Public Relations Specialists Salary in Santa Maria, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA

Median annual salary $79,110 +13.4% vs national
Median hourly $38.03
10th percentile $48,510
90th percentile $130,180
Employed locally 260
National median $69,780

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Public Relations Specialists
in
Santa Maria, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $48,510
    25th
    $60,580
    50th (median)
    $79,110
    75th
    $100,600
    90th
    $130,180

    Santa Maria economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $95,977 2023 • Census ACS
    Public Relations Specialists salary vs area income 82% Median Public Relations Specialists salary is 18% 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 Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $101,200
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $98,460
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $85,360
    California $81,490
    Vallejo, CA $80,660
    Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA $78,940

    Related occupations in Santa Maria, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Coaches and Scouts $45,020
    Graphic Designers $78,500
    Producers and Directors $77,950
    Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $42,150
    Interior Designers $79,350
    Fashion Designers $100,230

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Public Relations Specialists make per hour in Santa Maria?

    The median hourly wage for Public Relations Specialists in Santa Maria, CA is $38.03, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $65.75 or more per hour.

    Is Santa Maria above or below average for Public Relations Specialists salaries?

    The median Public Relations Specialists salary in Santa Maria, CA is 13.4% 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 Santa Maria?

    Entry-level Public Relations Specialists (10th percentile) earn around $48,510 per year in Santa Maria, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $60,580.