Public relations and events specialists earn varying wages based on industry.
While employment is predicted to increase significantly faster than the national average, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts "keen competition" for those seeking jobs in public relations (PR) and events managing. PR specialists work as advocates for organizations, building a positive reputation on their behalf in the community and helping brand their image. The average salary for a PR or events managing job depends on the type of industry the specialist or planner works in.
PR Average Salary
The average salary for public relations specialists in the United States is $59,370 annually. The median salary is $51,960 with those in the 10th percentile earning $30,520 and those in the 90th percentile earning $96,630. These jobs involve promoting groups and organizations with publicity material such as press releases and working closely with various media outlets.
Events Managing Average Salary
The average salary for events planners in the United States is $48,060 annually. The median salary is $44,780, with those in the 10th percentile earning $27,550 and those in the 90th percentile earning $75,160. These jobs involve planning and coordinating events such as meetings and conventions, making arrangements with facilities, caterers, media and other outlets.
Industry
Most public relations specialists work in the industry of advertising, public relations and related services for an average annual salary of $69,630. Those in the industry of business, professional, labor, political and similar organizations earn less at $62,040, while the highest wages for PR specialists are found in the industry of petroleum and coal products manufacturing at $120,420. For events managing planners, the travel accommodation industry is that with the highest number of employees, closely followed by the industry of business, professional, labor, political and similar organizations, with $44,420 as the average salary for the former and $51,270 for the latter. The highest wages for events managing jobs are in working with software publishers at an average annual salary of $65,530.
Location
The cost of living in an area and local demand for PR and events managing specialists will affect salaries. For all jobs in this area, the highest wages can be found in Washington, D.C., where PR specialists earn $97,550 and events planners earn $55,170. New York is the second highest-paying state for PR specialists at $66,820, and third for event planners at $54,760. Event planners also earn higher than average wages in Connecticut at $55,020 annually, while PR specialists do well in both Virginia and California, earning over $66,000 in both states.
Tags: percentile earning, average salary, events managing, highest wages, public relations, 10th percentile