Public Relations Specialists

Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.

SOC: 27-3031.00

Common Job Titles

Communications SpecialistPublic Affairs SpecialistPublic Information OfficerPublic Relations Specialist (PR Specialist)

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeDevelop strategic communication plans and public relations campaigns for diverse stakeholders across traditional and digital media channels.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate media opportunities and communication effectiveness using analytics tools to measure engagement and brand sentiment.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze public opinion and stakeholder feedback to inform organizational messaging and reputation management strategies.
  • KnowledgeProduce press releases, media kits, and promotional content tailored to target audiences and distribution channels.
  • MindsetIntegrate organizational values with public messaging when managing sensitive communications and crisis situations.
  • MindsetAdvocate for client or organizational interests while building trust and credibility with media representatives and the public.
  • KnowledgeCoordinate media events, press conferences, and speaking engagements managing logistics and stakeholder expectations under time constraints.
  • KnowledgeInterpret complex organizational information for public consumption translating technical or specialized content into accessible messaging.
  • MindsetEngage with diverse audiences across social media platforms fostering community relationships and brand loyalty.
  • KnowledgeApply content management systems and digital marketing platforms to execute multi-channel communication campaigns independently.
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Public Relations Specialists (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

280,590

Wage Distribution by Percentile

MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$40,750
10% of workers earn the following or more$129,480
Workers on average earn$80,310

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Communications and Media4.9/5
  • English Language4.7/5
  • Customer and Personal Service4.0/5
  • Administration and Management4.0/5
  • Sales and Marketing3.9/5
Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

Adobe AcrobatAdobe After EffectsAdobe Creative Cloud softwareAdobe IllustratorAdobe InDesignAdobe PhotoshopApple macOSCanvaCascading style sheets CSSCisco WebexDrupalFacebookGoogle AnalyticsGoogle DocsHubSpot softwareHypertext markup language HTMLJavaScriptMarketo Marketing AutomationMicrosoft DynamicsMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft WordSalesforce softwareWordPress

Technology Skills

3M Post-it AppAdobe Acrobat ReaderAdobe Acrobat WriterAdobe ActionScriptAdobe DreamweaverAirtableApple Final Cut ExpressApple Final Cut Pro

Tools & Equipment

Computer laser printersDesktop computersLaptop computersMulti-line telephone systemsPersonal computersPhotocopying equipment