How Much Does a PR Manager Make? (2025)
Public relations managers, or PR managers, are responsible for developing and implementing policies and procedures for the public relations department. They maintain the public image of employers or clients by communicating programs, accomplishments, and points of view.
They evaluate all forms of communications before release to ensure accuracy and appropriateness of message and authorizes release. Preparing and distributing news releases, facts sheets, and scripts to media outlets are also the responsibilities of PR managers.
This salary guide will thoroughly discuss the overview of a public relations manager salary, as well as factors that affect their compensation, necessary steps to have higher pay, and some related frequently asked questions.
What is the Average PR Manager’s Salary?
As of July 4, 2025, the average PR manager salary in the United States is $133,100 per year. The compensation usually ranges from $113,613 to $159,464, with most PR managers earning around $122,900 to $146,900.
2025 Average Salary for PR Managers: $133,100 per year ($64 per hour)
The average PR manager salary per month is $11,092 while the average hourly rate is $64.
| Percentile | By Hour | By Week | By Month | By Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $55 | $2,185 | $9,468 | $113,613 |
| 25th Percentile | $59 | $2,363 | $10,242 | $122,900 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $64 | $2,560 | $11,092 | $133,100 |
| 75th Percentile | $71 | $2,825 | $12,242 | $146,900 |
| 90th Percentile | $77 | $3,067 | $13,289 | $159,464 |
PR Manager Salaries State by State
PR manager salary varies from state to state due to key factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
The state with the highest average annual PR manager salary is the District of Columbia with $147,400, followed by California with $146,800 and Massachusetts with $144,800.
Meanwhile, the state with the lowest average annual salary is Mississippi with $118,700, followed by West Virginia with $119,900 and Arkansas with $120,200.
| States | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $144,100 |
| Alabama | $122,300 |
| Arkansas | $120,200 |
| Arizona | $129,700 |
| California | $146,800 |
| Colorado | $135,800 |
| Connecticut | $142,200 |
| District of Columbia | $147,400 |
| Delaware | $134,800 |
| Florida | $125,900 |
| Georgia | $128,400 |
| Hawaii | $139,100 |
| Iowa | $127,400 |
| Idaho | $124,200 |
| Illinois | $135,700 |
| Indiana | $127,800 |
| Kansas | $126,700 |
| Kentucky | $125,200 |
| Louisiana | $126,500 |
| Massachusetts | $144,800 |
| Maryland | $137,200 |
| Maine | $129,800 |
| Michigan | $131,100 |
| Minnesota | $136,200 |
| Missouri | $125,500 |
| Mississippi | $118,700 |
| Montana | $125,700 |
| North Carolina | $126,500 |
| North Dakota | $131,500 |
| Nebraska | $125,400 |
| New Hampshire | $134,500 |
| New Jersey | $144,300 |
| New Mexico | $123,300 |
| Nevada | $131,700 |
| New York | $141,500 |
| Ohio | $129,600 |
| Oklahoma | $123,100 |
| Oregon | $135,200 |
| Pennsylvania | $132,500 |
| Rhode Island | $138,000 |
| South Carolina | $124,700 |
| South Dakota | $121,000 |
| Tennessee | $124,400 |
| Texas | $129,800 |
| Utah | $127,400 |
| Virginia | $134,000 |
| Vermont | $130,600 |
| Washington | $144,300 |
| Wisconsin | $130,900 |
| West Virginia | $119,900 |
| Wyoming | $127,600 |
What are the Best-Paying Cities for PR Managers?
The cities that give the best salary for a public relations manager are shown in the table below. With an average annual compensation of $167,900, San Jose, California is the best-paying city.
| Cities | Average Pay |
|---|---|
| San Jose, California | $167,900 ($81 per hour) |
| San Francisco, California | $166,200 ($80 per hour) |
| Oakland, California | $162,500 ($78 per hour) |
| New York, New York | $154,200 ($74 per hour) |
| Queens Village, New York | $153,200 ($74 per hour) |
| Paramus, New Jersey | $152,200 ($73 per hour) |
How Does Experience Affect PR Manager Salaries?
Just like any profession, more experience will lead to higher pay when it comes to PR manager salary.
With less than a year of experience, an entry level position will have an average starting salary of $129,145. An intermediate level with 1 to 2 years of experience gets $129,619.
A senior level with 2 to 4 years of experience will have $130,727, while the specialist level with 5 to 8 years of experience usually gets $131,993 on average. The most experienced analyst is on the expert level with over 8 years of practice, earning $134,531.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level PR Manager | $129,145 |
| Intermediate Level PR Manager | $129,619 |
| Senior Level PR Manager | $130,727 |
| Specialist Level PR Manager | $131,993 |
| Expert Level PR Manager | $134,531 |
How to Increase Salary as a PR Manager?
PR managers usually have a bachelor’s degree related to public relations, communications, or business. The position typically requires 5 years of experience as an individual contributor and 1 to 3 years of supervisory experience.
When all these qualifications are met, there are ways that can increase the salary of PR managers. Here are some of them:
PR Manager Advancements
- Earn credentials: Public relations managers can be certified through the Public Relations Society of America as proof that their knowledge and level of experience are competent. Some employers prefer hiring those who have a master’s degree in public relations and journalism, increasing the PR manager salary when pursuing a higher education.
- Gain experience: Once you become an expert or senior public relations manager, you can get an average salary of $134,531 per year.
- Enhance in-demand skills: Having skills that are in demand in the current market will help PR managers stand out. Based on the Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report, skills in public relations (55.94%), media relations (43.15%), and internal communications (13.96%) are the most in demand.
- Maintain a clean record: Your work reputation goes a long way to potentially increasing your salary as a PR manager. Build and log an excellent record that showcases your interpersonal, leadership, organizational, problem-solving, speaking, and writing skills.
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Apply in high-paying sectors: Industries differ in compensation, so it is important that you enter the high-paying ones. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the top industries for public relations managers with their median annual PR manager salary:
- Management of companies and enterprises: $172,810
- Professional, scientific, and technical services: $168,400
- Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations: $130,890
- Government: $122,290
- State, local, and private educational services: $108,920
PR Manager Skills
According to Salary.com’s Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report, internal communications skills give the highest increase in salary by 8.65%, followed by skills in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) at 6.30% and public relations at 6.00%.
Other significant skills with high salary increases are corporate communications (5.67%), advertising (5.28%), and crisis communications (4.54%).
| Skill | Demand | Salary Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Communications | 13.96% | +8.65% |
| Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) | 10.93% | +6.30% |
| Public Relations | 55.94% | +6.00% |
| Corporate Communications | 9.44% | +5.67% |
| Advertising | 8.16% | +5.28% |
| Crisis Communications | 10.22% | +4.54% |
What are the FAQs About PR Manager Salaries?
Here are some common questions about PR manager salary:
What does a PR manager do?
PR managers are responsible for developing and establishing policies and procedures for the public relations department. They maintain a good public image of their clients by communicating programs, accomplishments, and points of view.
They review and evaluate all forms of communications before responding to ensure accuracy and appropriateness of message and authorizes release. Preparing and distributing news releases, facts sheets, and scripts to media outlets are also the responsibilities of PR managers.
What is the highest paying PR job?
PR manager salary is one of the highest among PR jobs. PR managers can earn up to $159,464 per year or $77 per hour, depending on the location, level of experience, skills, and industries.
Is PR well paid?
PR is well paid depending on the industry, experience and skills, and geographical area. For PR manager salary, public relations managers make up to $172,810 in high-paying sectors. Those who are entry-level get $129,145, while experts get $134,531.
Also, having highly compensated skills, such as internal communications, means more earning potential through salary increases. When it comes to location, the highest paying state for PR managers is the District of Columbia with $147,400, while the lowest paying state is Mississippi with $118,700 per year.
Can you be a PR manager without a degree?
Yes, you can be a PR manager without a degree. While employers usually prefer those with a bachelor’s and master’s degree related to public relations, communications, or business, some prefer experience and a proven track record when it comes to strategic communication, marketing, media relations, and crisis communication.
