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Art Directors vs Public Relations Specialists: Salary Comparison

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025).

National Salary Overview

Art Directors

Median Salary
$94,938
Average (Mean)
$104,011
Employed Nationwide
49,580
VS

Public Relations Specialists

Median Salary
$69,459
Average (Mean)
$77,735
Employed Nationwide
283,380
Art Directors earns $25,478 more (36.7%)
Art Directors vs Public Relations Specialists national median (BLS 2025)Ranked horizontal bars comparing 2 entries.Art DirectorsArt DirectorsArt Directors: $94,938$94,938Public Relations SpecialistsPublic Relations SpecialistsPublic Relations Specialists: $69,459$69,459

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $94,938 $69,459
Average (Mean) Salary $104,011 $77,735
Total Employment 49,580 283,380
States with Higher Pay 43 3

Salary by State: Art Directors vs Public Relations Specialists

Showing 46 states where both occupations have BLS data. Art Directors pays more in 43 states; Public Relations Specialists pays more in 3.

State Art Directors Public Relations Specialists Difference
Alabama $77,220
$61,710
+$15,510
Alaska $75,200
$70,050
+$5,150
Arkansas $71,930
$65,000
+$6,930
California $137,780
$85,030
+$52,750
Colorado $99,990
$80,680
+$19,310
Connecticut $71,900
$84,990
$-13,090
Florida $99,660
$63,660
+$36,000
Georgia $110,430
$73,200
+$37,230
Hawaii $89,300
$63,880
+$25,420
Idaho $80,680
$61,110
+$19,570
Illinois $103,550
$76,380
+$27,170
Indiana $105,690
$64,900
+$40,790
Iowa $80,940
$62,970
+$17,970
Kansas $60,460
$64,860
$-4,400
Kentucky $76,160
$60,150
+$16,010
Louisiana $83,640
$60,470
+$23,170
Maine $100,300
$62,450
+$37,850
Maryland $98,400
$79,560
+$18,840
Massachusetts $149,320
$79,660
+$69,660
Michigan $86,660
$65,300
+$21,360
Minnesota $109,700
$68,620
+$41,080
Mississippi $66,020
$59,810
+$6,210
Missouri $100,940
$61,130
+$39,810
Montana $73,850
$63,780
+$10,070
Nebraska $73,270
$61,780
+$11,490
Nevada $98,070
$73,840
+$24,230
New Hampshire $132,000
$73,280
+$58,720
New Jersey $129,200
$80,130
+$49,070
New York $137,320
$81,250
+$56,070
North Carolina $90,000
$67,230
+$22,770
North Dakota $83,170
$70,280
+$12,890
Ohio $94,390
$64,840
+$29,550
Oklahoma $80,680
$64,920
+$15,760
Oregon $133,840
$74,900
+$58,940
Pennsylvania $97,450
$57,460
+$39,990
Rhode Island $72,550
$77,540
$-4,990
South Carolina $87,990
$62,730
+$25,260
South Dakota $66,610
$64,520
+$2,090
Tennessee $89,860
$60,900
+$28,960
Texas $88,270
$65,160
+$23,110
Utah $106,500
$62,670
+$43,830
Vermont $129,260
$66,060
+$63,200
Virginia $101,150
$80,380
+$20,770
Washington $121,170
$87,470
+$33,700
West Virginia $63,550
$56,730
+$6,820
Wisconsin $81,130
$67,240
+$13,890

Explore This Comparison by State

Dive deeper — see how Art Directors vs Public Relations Specialists salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Art Directors or Public Relations Specialists?
On average across all states, a Art Directors earns more than a Public Relations Specialists. The national median salary difference is $25,478 (36.7%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Art Directors earn more than a Public Relations Specialists?
A Art Directors earns a higher median salary than a Public Relations Specialists in 43 out of 46 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Public Relations Specialists pays more in 3 states.
What is the median salary for a Art Directors vs Public Relations Specialists?
The national median salary for a Art Directors is $94,938 per year, compared to $69,459 for a Public Relations Specialists, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Art Directors or Public Relations Specialists?
There are more people employed as Public Relations Specialists. BLS reports approximately 49,580 Art Directors positions and 283,380 Public Relations Specialists positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Art Directors or Public Relations Specialists?
Both Art Directors and Public Relations Specialists are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.

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