Public Relations Specialists Salary in Los Angeles, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA

Median annual salary $77,380 +10.9% vs national
Median hourly $37.20
10th percentile $47,920
90th percentile $129,020
Employed locally 11,930
National median $69,780

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Public Relations Specialists
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Los Angeles, CA
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    In Los Angeles, CA, Public Relations Specialists have a median annual salary of $77,380, which is higher than the national median of $69,780 for the same occupation. This figure suggests that professionals in this field in Los Angeles earn approximately 10% more compared to their counterparts across the country. However, when considering local economic context, this median salary falls short of the area's median household income, which stands at $93,525. This discrepancy indicates that while Public Relations Specialists earn a competitive wage within their industry and location, they might still face challenges in affording the cost of living associated with Los Angeles, where expenses such as housing can be considerably high.

    Entry-level Public Relations Specialists in Los Angeles typically earn around $47,920 annually, which is significantly lower than the median salary. This starting point reflects a 62% difference from the median annual income for experienced professionals who might earn up to or beyond the 75th percentile of $99,990. The substantial wage increase as practitioners gain experience and expertise can be attributed to several factors, including enhanced skills in strategic communication, successful campaign management, and leadership roles within larger teams or organizations. Additionally, those in higher percentiles often bring specialized knowledge or have built a strong professional network, enabling them to secure more lucrative positions or command higher fees for their services. The progression from entry-level to experienced levels highlights the value of career development and the acquisition of advanced skills within the public relations field.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $47,920
    25th
    $61,140
    50th (median)
    $77,380
    75th
    $99,990
    90th
    $129,020

    Los Angeles economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $93,525 2023 • Census ACS
    Public Relations Specialists salary vs area income 83% Median Public Relations Specialists salary is 17% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Public Relations Specialists make per hour in Los Angeles?

    The median hourly wage for Public Relations Specialists in Los Angeles, CA is $37.20, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $65.81 or more per hour.

    Is Los Angeles above or below average for Public Relations Specialists salaries?

    The median Public Relations Specialists salary in Los Angeles, CA is 10.9% above 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 Los Angeles?

    Entry-level Public Relations Specialists (10th percentile) earn around $47,920 per year in Los Angeles, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $61,140.