Public Relations Specialist
Shape and protect the public image of organizations and people.
- $74,750
- 4 years
Arts, Media & Design career
Public Relations Manager
Also called: PR Manager · Communications Director · Media Relations Manager · Fundraising Manager
What public relations managers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a public relations manager do?
Public relations and fundraising managers plan and direct programs to create or maintain a favorable public image for an employer or client, or to raise money. The median pay is $146,910 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 5+ years of experience, and employment is projected to grow +5.7% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$146,910$70.63/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+5.7%2025–35, faster than average
- Openings per year6,100Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationBachelor's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train5+ years of experienceTypical program length
- U.S. jobs80,800Employment, 2025
What public relations managers do
PR managers lead how organizations communicate. They set communications strategy, manage media relations and crises, oversee social media and campaigns, write executive messages and lead PR staff. Fundraising managers lead donor programs for nonprofits.
Most have a bachelor’s degree in communications, PR or journalism and five or more years of experience. BLS projects about average growth.
Typical duties
- Set communications strategy
- Manage media relations
- Lead crisis communications
- Oversee campaigns
- Write executive messages
- Lead PR staff
- Measure results
Work environment and schedule
PR managers work in offices, agencies and at events.
Schedule: Full time, often with evening events and crisis calls.
A day in the life
- Scan news coverage.
- Lead the team meeting.
- Prep the CEO for an interview.
- Lunch with a reporter.
See a full day in the life of a public relations manager →
Public Relations Manager salary
Half of public relations managers earned more than $146,910 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $82,410 for the lowest 10% to $284,990 for the top 10%.
Full public relations manager pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a public relations manager
- Earn a communications bachelor’s
- Work as a PR specialist
- Lead campaigns
- Earn the APR
- Become a manager
A bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications or journalism and years of experience are typical.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a public relations manager →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Communications strategy
- Media relations
- Crisis communications
- Writing
- Social media
People skills
- Judgment
- Leadership
- Persuasion
- Calm under pressure
All public relations manager skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- High pay
- Creative strategy
- Influence
- Varied work
Cons
- Crisis pressure
- Always on
- Hard-to-measure results
- Long hours
Certifications and licenses
- APR: Accreditation in Public Relations.
- CFRE: Certified Fund Raising Executive.
- Crisis communications training: Helpful.
- Master’s: Optional.
Career path
- PR Specialist: Entry.
- Senior Specialist: Lead campaigns.
- PR Manager: Lead teams.
- Chief Communications Officer: Lead strategy.
Learn the job before day one
Our Public Relations Manager training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as respond to a PR crisis in the first hour and media-train an executive, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Marketing Manager
Plan campaigns and strategies that grow brands and bring in customers.
- $166,790
- 4 years plus 5+ years of experience
Journalist
Find, report and tell the stories that keep the public informed.
- $62,200
- 4 years
Digital Marketing Specialist
Grow businesses online with search, ads, social media, email and analytics.
- $78,760
- 6 months to 4 years
Compare: Public Relations Manager vs. PR Specialist · Public Relations Manager vs. Marketing Manager · Public Relations Manager vs. Journalist · Public Relations Manager vs. Digital Marketing Specialist
Public Relations Manager FAQ
What is the APR?
Accreditation in Public Relations, a respected credential.
Is pay high?
Yes, BLS reports high median pay.
Do PR managers handle crises?
Yes, often.
How much does a public relations manager make?
The median annual wage for public relations managers was $146,910 ($70.63 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $82,410 and the highest 10% earned more than $284,990.
How long does it take to become a public relations manager?
Most people need about 5+ years of experience of training. A bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications or journalism and years of experience are typical.
Do you need a degree to be a public relations manager?
Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.
More public relations manager questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 11-2032 (Public relations managers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Public relations managers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.