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Marketing Managers vs Public Relations Managers: 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

Marketing Managers

Median Salary
$146,437
Average (Mean)
$159,178
Employed Nationwide
389,820
VS

Public Relations Managers

Median Salary
$129,419
Average (Mean)
$142,010
Employed Nationwide
72,380
Marketing Managers earns $17,017 more (13.1%)
Marketing Managers vs Public Relations Managers national median (BLS 2025)Ranked horizontal bars comparing 2 entries.Marketing ManagersMarketing ManagersMarketing Managers: $146,438$146,438Public Relations ManagersPublic Relations ManagersPublic Relations Managers: $129,420$129,420

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $146,437 $129,419
Average (Mean) Salary $159,178 $142,010
Total Employment 389,820 72,380
States with Higher Pay 42 4

Salary by State: Marketing Managers vs Public Relations Managers

Showing 46 states where both occupations have BLS data. Marketing Managers pays more in 42 states; Public Relations Managers pays more in 4.

State Marketing Managers Public Relations Managers Difference
Alabama $120,160
$98,210
+$21,950
Alaska $116,270
$120,920
$-4,650
Arizona $132,220
$114,400
+$17,820
Arkansas $136,520
$104,170
+$32,350
California $193,620
$167,980
+$25,640
Colorado $182,730
$162,870
+$19,860
Connecticut $169,240
$154,210
+$15,030
District of Columbia $177,170
$197,600
$-20,430
Florida $142,620
$127,550
+$15,070
Georgia $160,760
$134,500
+$26,260
Hawaii $117,770
$105,010
+$12,760
Idaho $142,090
$98,160
+$43,930
Illinois $162,860
$131,990
+$30,870
Indiana $136,260
$114,960
+$21,300
Iowa $131,120
$120,730
+$10,390
Kansas $154,510
$129,760
+$24,750
Kentucky $128,930
$112,320
+$16,610
Louisiana $120,650
$94,380
+$26,270
Maine $135,380
$166,940
$-31,560
Maryland $154,160
$149,380
+$4,780
Massachusetts $212,020
$171,740
+$40,280
Michigan $138,510
$117,900
+$20,610
Minnesota $173,300
$139,040
+$34,260
Mississippi $100,940
$97,160
+$3,780
Missouri $130,550
$114,710
+$15,840
Montana $165,580
$99,990
+$65,590
Nebraska $110,570
$104,440
+$6,130
Nevada $107,550
$114,130
$-6,580
New Hampshire $143,280
$132,660
+$10,620
New Jersey $180,040
$174,980
+$5,060
New Mexico $122,980
$115,260
+$7,720
New York $181,200
$180,880
+$320
North Carolina $165,480
$132,280
+$33,200
North Dakota $125,580
$114,110
+$11,470
Ohio $132,330
$118,670
+$13,660
Oklahoma $126,920
$96,030
+$30,890
Oregon $161,560
$131,190
+$30,370
Pennsylvania $150,810
$118,050
+$32,760
South Carolina $143,290
$104,920
+$38,370
Tennessee $131,990
$127,390
+$4,600
Texas $147,880
$126,670
+$21,210
Utah $139,830
$132,670
+$7,160
Virginia $187,820
$176,340
+$11,480
Washington $172,270
$159,440
+$12,830
West Virginia $98,750
$82,380
+$16,370
Wisconsin $133,600
$113,980
+$19,620

Explore This Comparison by State

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Marketing Managers or Public Relations Managers?
On average across all states, a Marketing Managers earns more than a Public Relations Managers. The national median salary difference is $17,017 (13.1%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Marketing Managers earn more than a Public Relations Managers?
A Marketing Managers earns a higher median salary than a Public Relations Managers in 42 out of 46 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Public Relations Managers pays more in 4 states.
What is the median salary for a Marketing Managers vs Public Relations Managers?
The national median salary for a Marketing Managers is $146,437 per year, compared to $129,419 for a Public Relations Managers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Marketing Managers or Public Relations Managers?
There are more people employed as Marketing Managers. BLS reports approximately 389,820 Marketing Managers positions and 72,380 Public Relations Managers positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Marketing Managers or Public Relations Managers?
Both Marketing Managers and Public Relations Managers 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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