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Public Relations Specialists Salary in District of Columbia

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Public Relations Specialists make in District of Columbia?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$102,740
Median Annual Salary
▲ +5.1% vs 2024
$120,200
Mean Salary
$102,740
Median Salary
$49.39
Hourly Rate
16,720 people work as Public Relations Specialists in District of Columbia

Public Relations Specialists salary by percentile in District of Columbia

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Public Relations Specialists salary in District of Columbia — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Public Relations Specialists in District of Columbia.10thBottom 10% earn less than $64,260$64,26025th25% earn less than $78,200$78,200MedianHalf earn more than $102,740$102,74075th75% earn less than $149,120$149,12090thTop 10% earn more than $202,170$202,170

Public Relations Specialists in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $102,740 per year ($8,561/month). This is 47.9% above the national average of $69,459. District of Columbia ranks #1 out of 51 states for Public Relations Specialists pay. Approximately 16,720 people work in this occupation across District of Columbia. Salaries increased by 5.1% compared to 2024.

About This Job: 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.

Top Skills

Active Listening
4.12
Speaking
4.12
Reading Comprehension
4.0
Writing
4.0
Social Perceptiveness
4.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Communications and Media
4.91
English Language
4.73
Administration and Management
3.95
Customer and Personal Service
3.95
Sales and Marketing
3.91
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree (90.9% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Public Relations Specialists in District of Columbia

Salaries for Public Relations Specialists in District of Columbia range from $64,260 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $202,170 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $78,200 and $149,120.

Median $102,740
P10: $64,260 P25: $78,200 P75: $149,120 P90: $202,170
10th
$64,260
25th
$78,200
Median
$102,740
75th
$149,120
90th
$202,170
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $64,260 $30.89 $5,355
25th Percentile $78,200 $37.60 $6,516
Median (50th) $102,740 $49.39 $8,561
75th Percentile $149,120 $71.69 $12,426
90th Percentile (Experienced) $202,170 $97.20 $16,847

Note: The mean (average) salary of $120,200 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#1
District of Columbia ranks #1 of 51 states
$69,459
National avg. for Public Relations Specialists
+47.9%
vs. national average
Above Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in District of Columbia:

What does this salary really buy? See Public Relations Specialists salary in District of Columbia adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Public Relations Specialists take-home pay in District of Columbia after taxes →

Explore Public Relations Specialists Data in District of Columbia

Public Relations Specialists Salary by State

Compare Public Relations Specialists pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Public Relations Specialists make in District of Columbia?
The median annual salary for Public Relations Specialists in District of Columbia is $102,740 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $120,200.
What is the salary range for a Public Relations Specialists in District of Columbia?
Salaries for Public Relations Specialists in District of Columbia range from $64,260 at the 10th percentile to $202,170 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $78,200 and $149,120.
What is the starting salary for a Public Relations Specialists in District of Columbia?
Entry-level Public Relations Specialists positions in District of Columbia typically start around $64,260 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $78,200 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Public Relations Specialists in District of Columbia?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 16,720 people are employed as Public Relations Specialists in District of Columbia.
What is the hourly rate for a Public Relations Specialists in District of Columbia?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Public Relations Specialists in District of Columbia is approximately $49.39 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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