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Public Relations Specialist
Also called: PR Specialist · Communications Specialist · Media Relations Specialist · Publicist
What public relations specialists 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 specialist do?
Public relations specialists create and maintain a favorable public image for organizations, writing press releases, managing media relations and handling communications. The median pay is $74,750 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4 years, and employment is projected to grow +1.8% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$74,750$35.94/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+1.8%2025–35, slower than average
- Openings per year23,000Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationBachelor's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train4 yearsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs314,500Employment, 2025
What public relations specialists do
PR specialists manage how organizations communicate. They write press releases and speeches, pitch stories to journalists, manage social media and websites, prepare spokespeople, plan events and handle crisis communications. They work at agencies, corporations, nonprofits, governments and schools.
Most PR specialists have a bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism or marketing. Writing skills and media relationships matter most.
Typical duties
- Write press releases and statements
- Pitch stories to journalists
- Manage social media and website content
- Prepare spokespeople for interviews
- Plan events and announcements
- Handle crisis communications
- Track media coverage
Work environment and schedule
PR specialists work in offices or remotely, with events and media appearances.
Schedule: Most work full-time, with after-hours work during crises or events.
A day in the life
- Scan news and social media for mentions.
- Write a press release about a new product.
- Pitch the story to reporters.
- Prepare the CEO for an interview.
See a full day in the life of a public relations specialist →
Public Relations Specialist salary
Half of public relations specialists earned more than $74,750 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $44,110 for the lowest 10% to $135,150 for the top 10%.
Full public relations specialist pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a public relations specialist
- Earn a degree
- Build writing samples
- Intern
- Get an entry-level role
- Advance
A bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism or marketing is typical.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a public relations specialist →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Writing
- Media relations
- Crisis communication
- Social media
- Event planning
People skills
- Communication
- Relationship building
- Composure
- Creativity
All public relations specialist skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Creative writing and strategy
- Variety of clients and topics
- Remote options
- Work with media
Cons
- Crisis stress
- After-hours demands
- Rejection from media
- Fast pace
Certifications and licenses
- Accreditation in Public Relations (APR): PRSA credential.
- Certificate in Principles of Public Relations: Entry-level credential.
- Social media certifications: Such as Meta or Hootsuite.
- Crisis communication training: Specialized courses.
Career path
- PR Coordinator: Support campaigns.
- PR Specialist: Manage media relations.
- PR Manager: Lead campaigns.
- Communications Director: Lead communications.
Learn the job before day one
Our Public Relations Specialist training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as write a press release and pitch a story to a reporter, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: PR Specialist vs. Journalist · PR Specialist vs. Marketing Manager · PR Specialist vs. Technical Writer · PR Specialist vs. Event Planner
Public Relations Specialist FAQ
Do PR specialists need a degree?
Usually.
What is the APR?
PRSA’s Accreditation in Public Relations.
Is PR stressful?
It can be, especially during crises.
How much does a public relations specialist make?
The median annual wage for public relations specialists was $74,750 ($35.94 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $44,110 and the highest 10% earned more than $135,150.
How long does it take to become a public relations specialist?
Most people need about 4 years of training. A bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism or marketing is typical.
Do you need a degree to be a public relations specialist?
Usually. BLS lists a bachelor’s degree as typical, and strong writing samples and internships matter.
More public relations specialist questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 27-3031 (Public relations specialists).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Public relations specialists (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.