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Public Relations Managers vs Purchasing 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

Public Relations Managers

Median Salary
$129,419
Average (Mean)
$142,010
Employed Nationwide
72,380
VS

Purchasing Managers

Median Salary
$139,842
Average (Mean)
$146,959
Employed Nationwide
84,150
Purchasing Managers earns $10,423 more (8.1%)
Public Relations Managers vs Purchasing Managers national median (BLS 2025)Ranked horizontal bars comparing 2 entries.Public Relations ManagersPublic Relations ManagersPublic Relations Managers: $129,420$129,420Purchasing ManagersPurchasing ManagersPurchasing Managers: $139,843$139,843

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $129,419 $139,842
Average (Mean) Salary $142,010 $146,959
Total Employment 72,380 84,150
States with Higher Pay 11 36

Salary by State: Public Relations Managers vs Purchasing Managers

Showing 47 states where both occupations have BLS data. Public Relations Managers pays more in 11 states; Purchasing Managers pays more in 36.

State Public Relations Managers Purchasing Managers Difference
Alabama $98,210
$130,710
$-32,500
Alaska $120,920
$114,650
+$6,270
Arizona $114,400
$138,940
$-24,540
Arkansas $104,170
$156,450
$-52,280
California $167,980
$159,830
+$8,150
Colorado $162,870
$171,250
$-8,380
Connecticut $154,210
$138,680
+$15,530
District of Columbia $197,600
$175,720
+$21,880
Florida $127,550
$133,410
$-5,860
Georgia $134,500
$155,360
$-20,860
Hawaii $105,010
$113,490
$-8,480
Idaho $98,160
$136,970
$-38,810
Illinois $131,990
$153,370
$-21,380
Indiana $114,960
$126,880
$-11,920
Iowa $120,730
$121,580
$-850
Kansas $129,760
$159,850
$-30,090
Kentucky $112,320
$124,350
$-12,030
Louisiana $94,380
$109,630
$-15,250
Maine $166,940
$135,970
+$30,970
Maryland $149,380
$161,470
$-12,090
Massachusetts $171,740
$170,750
+$990
Michigan $117,900
$142,120
$-24,220
Minnesota $139,040
$144,810
$-5,770
Mississippi $97,160
$122,940
$-25,780
Missouri $114,710
$132,100
$-17,390
Montana $99,990
$123,480
$-23,490
Nebraska $104,440
$124,010
$-19,570
Nevada $114,130
$120,270
$-6,140
New Hampshire $132,660
$162,900
$-30,240
New Jersey $174,980
$174,520
+$460
New Mexico $115,260
$134,790
$-19,530
New York $180,880
$166,300
+$14,580
North Carolina $132,280
$138,710
$-6,430
North Dakota $114,110
$130,110
$-16,000
Ohio $118,670
$134,580
$-15,910
Oklahoma $96,030
$119,310
$-23,280
Oregon $131,190
$137,190
$-6,000
Pennsylvania $118,050
$141,790
$-23,740
Rhode Island $156,080
$134,560
+$21,520
South Carolina $104,920
$131,720
$-26,800
Tennessee $127,390
$137,060
$-9,670
Texas $126,670
$134,670
$-8,000
Utah $132,670
$125,940
+$6,730
Virginia $176,340
$166,230
+$10,110
Washington $159,440
$162,730
$-3,290
West Virginia $82,380
$147,220
$-64,840
Wisconsin $113,980
$124,990
$-11,010

Explore This Comparison by State

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Public Relations Managers or Purchasing Managers?
On average across all states, a Purchasing Managers earns more than a Public Relations Managers. The national median salary difference is $10,423 (8.1%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Public Relations Managers earn more than a Purchasing Managers?
A Public Relations Managers earns a higher median salary than a Purchasing Managers in 11 out of 47 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Purchasing Managers pays more in 36 states.
What is the median salary for a Public Relations Managers vs Purchasing Managers?
The national median salary for a Public Relations Managers is $129,419 per year, compared to $139,842 for a Purchasing Managers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Public Relations Managers or Purchasing Managers?
There are more people employed as Purchasing Managers. BLS reports approximately 72,380 Public Relations Managers positions and 84,150 Purchasing Managers positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Public Relations Managers or Purchasing Managers?
Both Public Relations Managers and Purchasing 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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