Public Relations Specialists: What they Do and How to Become One
Public relations specialists are responsible for enhancing and maintaining a positive public image of a company, individual, or organization. This involves creating and implementing PR strategies, such as writing press releases, coordinating events, and managing social media accounts.
One example of a job for a PR specialist is to manage crisis communications. During a crisis, a PR specialist must act quickly to minimize damage to the company’s reputation. For example, if a company receives negative press, a PR specialist may need to write and distribute a statement in response to the criticism.
Another example of a PR job is in the entertainment industry, where a PR specialist is responsible for managing the public image of a celebrity. This can involve scheduling interviews, coordinating red carpet events, and responding to media inquiries on behalf of the celebrity.
To become a public relations specialist, a bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, or a related field is typically required. Many PR specialists have prior experience in the fields of journalism, marketing, or advertising.
Progression in the field of public relations typically involves gaining more experience and taking on higher-level responsibilities. Some PR specialists may advance to management positions, overseeing teams of PR professionals.
For those new to the field, finding an internship or entry-level job in a PR agency or department can be a great way to gain experience and build a portfolio. Networking with professionals in the industry and staying up-to-date on industry trends can also be helpful in landing a job in public relations.
Overall, public relations specialists play a crucial role in shaping public perception and maintaining a positive image for companies and individuals. With the right education and experience, anyone can become a successful PR specialist. Public relations specialists are professionals who create and maintain a positive public image for organizations, businesses, and individuals. They use various media channels to promote and develop a favorable reputation, communicate with the public, and manage crisis situations. The job level and salary for public relations specialists vary based on different factors such as experience, education, location, and type of employer.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average salary for public relations specialists is $51,916.80 per year for entry-level workers and $76,523.20 per year for intermediate-level workers. However, the salary can go up to $89,232.00 for the highest level of work and experience. The table below summarizes the salary data for public relations specialists in the US:
| Occupation | Level | Salary (Annual Average) | Salary Range |
|————|——–|————————|————–|
| Public Relations Specialists | 06 | $51,916.80 | $43,763.20 |
| Public Relations Specialists | 09 | $76,523.20 | $67,371.20 |
| Public Relations Specialists | Not able to be leveled | $89,232.00 | – |
| Public Relations Specialists | Entry | $46,779.20 | – |
| Public Relations Specialists | Intermediate | $76,440.00 | – |
| Public Relations Specialists | Union, All levels | $84,739.20 | $85,030.40 |
| Public Relations Specialists | Nonunion, All levels | $76,793.60 | $68,993.60 |
| Public Relations Specialists | Full-time, All levels | $78,811.20 | $71,531.20 |
| Public Relations Specialists | Full-time, Level 06 | $52,353.60 | $44,408.00 |
| Public Relations Specialists | Full-time, Level 09 | $76,107.20 | $66,892.80 |
| Public Relations Specialists | Full-time, Not able to be leveled | $92,705.60 | – |
| Public Relations Specialists | Time-based pay, All levels | $77,854.40 | $71,198.40 |
Unionization can have an impact on the job and salary for public relations specialists. As shown in the table above, the national average salary for unionized public relations specialists is $84,739.20, which is higher than the average salary for non-unionized workers at $76,793.60. However, the difference in salary is not significant.
The geography also plays a role in determining the salary for public relations specialists. For example, the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara area in California pays the highest average salary for non-unionized workers at $91,998.40 per year. In contrast, the Southeast Mississippi nonmetropolitan area pays the lowest average salary for time-based pay for all levels of public relations specialists at $44,740.80 per year.
In summary, public relations specialists are essential for maintaining an organization’s public image and communication with the public. The salary and job level for this occupation vary based on factors such as experience, education, location, and type of employer. While unionization can impact the salary, the difference in pay is not significant, and geography may have a more significant impact on salary variations.
