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Public Relations Managers vs Sales 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

Sales Managers

Median Salary
$139,365
Average (Mean)
$154,352
Employed Nationwide
623,030
Sales Managers earns $9,945 more (7.7%)
Public Relations Managers vs Sales Managers national median (BLS 2025)Ranked horizontal bars comparing 2 entries.Public Relations ManagersPublic Relations ManagersPublic Relations Managers: $129,420$129,420Sales ManagersSales ManagersSales Managers: $139,365$139,365

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $129,419 $139,365
Average (Mean) Salary $142,010 $154,352
Total Employment 72,380 623,030
States with Higher Pay 9 38

Salary by State: Public Relations Managers vs Sales Managers

Showing 47 states where both occupations have BLS data. Public Relations Managers pays more in 9 states; Sales Managers pays more in 38.

State Public Relations Managers Sales Managers Difference
Alabama $98,210
$124,040
$-25,830
Alaska $120,920
$98,860
+$22,060
Arizona $114,400
$145,690
$-31,290
Arkansas $104,170
$108,330
$-4,160
California $167,980
$134,910
+$33,070
Colorado $162,870
$180,850
$-17,980
Connecticut $154,210
$162,110
$-7,900
District of Columbia $197,600
$141,800
+$55,800
Florida $127,550
$131,900
$-4,350
Georgia $134,500
$159,890
$-25,390
Hawaii $105,010
$116,340
$-11,330
Idaho $98,160
$135,350
$-37,190
Illinois $131,990
$155,280
$-23,290
Indiana $114,960
$131,470
$-16,510
Iowa $120,730
$134,010
$-13,280
Kansas $129,760
$159,990
$-30,230
Kentucky $112,320
$128,650
$-16,330
Louisiana $94,380
$110,700
$-16,320
Maine $166,940
$158,660
+$8,280
Maryland $149,380
$137,150
+$12,230
Massachusetts $171,740
$191,200
$-19,460
Michigan $117,900
$136,870
$-18,970
Minnesota $139,040
$151,670
$-12,630
Mississippi $97,160
$108,750
$-11,590
Missouri $114,710
$115,370
$-660
Montana $99,990
$117,390
$-17,400
Nebraska $104,440
$126,990
$-22,550
Nevada $114,130
$109,790
+$4,340
New Hampshire $132,660
$141,900
$-9,240
New Jersey $174,980
$173,020
+$1,960
New Mexico $115,260
$114,080
+$1,180
New York $180,880
$217,640
$-36,760
North Carolina $132,280
$150,470
$-18,190
North Dakota $114,110
$119,990
$-5,880
Ohio $118,670
$135,510
$-16,840
Oklahoma $96,030
$128,920
$-32,890
Oregon $131,190
$155,810
$-24,620
Pennsylvania $118,050
$130,610
$-12,560
Rhode Island $156,080
$154,970
+$1,110
South Carolina $104,920
$131,080
$-26,160
Tennessee $127,390
$128,040
$-650
Texas $126,670
$136,020
$-9,350
Utah $132,670
$136,520
$-3,850
Virginia $176,340
$191,130
$-14,790
Washington $159,440
$174,000
$-14,560
West Virginia $82,380
$94,830
$-12,450
Wisconsin $113,980
$134,870
$-20,890

Explore This Comparison by State

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Public Relations Managers or Sales Managers?
On average across all states, a Sales Managers earns more than a Public Relations Managers. The national median salary difference is $9,945 (7.7%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Public Relations Managers earn more than a Sales Managers?
A Public Relations Managers earns a higher median salary than a Sales Managers in 9 out of 47 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Sales Managers pays more in 38 states.
What is the median salary for a Public Relations Managers vs Sales Managers?
The national median salary for a Public Relations Managers is $129,419 per year, compared to $139,365 for a Sales Managers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Public Relations Managers or Sales Managers?
There are more people employed as Sales Managers. BLS reports approximately 72,380 Public Relations Managers positions and 623,030 Sales Managers positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Public Relations Managers or Sales Managers?
Both Public Relations Managers and Sales 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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