How Much Does a PR Director Make? (2025)
A public relations (PR) director directs and implements a company's public relations strategies by managing media relations, announcements, editorial placements, and speaking opportunities, while ensuring all communications align with the organization's goals. They also develop press releases, white papers, and supporting materials, provide strategic input, oversee subordinate teams, and may contribute to budget planning. Maintaining the organization's reputation is a key function of this role.
In the United States, the average PR director salary in 2025 is $160,900 per year, according to our recent data. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report did not specify the job growth for this job title, but the public relations managers employment growth is projected to increase by only 5 percent from 2024 to 2034.
Continue reading this guide to provide additional information on PR director salary expectations, top-paying states, and the overall job outlook.
What is the PR Director's Salary?
As of October 2, 2025, the average PR director salary in the United States is $160,900 per year or $77 per hour. The annual salary range for PR directors is between $127,085 and $191,849, with most earning between $143,200 and $177,100 per year.
2025 Average Salary for PR Directors: $160,900 per year ($77 per hour)
The PR director reported an average monthly salary of $13,408, while the average weekly pay is $3,094. The annual cost of employing a PR director, including healthcare, social security and time off, adds to the total compensation package.
| Percentile | By Hour | By Week | By Month | By Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $61 | $2,444 | $10,590 | $127,085 |
| 25th Percentile | $69 | $2,754 | $11,933 | $143,200 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $77 | $3,094 | $13,408 | $160,900 |
| 75th Percentile | $85 | $3,406 | $14,758 | $177,100 |
| 90th Percentile | $92 | $3,689 | $15,987 | $191,849 |
Aside from the base salary, PR directors receive additional benefits. The average total compensation in the United States is $256,823 per year, including benefits such as time off ($23,323), social security ($13,666), and pension ($10,233) which makes up about 18.4% of the total compensation.
PR Director Average Salaries State by State
PR director salaries differ across U.S. states due to factors such as job demand, local costs, cost of living, and wage standards in each location.
The table below shows the states with the highest employment levels for PR directors and the states with the highest paying state averages. District of Columbia ($178,100), California ($177,400), and Massachusetts ($175,100) rank among the top.
On the other hand, states with the lowest average salaries include Georgia ($155,200), Oklahoma ($148,700), and New Mexico ($149,000).
| State | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $174,100 |
| Alabama | $147,800 |
| Arkansas | $145,300 |
| Arizona | $156,700 |
| California | $177,400 |
| Colorado | $164,100 |
| Connecticut | $171,900 |
| District of Columbia | $178,100 |
| Delaware | $162,900 |
| Florida | $152,200 |
| Georgia | $155,200 |
| Hawaii | $168,100 |
| Iowa | $154,000 |
| Idaho | $150,200 |
| Illinois | $164,000 |
| Indiana | $154,400 |
| Kansas | $153,200 |
| Kentucky | $151,400 |
| Louisiana | $153,000 |
| Massachusetts | $175,100 |
| Maryland | $165,900 |
| Maine | $156,800 |
| Michigan | $158,400 |
| Minnesota | $164,600 |
| Missouri | $152,800 |
| Mississippi | $143,500 |
| Montana | $151,900 |
| North Carolina | $152,900 |
| North Dakota | $158,900 |
| Nebraska | $151,600 |
| New Hampshire | $162,600 |
| New Jersey | $174,400 |
| New Mexico | $149,000 |
| Nevada | $159,200 |
| New York | $171,000 |
| Ohio | $156,600 |
| Oklahoma | $148,700 |
| Oregon | $163,400 |
| Pennsylvania | $160,100 |
| Rhode Island | $166,800 |
| South Carolina | $150,700 |
| South Dakota | $146,200 |
| Tennessee | $150,300 |
| Texas | $156,900 |
| Utah | $154,000 |
| Virginia | $162,000 |
| Vermont | $157,900 |
| Washington | $174,400 |
| Wisconsin | $158,200 |
| West Virginia | $144,900 |
| Wyoming | $154,300 |
What are the Best-Paying Cities for PR Directors?
PR director salaries vary by city, influenced by the cost of living, local demand, and industry rates in urban areas. Cities with high living costs often offer more PR directors higher salaries to attract qualified candidates.
For example, cities in California such as San Jose and San Francisco offer higher average salaries for PR directors, at $202,900 and $200,900, respectively.
| City | Average Pay |
|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $202,900 |
| San Francisco, CA | $200,900 |
| Oakland, CA | $196,400 |
| New York, NY | $186,400 |
| Queens Village, NY | $185,200 |
| Paramus, NJ | $183,900 |
How Does Experience Affect PR Director Salaries?
PR directors' salaries grow with years of service. Salary.com reports that entry-level PR directors with less than 1 year of experience level earn about $154,121 per year, while those with over 8 years of experience average $162,472 per year.
| Level | Average Pay |
|---|---|
| Entry Level PR Director (<1 year) | $154,121 |
| Intermediate Level PR Director (1-2 years) | $154,922 |
| Senior Level PR Director (2-4 years) | $156,793 |
| Specialist Level PR Director (5-8 years) | $158,930 |
| Expert Level PR Director (8+ years) | $162,472 |
How to Increase Salary as a PR Director?
According to Salary.com, most PR directors in the United States typically require at least a bachelor's degree. Their salary potential increases with years of experience, as advanced education and specialized skills can make them more competitive for higher-paying roles. Their salary can rise with years of experience or learning specialized skills.
PR Director Advancements
- Build experience: In addition to a bachelor's degree, gaining experience in higher-level responsibilities and management positions, such as managing media relations, editorial placements, or overseeing teams, can significantly boost earning potential. Entry-level PR directors, with less than a year of experience, can earn around $154,121, while those at the expert level (8+ years) can earn as much as $162,472.
- Specialization: Specializing in areas such as media monitoring, staff training, and metrics management can also have a positive impact on salary. For instance, expertise in media monitoring can increase salaries by 9.82%, while staff training and metrics management can raise salaries by 9.42% and 9.36%, respectively. Specialized skills not only help PR directors stay competitive in the job market but also position them for higher-paying roles.
- Advancing through management: PR Directors typically manage through subordinate managers in larger teams and report to top management. As responsibilities grow, compensation increases. For example, senior-level PR directors with 2-4 years of experience typically earn around $156,793, while those at the specialist level (5-8 years) make about $158,930.
PR Director Skills
PR directors with specialized skills can increase their pay. Salary.com's Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report shows that media monitoring skills raise salaries by +9.82%, while staff training skills add +9.42%.
| Skill | Demand | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Media Monitoring | 10.60% | +9.82% |
| Staff Training | 10.20% | +9.42% |
| Metrics Management | 10.00% | +9.36% |
| Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) | 10.00% | +8.87% |
| Event Management | 10.00% | +8.85% |
| Vendor Management | 10.00% | +8.41% |
What are the FAQs About PR Director Salaries?
Here are some common questions about PR director salaries:
How much do PR Directors make?
As of October 2, 2025, PR directors in the United States earn an average of about $160,900 per year, or $77 per hour, with most earning between $143,200 and $177,100.
What degree do you need to be a PR Director?
To become a PR Director, you typically need at least a bachelor's degree in a related field. While a bachelor's degree is the standard requirement, pursuing a master's degree in communications or business can enhance your qualifications and improve your chances of securing higher-level roles or increasing your salary.
What does a PR Director do?
A PR Director is responsible for directing and implementing a company's public relations strategies. This includes managing media relations, overseeing announcements, coordinating editorial placements, and organizing speaking opportunities for company leaders. They evaluate and authorize all forms of external communication to ensure consistency with the organization's brand and messaging before release to the public.
PR Directors also develop key materials such as press releases, white papers, and other supporting documents. They also work with clients, collaborate with employers, support nonprofit organizations, improve public image, and explore ways to create promotions for a variety of audiences in both part-time and full-time capacities to boost visibility and drive fundraising faster and more effectively.
