What Public Relations Specialists do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Public Relations Specialists this way: "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."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Respond to requests for information from the media or designate an appropriate spokesperson or information source"; "Establish or maintain cooperative relationships with representatives of community, consumer, employee, or public interest groups"; "Confer with production or support personnel to produce or coordinate production of advertisements or promotions"; "Arrange public appearances, lectures, contests, or exhibits for clients to increase product or service awareness or to promote goodwill"; "Study the objectives, promotional policies, or needs of organizations to develop public relations strategies that will influence public opinion or promote ideas, products, or services".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree.
Job outlook for Public Relations Specialists
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 314,500 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 320,200 in 2035, an increase of 5,700 jobs (+1.8%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 23,000 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 7.3% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $74,750, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Public Relations Specialists earn the most
Across the 8 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $65,884 in Texas to $101,680 in District of Columbia, a gap of $35,796 (1.54 times). 7 of those 8 states average above the BLS national median of $74,750 and 1 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 31,430, which is 14.3% of the 219,810 counted across them. California follows with 30,810.
Highest-paying states
District of Columbia ($101,680), West Virginia ($100,800) and Virginia ($96,693) lead the ranking, while Texas ($65,884) and New Jersey ($80,159) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Public Relations Specialists: pay against the cost of living
We compare 8 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 $56,345. The smallest margin is $22,829 in Kings County, NY.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 8 of the 8 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 16.6% and 51.4% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Public Relations Specialists
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (27-3000) include Editors.
Frequently asked questions about Public Relations Specialists
What is the national median wage for Public Relations Specialists?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $74,750. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $65,884 to $101,680.
Which state pays Public Relations Specialists the most?
District of Columbia, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $101,680. West Virginia is next at $100,800.
What is the job outlook for Public Relations Specialists?
BLS projects employment to grow by 1.8% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 23,000 openings a year.
What education do Public Relations Specialists need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, according to BLS.
Where can Public Relations Specialists afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Jefferson County, WV leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $56,345 on a median wage of $101,680.