Public Relations Specialists
Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed
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.
Median pay: $74,750/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +4.8% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 27,600 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Respond to requests for information from the media or designate an appropriate spokesperson or information source.
• Plan or direct development or communication of programs to maintain favorable public or stockholder perceptions of an organization's accomplishments, agenda, or environmental responsibility.
• Post and update content on the company's Web site and social media outlets.
• Write press releases or other media communications to promote clients.
• Establish or maintain cooperative relationships with representatives of community, consumer, employee, or public interest groups.
• Confer with other managers to identify trends or key group interests or concerns or to provide advice on business decisions.
• Coach client representatives in effective communication with the public or with employees.
• 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.
What's the median pay for Public Relations Specialists?
The median pay for Public Relations Specialists is $74,750 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Public Relations Specialists?
Employment for Public Relations Specialists is projected to change +4.8% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Public Relations Specialists?
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
How many job openings are there each year for Public Relations Specialists?
About 27,600 openings per year, on average, over the decade.