What Public Relations Managers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Public Relations Managers this way: "Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client."
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree. Work experience in a related occupation is typically 5 years or more.
Job outlook for Public Relations Managers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 80,800 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 85,400 in 2035, an increase of 4,600 jobs (+5.7%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 6,100 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 7.5% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $146,910, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Public Relations Managers earn the most
Across the 6 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $182,604 in New Jersey to $195,190 in District of Columbia, a gap of $12,586 (1.07 times). 6 of those 6 states average above the BLS national median of $146,910 and 0 average at or below it.
Maryland employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 11,550, which is 19.4% of the 59,460 counted across them. Virginia follows with 10,290.
Highest-paying states
District of Columbia ($195,190), West Virginia ($195,190) and Virginia ($191,590) lead the ranking, while New Jersey ($182,604) and Maryland ($183,945) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Public Relations Managers: pay against the cost of living
We compare 6 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Jefferson County, WV (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV) at $117,283. The smallest margin is $92,041 in Kings County, NY.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 6 of the 6 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 9.2% and 24.6% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Public Relations Managers
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (11-2000) include Marketing Managers and Sales Managers.
Frequently asked questions about Public Relations Managers
What is the national median wage for Public Relations Managers?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $146,910. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $182,604 to $195,190.
Which state pays Public Relations Managers the most?
District of Columbia, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $195,190. West Virginia is next at $195,190.
What is the job outlook for Public Relations Managers?
BLS projects employment to grow by 5.7% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 6,100 openings a year.
What education do Public Relations Managers need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, with work experience in a related occupation of 5 years or more, according to BLS.
Where can Public Relations Managers afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Jefferson County, WV leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $117,283 on a median wage of $195,190.