Arts, Design, Media & Sports
Public Relations Specialists
Also called: Communications Specialist, Community Relations Coordinator, Corporate Communications Specialist, Information and Communications Specialist
US median pay
$74,750
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+1.8%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
23,000
314,500 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 4/5 · Considerable preparation
What this job is
Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.
What they do day to day
- Respond to requests for information from the media or designate an appropriate spokesperson or information source.
- Plan or direct development or communication of programs to maintain favorable public or stockholder perceptions of an organization's accomplishments, agenda, or environmental responsibility.
- Post and update content on the company's Web site and social media outlets.
- Write press releases or other media communications to promote clients.
- Establish or maintain cooperative relationships with representatives of community, consumer, employee, or public interest groups.
- Confer with other managers to identify trends or key group interests or concerns or to provide advice on business decisions.
- Coach client representatives in effective communication with the public or with employees.
- Study the objectives, promotional policies, or needs of organizations to develop public relations strategies that will influence public opinion or promote ideas, products, or services.
- Prepare or edit organizational publications, such as employee newsletters or stockholders' reports, for internal or external audiences.
- Arrange public appearances, lectures, contests, or exhibits for clients to increase product or service awareness or to promote goodwill.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Social Perceptiveness4.0/5
- Time Management3.9/5
- Coordination3.9/5
- Persuasion3.8/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.5/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.4/5
- Systems Evaluation3.2/5
- Negotiation3.2/5
Knowledge
- Communications and Media4.9/5
- English Language4.7/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.0/5
- Administration and Management4.0/5
- Sales and Marketing3.9/5
- Computers and Electronics3.5/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 4 of 5 — Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Bachelor's degree91%
Who this job suits
Mostly Enterprising
Leading, persuading and starting things
Artistic
Creating, designing and self-expression
Social
Helping, teaching and caring for people
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.