Press Secretaries
Overview
Introduction
Press secretaries and other media relations professionals help politicians promote themselves and their issues among voters. They advise politicians on how to address the media. Sometimes called "spin doctors," these professionals use the media to either change or strengthen public opinion. Press secretaries work for candidates and elected officials. The majority of press secretaries work in Washington, D.C.; others work all across the country, involved with local and state government officials and candidates.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
According to Salary.com, press secretaries employed in Washington, D.C., in October 2020 had an average salary of $49,442. Salaries ranged from $42,262 or less to $66,687 or more. The Department of Labor reported that public relations specialists, including press secretaries, earned a median salary of $61,150 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned $34,590 or less per year and the highest 10 ...
Work Environment
Representing politicians can be thankless work. Press secretaries may have to speak to the press about sensitive, volatile issues and deal directly with the frustrations of journalists unable to get the answers they want. When working for prominent politicians, they may become the subject of personal attacks.
Despite these potential conflicts, the work can be exciting and fast-paced. Pre...
Outlook
Employment for public relations specialists, which includes press secretaries, is expected to grow by 7 percent, much faster than the average for all careers, through 2029. The coronavirus pandemic in 2020 has affected many professions, including the press secretary and media relations field. As a result, press secretaries and media representatives will become even more important to candidates ...
