Career comparison
Marketing Manager vs. Public Relations Specialist
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. $74,750), while public relations specialists usually get to work faster (4 years of training). Marketing managers plan campaigns and strategies that grow brands and bring in customers. Public relations specialists shape and protect the public image of organizations and people.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Marketing Manager | Public Relations Specialist | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $166,790 ($80.19/hr) | $74,750 ($35.94/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $90,260 – $293,610 | $44,110 – $135,150 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +6.9% (faster than average) | +1.8% (slower than average) |
| Openings per year | 34,000 | 23,000 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree | Bachelor's degree |
| Training time | 4 years plus 5+ years of experience | 4 years |
| Key credential | AMA Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) | Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) |
| Work setting | Marketing managers work in offices or remotely, with meetings, computer work and occasional travel to events.. | PR specialists work in offices or remotely, with events and media appearances.. |
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 Specialist
- Write press releases and statements
- Pitch stories to journalists
- Manage social media and website content
- Prepare spokespeople for interviews
- Plan events and announcements
How they’re similar
Both careers involve creative work, working with people, desk work, and remote-friendly work. They sit in different fields, sales & retail and arts, media & design, but share transferable skills such as leadership and communication.
Which should you choose?
Choose marketing manager if…
- I love creative ideas
- I like data and results
- I enjoy leading teams
Choose public relations specialist if…
- I love writing
- I enjoy building relationships
- I stay calm in a crisis
Still torn? Take the Marketing Manager fit quiz and the Public Relations Specialist fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, marketing manager or public relations specialist?
Marketing Managers earn more at the median: $166,790 versus $74,750 for public relations specialists, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Public Relations Specialists typically train faster (4 years) 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 +1.8% for public relations specialists.