Public relations managers play a vital role in shaping and managing the reputation of organizations and their brands. They are responsible for developing and executing effective communication strategies, building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, and protecting the organization’s reputation during times of crisis.
The salary of a public relations manager can vary significantly based on factors such as experience, location, and the size and industry of the organization. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for public relations managers was $113,350 in May 2021.
In this article, we will provide an overview of the factors that influence public relations manager salary, explore the potential career path and salary progression, and discuss the benefits and challenges of working in this field.
Public Relations Manager Salary
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Public relations managers can earn a competitive salary, with median annual earnings of over $113,000 in the United States.
- Median salary: $113,350
- Top 10% earners: $187,200+
- Bottom 10% earners: $64,730
- Growth potential: 7%
The salary of a public relations manager can vary based on experience, location, and industry. Those with more experience and specialized skills can earn higher salaries.
Median salary: $113,350
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for public relations managers was $113,350 in May 2021. This means that half of all public relations managers earned more than this amount, and half earned less.
- Experience: Public relations managers with more experience typically earn higher salaries. Entry-level public relations managers with 0-5 years of experience can expect to earn an average salary of around $70,000 per year, while those with 5-10 years of experience can earn an average of $90,000 per year. Public relations managers with over 10 years of experience can earn an average salary of over $120,000 per year.
- Location: The location of a public relations manager’s job can also affect their salary. Public relations managers working in large metropolitan areas, such as New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, typically earn higher salaries than those working in smaller cities or rural areas.
- Industry: The industry in which a public relations manager works can also impact their salary. Public relations managers working in the technology, healthcare, and financial services industries typically earn higher salaries than those working in other industries.
- Education: Public relations managers with a bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, or a related field typically earn higher salaries than those with only a high school diploma or an associate’s degree.
In addition to the factors listed above, the size of an organization can also affect a public relations manager’s salary. Public relations managers working for large organizations typically earn higher salaries than those working for small organizations.
Top 10% earners: $187,200+
The top 10% of public relations managers earn over $187,200 per year. These individuals typically have a combination of the following factors:
- Extensive experience: Public relations managers with over 10 years of experience typically earn the highest incomes.
- Specialized skills: Public relations managers with specialized skills in areas such as crisis communication, media relations, and corporate social responsibility are in high demand and can command higher incomes.
- Location: Public relations managers working in large metropolitan areas, such as New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, typically earn higher incomes than those working in smaller cities or rural areas.
- Industry: Public relations managers working in the technology, healthcare, and financial services industries typically earn higher incomes than those working in other industries.
- Employer: Public relations managers working for large organizations, such as Fortune 500 companies, typically earn higher incomes than those working for small organizations.
In addition to the factors listed above, the top 10% of public relations managers may also have a master’s degree in public relations, communications, or a related field. They may also have professional certification from organizations such as the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). Public relations managers who are able to demonstrate their value to their organizations and who are able to consistently exceed expectations are more likely to earn top incomes.
Bottom 10% earners: $64,730
The bottom 10% of public relations managers earn less than $64,730 per year. These individuals typically have a combination of the following factors:
- Limited experience: Public relations managers with 0-3 years of experience typically earn lower incomes than those with more experience.
- Limited skills: Public relations managers with limited skills in areas such as writing, media relations, and social media may earn lower incomes.
- Location: Public relations managers working in small cities or rural areas typically earn lower incomes than those working in large metropolitan areas.
- Industry: Public relations managers working in non-profit organizations or small businesses typically earn lower incomes than those working in large organizations or for-profit companies.
- Employer: Public relations managers working for small organizations or start-ups typically earn lower incomes than those working for large organizations or well-established companies.
In addition to the factors listed above, the bottom 10% of public relations managers may also have only a high schooldiploma or an associate’s degree. They may also have limited professional development opportunities. Public relations managers who are able to develop their skills and experience and who are able to demonstrate their value to their organizations are more likely to earn higher incomes.
Growth potential: 7%
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of public relations managers will grow by 7% from 2021 to 2031. This growth is expected to be driven by the increasing demand for public relations services from businesses and organizations of all sizes.
As businesses and organizations become more aware of the importance of public relations in managing their reputation and communicating with their stakeholders, the demand for qualified public relations managers is expected to continue to grow.
Public relations managers with strong skills in areas such as crisis communication, media relations, and social media will be in high demand. Additionally, public relations managers with experience in emerging areas such as data analytics and artificial intelligence will be well-positioned for career growth.
Public relations managers who are able to keep up with the latest trends and technologies and who are able to demonstrate their value to their organizations are more likely to experience career growth and advancement.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about public relations manager salary:
Question 1: What is the median salary for public relations managers?
Answer: The median annual salary for public relations managers was $113,350 in May 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Question 2: What is the salary range for public relations managers?
Answer: The salary range for public relations managers can vary depending on experience, location, and industry. However, most public relations managers earn between $64,730 and $187,200 per year.
Question 3: What are the highest-paying industries for public relations managers?
Answer: The highest-paying industries for public relations managers include technology, healthcare, and financial services.
Question 4: What are the most important factors that affect public relations manager salary?
Answer: The most important factors that affect public relations manager salary include experience, location, industry, and education.
Question 5: What is the job outlook for public relations managers?
Answer: The job outlook for public relations managers is expected to grow by 7% from 2021 to 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Question 6: What skills are needed to become a successful public relations manager?
Answer: Successful public relations managers need strong communication, writing, and interpersonal skills. They also need to be able to think strategically and have a good understanding of the media landscape.
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These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about public relations manager salary. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact a career counselor or a representative from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).
Tips
Here are a few tips for increasing your public relations manager salary:
Tip 1: Get certified
Earning a professional certification from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) can demonstrate your commitment to the profession and your skills and knowledge.
Tip 2: Network
Attend industry events and meet with other public relations professionals. Networking can help you learn about new job opportunities and build relationships with potential employers.
Tip 3: Develop your skills
Public relations managers need to have strong communication, writing, and interpersonal skills. They also need to be able to think strategically and have a good understanding of the media landscape. Take courses or workshops to develop your skills and stay up-to-date on the latest trends.
Tip 4: Get experience
Gaining experience in public relations can help you increase your salary. Volunteer for public relations projects or internships, or start your own public relations firm.
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Following these tips can help you increase your public relations manager salary. Remember, the key to success is to be proactive and to continually develop your skills and knowledge.
Conclusion
Public relations managers play a vital role in shaping and managing the reputation of organizations and their brands. They are responsible for developing and executing effective communication strategies, building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, and protecting the organization’s reputation during times of crisis.
The salary of a public relations manager can vary significantly based on experience, location, and the size and industry of the organization. However, the median annual salary for public relations managers is $113,350, and the top 10% of earners make over $187,200 per year.
The job outlook for public relations managers is expected to grow by 7% from 2021 to 2031, as businesses and organizations become more aware of the importance of public relations in managing their reputation and communicating with their stakeholders.
To increase your public relations manager salary, you can get certified, network, develop your skills, and gain experience. By following these tips, you can increase your earning potential and advance your career.