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
Press secretaries employed in Washington, D.C., in 2024 earned salaries that ranged from $104,000 to $185,000, according to GlassDoor.com. The U.S. Department of Labor reported that public relations specialists, including press secretaries, earned an average salary of $77,720 in May 2023. The lowest 10 percent earned $38,570 or less per year and the highest 10 percent earned $126,220 or more an...
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 6 percent, faster than the average for all careers, through 2033. In the future, press secretaries and media representatives will become even more important to candidates and elected officials in helping them manage their campaigns and communicate effectively with people. Television ads, social...