Public Relations Specialist: Career Overview

Official government data · Updated April 2026

Public Relations Specialists earn a national median of $69,780/yr with 4.8% projected employment growth over 2024–2034. The role draws on expertise in Communications and Media, English Language, Administration and Management.

Median Salary

$69,780

National · 2024

10-Year Growth

4.8%

About as fast as average

Employed Nationally

280,590

2024 data

Typical Education

Bachelor's degree

Entry-level

What Employers Expect From a Public Relations Specialist

These are the competencies recruiters screen for in Public Relations Specialist candidates, ranked by importance. Your resume should demonstrate each one:

1 Active Listening 2 Speaking 3 Reading Comprehension 4 Writing 5 Social Perceptiveness 6 Critical Thinking 7 Coordination 8 Time Management 9 Persuasion 10 Judgment and Decision Making

Knowledge Areas

Core knowledge domains most important for Public Relations Specialist performance, based on verified occupational data.

Communications and Media English Language Administration and Management Customer and Personal Service Sales and Marketing

Tools & Technologies

High-demand tools and technologies for Public Relations Specialist roles.

Adobe Creative Cloud software Adobe Photoshop Canva Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Word Adobe Acrobat Adobe After Effects

Job Outlook: 2024–2034

Employment is projected to grow 4.8% for Public Relations Specialist roles over the 2024–2034 decade. That's about as fast as average compared to the 4% average across all occupations.

Current Employment
280,590
Projected Growth
4.8%
Typical Education
Bachelor's degree

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Public Relations Specialist do?
Public Relations Specialists apply expertise in Communications and Media, English Language, Administration and Management to perform their core responsibilities. Key competencies include Active Listening, Speaking, Reading Comprehension, Writing.
How much does a Public Relations Specialist make?
The national median salary for a Public Relations Specialist is $69,780 per year based on official government wage survey data. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
Is Public Relations Specialist a good career in 2026?
Employment for Public Relations Specialist roles is projected to grow 4.8% over the 2024–2034 decade — about as fast as average compared to all occupations. There are currently 280,590 workers in this occupation nationally.
What education do you need to become a Public Relations Specialist?
The typical entry-level education for a Public Relations Specialist is Bachelor's degree. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.
What skills do Public Relations Specialists need?
The most important skills for Public Relations Specialist roles based on verified occupational data: Active Listening, Speaking, Reading Comprehension, Writing, Social Perceptiveness, Critical Thinking, Coordination, Time Management, Persuasion, Judgment and Decision Making. Key tools and technologies include: Adobe Creative Cloud software, Adobe Photoshop, Canva, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software.

Does Your Resume Cover These Skills?

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Salary, employment, and skills figures sourced from official U.S. government records and occupational databases. Actual compensation and requirements vary by location, experience, and employer. Salary and employment figures from official U.S. government records. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.