Public Relations Specialists


Overview

Introduction

Public relations (PR) specialists develop and maintain programs that present a favorable public image for an individual or organization. They provide information to the target audience (generally, the public at large) about the client, its goals and accomplishments, and any further plans or projects that may be of public interest.

PR specialists may be employed by corporations, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or almost any type of organization. Many PR specialists hold positions in public relations consulting fi...

Quick Facts


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Median Salary

$61,150

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Employment Prospects

Fair

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Minimum Education Level

Bachelors Degree


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Experience

Internship


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Skills

Business Management|Interpersonal|Public Speaking


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Personality Traits

Organized|Outgoing|Problem-Solving

Earnings

Public relations specialists had median annual earnings of $61,150 in May 2019, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Salaries ranged from less than $34,590 to more than $115,430. The department reports the following mean salaries for public relations specialists by type of employer: business, professional, labor, political, and similar organizations, $66,340; government, $65,310; advertis...

Work Environment

Public relations specialists generally work in offices with adequate administrative support, regular salary increases, and expense accounts. They are expected to make a good appearance in tasteful, conservative clothing. They must have social poise, and their conduct in their personal life is important to their firms or their clients. Public relations specialists may have to entertain business ...

Outlook

Employment of public relations professionals is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all careers through 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Competition will be keen for beginning jobs in public relations because so many job seekers are enticed by the perceived glamour and appeal of the field; those with both education and experience will have an advantage. Opportuniti...