Career comparison
Marketing Manager vs. Public Relations Manager
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Marketing managers earn more at the median ($166,790 vs. $146,910), while public relations managers usually get to work faster (5+ years of experience of training). Marketing managers plan campaigns and strategies that grow brands and bring in customers. Public relations managers shape how the public sees an organization and lead its communications team.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Marketing Manager | Public Relations Manager | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $166,790 ($80.19/hr) | $146,910 ($70.63/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $90,260 – $293,610 | $82,410 – $284,990 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +6.9% (faster than average) | +5.7% (faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 34,000 | 6,100 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree | Bachelor's degree |
| Training time | 4 years plus 5+ years of experience | 5+ years of experience |
| Key credential | AMA Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) | APR |
| Work setting | Marketing managers work in offices or remotely, with meetings, computer work and occasional travel to events.. | PR managers work in offices, agencies and at events.. |
What each job does
Marketing Manager
- Research markets, customers and competitors
- Develop marketing strategies and plans
- Plan and launch campaigns
- Manage budgets and agencies
- Lead marketing staff
Public Relations Manager
- Set communications strategy
- Manage media relations
- Lead crisis communications
- Oversee campaigns
- Write executive messages
How they’re similar
Both careers involve creative work, working with people, high-pay, and in-demand. They sit in different fields, sales & retail and arts, media & design, but share transferable skills such as leadership and judgment.
Which should you choose?
Choose marketing manager if…
- I love creative ideas
- I like data and results
- I enjoy leading teams
Choose public relations manager if…
- I write well
- I stay calm in crises
- I like strategy
Still torn? Take the Marketing Manager fit quiz and the Public Relations Manager fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, marketing manager or public relations manager?
Marketing Managers earn more at the median: $166,790 versus $146,910 for public relations managers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Public Relations Managers typically train faster (5+ years of experience) than marketing managers (4 years plus 5+ years of experience).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects marketing managers to grow +6.9% from 2025–35, compared with +5.7% for public relations managers.