Public Relations Specialists Salary in Columbia, MO

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Columbia, MO

Median annual salary $54,830 -21.4% vs national
Median hourly $26.36
10th percentile $39,250
90th percentile $83,350
Employed locally 350
National median $69,780

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Public Relations Specialists
in
Columbia, MO
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $39,250
    25th
    $47,890
    50th (median)
    $54,830
    75th
    $65,870
    90th
    $83,350

    Columbia economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $69,463 2023 • Census ACS
    Public Relations Specialists salary vs area income 79% Median Public Relations Specialists salary is 21% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Public Relations Specialists

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Lexington Park, MD $102,500
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $101,200
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $98,460
    District of Columbia $97,800
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $95,370
    Salt Lake City-Murray, UT $93,220

    Nearby metros — Public Relations Specialists salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $98,460
    Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA $77,880
    Richmond, VA $72,070
    Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC $71,970
    Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area $71,960
    Modesto, CA $68,560

    Related occupations in Columbia, MO

    OccupationMedian salary
    Coaches and Scouts $40,540
    Graphic Designers $48,640
    Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $34,050
    Producers and Directors $51,090
    Editors $58,740
    Interior Designers $64,520

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Public Relations Specialists make per hour in Columbia?

    The median hourly wage for Public Relations Specialists in Columbia, MO is $26.36, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $38.09 or more per hour.

    Is Columbia above or below average for Public Relations Specialists salaries?

    The median Public Relations Specialists salary in Columbia, MO is 21.4% below the national median of $69,780. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Public Relations Specialists in Columbia?

    Entry-level Public Relations Specialists (10th percentile) earn around $39,250 per year in Columbia, MO. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $47,890.