Public Relations Specialists Salary in Phoenix, AZ

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ

Median annual salary $65,350 -6.3% vs national
Median hourly $31.42
10th percentile $41,870
90th percentile $129,860
Employed locally 4,380
National median $69,780

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Public Relations Specialists
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    In Phoenix, AZ, Public Relations Specialists have a median annual salary of $65,350, which is slightly below the national median of $69,780 for this occupation. When compared to the local area's median household income of $84,703, it becomes evident that the typical worker in this field earns less than the average household in the region. This indicates that individuals working as Public Relations Specialists may not meet or exceed the standard financial expectations set by their community's median income level. Despite this discrepancy, the employment outlook for PR specialists in Phoenix is stable with an estimated 4,380 professionals employed and a local unemployment rate of 3.20%, suggesting a relatively healthy job market for those in the field.

    Entry-level Public Relations Specialists in Phoenix earn around $41,870 annually, which represents the 10th percentile salary mark, while those at the 25th percentile make approximately $52,580 per year. In contrast, more experienced practitioners who fall into the 75th percentile earn about $87,600, and those at the top of their field in the 90th percentile can command salaries upwards of $129,860 annually. The significant salary disparity between entry-level and experienced workers is driven by factors such as accumulated expertise, proven success in campaign management, networking capabilities, and the ability to handle high-stakes projects effectively. As professionals advance within their careers, these skills contribute to higher compensation reflective of their increased value to employers.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $41,870
    25th
    $52,580
    50th (median)
    $65,350
    75th
    $87,600
    90th
    $129,860

    Phoenix economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $84,703 2023 • Census ACS
    Public Relations Specialists salary vs area income 77% Median Public Relations Specialists salary is 23% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Public Relations Specialists in Phoenix, AZ is $31.42, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $55.94 or more per hour.

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

    The median Public Relations Specialists salary in Phoenix, AZ is 6.3% 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 Phoenix?

    Entry-level Public Relations Specialists (10th percentile) earn around $41,870 per year in Phoenix, AZ. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $52,580.