Public Relations Managers

SOC: 11-2032 O*NET: 11-2032.00
Median Salary
$138,520
per year
Job Growth
📈 5%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
6.6
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.

What does a Public Relations Managers do?

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.

How much can you earn?

Entry Level
$78,880
10th percentile
Early Career
$102,300
25th percentile
Median
$138,520
50th percentile
Experienced
$198,000
75th percentile
Top Earners
$0
90th percentile

National Salary Distribution

10th
$78,880
25th
$102,300
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$138,520
Mean: $163,520
75th
$198,000
90th
$0
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)

Key Insights

  • Salary range spans -$78,880 from entry level to top earners
  • Middle 50% earn between $102,300 and $198,000
  • Salary spread is 69.1% around the median, showing high variation
  • Total national employment: 76,060 professionals

What's the job outlook?

Job Market Intelligence

Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk

Current Employment

National Employment:83,200

Top Industries

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services23.3%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services23.3%
Other Services (except Public Administration)15.6%

10-Year Outlook

Growth Rate:+5%
Annual Openings:6,600

Employment Projections

2024 (Current)83,200
Current
2034 (Projected)87,300
+5%
+4,100
Employment Change
+5%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection

Growth Category: As fast as average

Geographic Salary & Employment Data

Explore where Public Relations Managers professionals work across the United States

Showing 15 of 49 locations
California
9,140 jobs$156,3401.03x
District of Columbia
8,640 jobs$185,81024.70x
Texas
8,360 jobs$120,2101.22x
New York
7,330 jobs$173,7801.56x
Florida
3,120 jobs$112,7100.64x
Illinois
2,890 jobs$122,9500.97x
Massachusetts
2,560 jobs$169,7601.43x
New Jersey
2,380 jobs$169,5101.14x
Oregon
2,090 jobs$119,0402.15x
Pennsylvania
2,010 jobs$119,4000.68x
Maryland
1,860 jobs$144,5901.37x
Washington
1,780 jobs$159,5101.02x
Michigan
1,690 jobs$114,9700.78x
North Carolina
1,390 jobs$123,8000.57x
Minnesota
1,340 jobs$120,5500.93x

Understanding the Data

Location Quotient (LQ):

  • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
  • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
  • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average

Data Source:

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024

Key Growth Factors

  • Average growth expected

What technology will you use?

Technology & Digital Skills

Essential technology proficiencies for Public Relations Managers

Technology Intensity
Very High

Digital Literacy Requirements

This career requires expert digital literacy

1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert

Key Digital Competencies:

Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥

Hot Technologies in Demand

These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field

Slack

🔥 Hot Tech

Salesforce software

🔥 Hot Tech

Teradata Database

🔥 Hot Tech

Microsoft Access

🔥 Hot Tech

Yardi software

🔥 Hot Tech

Google Analytics

🔥 Hot Tech

Adobe InDesign

🔥 Hot Tech

Adobe Acrobat

🔥 Hot Tech

Microsoft SharePoint

🔥 Hot Tech

Microsoft Outlook

🔥 Hot Tech

Microsoft Dynamics

🔥 Hot Tech

Adobe Creative Cloud software

🔥 Hot Tech

Technology Stack

Technology Stack Overview

Key technologies used in this career

Slack
Salesforce software
Teradata Database
Microsoft Access
Yardi software
Google Analytics
Adobe InDesign
Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft SharePoint
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Dynamics
Adobe Creative Cloud software

📚 Technology Learning Resources

Recommended Certifications

  • Vendor-specific software certifications
  • Industry-recognized technology credentials
  • Professional development courses

Online Learning Platforms

  • LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
  • Coursera - University-level programs
  • Udemy - Practical skills training

💡 Technology Skill Development Tips

  • Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
  • Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
  • Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
  • Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers

What's the work environment like?

🏗️
Location
Varies
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
Varies
🤝
Customer Interaction
NONE

💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?

Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:

  • Are you comfortable working in varies environments?
  • Can you meet low physical demands?

What are the key tasks?

Tasks & Responsibilities

20
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
0
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Management & Supervision (5)Planning & Development (8)General Responsibilities (4)Analysis & Evaluation (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)Operations & Execution (1)
1

Assign, supervise, and review the activities of public relations staff.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
100%
Management & Supervision100% perform
2

Confer with labor relations managers to develop internal communications that keep employees informed of company activities.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
98%
Planning & Development97% perform
3

Design and edit promotional publications, such as brochures.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
96%
Planning & Development94% perform
4

Develop and maintain the company's corporate image and identity, which includes the use of logos and signage.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
94%
Planning & Development91% perform
5

Develop, implement, or maintain crisis communication plans.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
92%
Planning & Development88% perform
6

Direct activities of external agencies, establishments, or departments that develop and implement communication strategies and information programs.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
90%
Planning & Development85% perform
7

Draft speeches for company executives and arrange interviews and other forms of contact for them.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
88%
General Responsibilities82% perform
8

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, government officials, and media representatives and use these relationships to develop new business opportunities.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
86%
Planning & Development79% perform
9

Evaluate advertising and promotion programs for compatibility with public relations efforts.

🟡
Weekly
Importance:
84%
Analysis & Evaluation76% perform
10

Facilitate consumer relations or the relationship between parts of the company, such as the managers and employees, or different branch offices.

🟡
Weekly
Importance:
82%
Management & Supervision73% perform

💡 Key Takeaways

  • Daily tasks focus primarily on management & supervision activities
  • 35% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
  • Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities

What career paths are available?

Career Pathways

0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase

Advancement Opportunities

Typical career progression paths from Public Relations Managers

💡 Career Planning Tips

  • Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
  • Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
  • Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
  • Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves

Is this career right for you?

Personality & Values Fit

Is This Career Right for You?

Public Relations Managers professionals typically have a ECS Holland code

EEnterprising
CConventional
SSocial

Important Personality Traits

Work styles that contribute to success as a Public Relations Managers

Complete Work Styles Profile

💡 Tips for Career Fit Success

  • While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
  • Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
  • Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
  • Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career

What education is required?

Education Level

Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years

Preparation Level

Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed

Experience Needed

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed

📚 Education Requirement

Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Training:

Significant preparation with related work experience

💼 Experience Requirement

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed

Common pathways to gain experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in related field
  • Several years of work experience
  • Professional certifications often required
4

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required

Ready to Start Your Journey?

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