Public Relations Specialists Salary in Des Moines, IA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Median annual salary $68,360 -2% vs national
Median hourly $32.87
10th percentile $42,680
90th percentile $105,860
Employed locally 1,130
National median $69,780

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Public Relations Specialists
in
Des Moines, IA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $42,680
    25th
    $51,620
    50th (median)
    $68,360
    75th
    $84,010
    90th
    $105,860

    Des Moines economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $84,209 2023 • Census ACS
    Public Relations Specialists salary vs area income 81% Median Public Relations Specialists salary is 19% 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
    District of Columbia $97,800
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $95,370
    California $81,490
    Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $79,110
    Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA $78,110
    Virginia $77,800

    Related occupations in Des Moines, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Coaches and Scouts$34,640
    Graphic Designers$51,100
    Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers$39,300
    Interior Designers$62,390
    Producers and Directors$58,690
    Technical Writers$66,730

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Public Relations Specialists make per hour in Des Moines?

    The median hourly wage for Public Relations Specialists in Des Moines, IA is $32.87, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $56.90 or more per hour.

    Is Des Moines above or below average for Public Relations Specialists salaries?

    The median Public Relations Specialists salary in Des Moines, IA is 2% 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 Des Moines?

    Entry-level Public Relations Specialists (10th percentile) earn around $42,680 per year in Des Moines, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $51,620.