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.
Public Relations Specialists
SOC: 27-3031 O*NET: 27-3031.00
Median Salary
$74,750
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 1.8%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
23
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
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.
What does a Public Relations Specialists do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$44,110
10th percentile
Early Career
$56,260
25th percentile
Median
$74,750
50th percentile
Experienced
$100,370
75th percentile
Top Earners
$135,150
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$44,110
25th
$56,260
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$74,750
Mean: $84,120
75th
$100,370
90th
$135,150
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $91,040 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $56,260 and $100,370
- •Salary spread is 59.0% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 283,380 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:314,500
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services21.9%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services21.9%
Other Services (except Public Administration)14.5%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+1.8%
Annual Openings:23,000
Employment Projections
2025 (Current)314,500
Current
2035 (Projected)320,200
+1.8%
+5,700
Employment Change
+1.8%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Public Relations Specialists professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
32,710 jobs$85,0300.99x
New York
28,250 jobs$81,2501.60x
Texas
25,220 jobs$65,1600.98x
Florida
17,820 jobs$63,6600.98x
District of Columbia
16,720 jobs$102,74013.07x
Pennsylvania
11,180 jobs$57,4601.01x
Virginia
9,990 jobs$80,3801.33x
North Carolina
9,910 jobs$67,2301.10x
Minnesota
8,260 jobs$68,6201.54x
Michigan
7,510 jobs$65,3000.94x
Colorado
7,410 jobs$80,6801.41x
Georgia
6,860 jobs$73,2000.77x
Massachusetts
6,760 jobs$79,6601.02x
Ohio
6,670 jobs$64,8400.66x
Washington
6,430 jobs$87,4700.99x
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 2025
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Active Listening
100%
#2
Communications and Media
100%
#3
Oral Comprehension
100%
#4
Speaking
94%
#5
Oral Expression
92%
#6
English Language
88%
#7
Writing
86%
#8
Speech Recognition
82%
#9
Social Perceptiveness
80%
#10
Administration and Management
76%
Skills Overview
Active Listening
advanced5.0
100%
Communications and Media
advanced5.0
100%
Oral Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Speaking
advanced4.7
94%
Oral Expression
advanced4.6
92%
English Language
intermediate4.4
88%
Writing
intermediate4.3
86%
Speech Recognition
intermediate4.1
82%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Active Listening
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Communications and Media
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Oral Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Speaking
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Oral Expression
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
English Language
intermediateImportance88%
knowledge
4.4/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Speech Recognition
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Administration and Management
intermediateImportance76%
knowledge
3.8/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Written Expression
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Advertising and Promotions Managers82%
5 shared skills
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes82%
5 shared skills
Fundraising Managers82%
5 shared skills
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists82%
5 shared skills
Opticians, Dispensing82%
5 shared skills
Writers and Authors82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Writing
- ✓Social Perceptiveness
- ✓Communications and Media
Learn on the Job:
- →Coordination
- →Time Management
- →Customer and Personal Service
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Writing
- ✓Social Perceptiveness
- ✓Communications and Media
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Speaking
- ★Writing
- ★Social Perceptiveness
- ★Communications and Media
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Public Relations Specialists
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
Microsoft Dynamics
🔥 Hot TechSalesforce software
🔥 Hot TechGoogle Analytics
🔥 Hot TechAdobe InDesign
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Acrobat
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SharePoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Creative Cloud software
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Illustrator
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Photoshop
🔥 Hot TechCanva
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Dynamics
Salesforce software
Google Analytics
Adobe InDesign
Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft SharePoint
Microsoft Outlook
Adobe Creative Cloud software
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Canva
Microsoft Office 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
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡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 mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
18
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Planning & Development (6)Documentation & Record-Keeping (3)Communication & Coordination (2)General Responsibilities (6)Management & Supervision (1)
1
Respond to requests for information from the media or designate an appropriate spokesperson or information source.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development100% perform100%
2
Establish or maintain cooperative relationships with representatives of community, consumer, employee, or public interest groups.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping97% perform98%
3
Confer with production or support personnel to produce or coordinate production of advertisements or promotions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Communication & Coordination94% perform96%
4
Arrange public appearances, lectures, contests, or exhibits for clients to increase product or service awareness or to promote goodwill.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
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.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development88% perform92%
6
Confer with other managers to identify trends or key group interests or concerns or to provide advice on business decisions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision85% perform90%
7
Consult with advertising agencies or staff to arrange promotional campaigns in all types of media for products, organizations, or individuals.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Coach client representatives in effective communication with the public or with employees.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Prepare or deliver speeches to further public relations objectives.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping76% perform84%
10
Purchase advertising space or time as required to promote client's product or agenda.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on planning & development activities
- •39% 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 Specialists
💡 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 Specialists professionals typically have a EAS Holland code and highly value achievement
EEnterprising
AArtistic
SSocial
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Public Relations Specialists
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.82
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.64
Initiative
CriticalInitiative
Importance Level4.59
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.55
Persistence
Very ImportantPersistence
Importance Level4.45
Stress Tolerance
Very ImportantStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.36
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.8
Integrity
4.6
Initiative
4.6
Dependability
4.5
Persistence
4.5
Stress Tolerance
4.4
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.4
Cooperation
4.2
Achievement/Effort
4.2
Leadership
4.0
💡 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?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Public Relations Specialists.
Browse Training Programs →The Apprenticeship Route: Earn While You Learn
You don't necessarily need to pay for school to enter this field. There are 44 registered apprenticeship sponsors for this occupation in the U.S. DOL system. Apprentices earn a wage from day one, typically starting at 40–50% of the journeyman rate, and finish with no tuition debt.
Most sponsors: SC (8) , CA (5) , MO (5) , PR (5) , IN (3)
How apprenticeships work →Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov)
Trade Colleges That Train for Public Relations Specialists
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Chattahoochee Technical College
Marietta, GA
2.2k program completions/year
Mesa Community College
Mesa, AZ
933 program completions/year
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, NC
719 program completions/year
Estrella Mountain Community College
Avondale, AZ
563 program completions/year
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Chandler, AZ
558 program completions/year
Moorpark College
Moorpark, CA
516 program completions/year
Phoenix College
Phoenix, AZ
487 program completions/year
Scottsdale Community College
Scottsdale, AZ
474 program completions/year
Central Piedmont Community College
Charlotte, NC
472 program completions/year
Long Beach City College
Long Beach, CA
470 program completions/year
Orange Coast College
Costa Mesa, CA
466 program completions/year
Fullerton College
Fullerton, CA
451 program completions/year