How to Become a Public Relations Specialist
Create and maintain a favorable public image for the organization they represent. It typically requires a bachelor's degree, with a median salary of $74,750 per year and faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$74,750/yr
Job growth
5%
Openings / yr
27,600
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Media Relations
- Writing
- Social Media Management
- Crisis Communication
- Event Planning
Helpful certifications
- APR (Accreditation in Public Relations)
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
62/100
Work-life balance
52/100
Stress level
55/100
Satisfaction
68/100
Related careers
- Technical Writer$90,390 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Public Relations Specialist make?
The median pay for a Public Relations Specialist is $74,750 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Public Relations Specialist?
The usual entry point is a bachelor's degree. Common majors are Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, and English.
Is Public Relations Specialist a growing field?
The BLS projects faster than average demand for this role, about 5% over the decade, with roughly 27,600 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Public Relations Specialist use most?
Common skills for this role are Media Relations, Writing, Social Media Management, Crisis Communication, and Event Planning.
Planning to become a Public Relations Specialist?
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.