as public relations assistants, technicians, and managers. Includes instruction in public relations theory; related principles of advertising, marketing, and journalism; message/image design; image management; special event management; media relations; community relations; public affairs; and internal communications.
A program that focuses on human and media communication in the political process and that prepares individuals to function as members of political and public affairs organizations, political campaign staffs, and related government and media entities. Includes instruction in media effects, political speaking and debating, political advertising and marketing, image management, political journalism, opinion polling, and aspects of print and broadcast media related to the production and distribution of media messages in political settings.
A program that focuses on how people, individually and collectively, understand and accommodate to health and illness and the role of communication and media in shaping professional health care messages and public acceptance of these messages. Includes instruction in the development and use of health-related and care-related messages and media; the goals and strategies of health care promotion; relationships, roles, situations, and social structures in the context of health maintenance and promotion; and applications to disease prevention, health advocacy, and communications concerning treatments.
A program that focuses on the methods and techniques for communicating about sports in a variety of formats, media, and contexts; and that prepares individuals to be sports reporters and writers, photojournalists, radio and television announcers, producers and directors, recreational sports promoters, and public relations specialists. Includes instruction in sports writing, photography, broadcast journalism, sports production, game rules, media and public relations, and sports promotion.
A program that focuses on the specialized knowledge and skills needed for effective communication in the international community and among people of different cultures; and that prepares individuals to function at the national and international levels as journalists, public relations specialists, travel industry representatives, intercultural trainers, and/or foreign service officers. Includes instruction in journalism, communications, intercultural and international relations, marketing and public relations, and global communications policy.
A program that focuses on communication of human sciences subject matter and related consumer information to a variety of audiences through print and non-print media.
A program that prepares individuals to function in an organization as a composer, editor, and proofreader of business or business-related communications.
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$73,250 per yearNational average salaryModerateJob growth rate
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Bachelor's degreeTypical education requirement
Educational Attainment
The following chart shows the highest education level completed by those working as public relations specialists.
- Less than high school 0%
- High school graduate 3%
- College dropout 8%
- Associate’s degree 5%
- Bachelor’s degree 56%
- Master’s degree 23%
- Doctorate degree 4%
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