Public relations specialists
SOC Code: 27-3031Also known as:
Audience Coordinator, Brand Advocate, Communication Specialist, Communications Associate, Communications Coordinator
Median Annual Salary
$69,780
+4.8% growth (2024-2034)
28K
Openings/Year
316K
Current Jobs
What Public relations specialists Do
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.
💰 Salary
$69,780
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+4.8%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
28K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
315,900
Projected Employment (2034)
331,000
Related Careers
Advertising and promotions managers
$126,960 •
-2.2% growth
Marketing managers
$161,030 •
+6.6% growth
Public relations managers
$138,520 •
+5.0% growth
Market research analysts and marketing specialists
$76,950 •
+6.7% growth
Writers and authors
$72,270 •
+3.6% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Writing
Social Perceptiveness
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Prepare or edit organizational publications, such as employee newsletters or stockholders' reports, for internal or external audiences.
- Arrange public appearances, lectures, contests, or exhibits for clients to increase product or service awareness or to promote goodwill.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Public relations specialists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a public relations specialists:
Speech Communication and Rhetoric
32,944 degrees awarded •
744 colleges offer this program
Communication, General
11,299 degrees awarded •
366 colleges offer this program
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
4,077 degrees awarded •
162 colleges offer this program
Public Relations/Image Management
4,061 degrees awarded •
152 colleges offer this program
Sports Communication
1,202 degrees awarded •
80 colleges offer this program
Business/Corporate Communications, General
801 degrees awarded •
57 colleges offer this program
Health Communication
362 degrees awarded •
57 colleges offer this program
Political Communication
211 degrees awarded •
8 colleges offer this program
International and Intercultural Communication
183 degrees awarded •
24 colleges offer this program
Business/Corporate Communications, Other
12 degrees awarded •
1 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Public relations specialists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become public relations specialists.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do public relations specialists make?
The median annual salary for public relations specialists is $69,780.
What education do public relations specialists need?
Most public relations specialists positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Speech Communication and Rhetoric, Communication, General, Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication.
Is becoming public relations specialists a good career choice?
Public relations specialists is projected to see +4.8% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 27,600 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for public relations specialists?
Top colleges for aspiring public relations specialists include
University of California-Los Angeles, University of California-Santa Barbara, University of Southern California, University of Georgia, The University of Texas at Austin.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to public relations specialists?
Public relations specialists may also be known as: Audience Coordinator, Brand Advocate, Communication Specialist, Communications Associate, Communications Coordinator, Communications Specialist, Community Relations Coordinator, Concert Promoter, Consumer Advocate, Content Marketing Specialist, Content Specialist, Content Strategist, Corporate Communications Specialist, Customer Specialist, Environmental Communications Specialist, Event Promoter, Image Consultant, Information and Communications Specialist, Information Specialist, Internal Communications Specialist.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.