How much does a PR manager make?
a year · about $71 an hour
A typical PR manager in the United States makes $146,910 a year, about $71 an hour, about 2.9× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They review press releases and meet with staff to plan messages or events. Later, they may arrange an interview, prepare an executive’s speech, or check sensitive wording with a lawyer.
Did you know? A PR manager’s words can have legal consequences, so they may need to check public statements with company lawyers before release.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $82,410 and $284,990How do you become one?
In the U.S., earn a bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, or business; some employers prefer a master’s. Then build several years of related experience, often as a PR specialist; certification is optional and requires an exam.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like leading and selling and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can vary with experience, location, and the employer’s industry. Certification is optional, and some managers work long weeks.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in District of Columbia ($197,600), lowest in Alabama ($98,210).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $82,410 | $146,910 | $284,990 | about 75,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $197,600 | about 7,000 |
| New York | $180,880 | about 8,000 |
| Virginia | $176,340 | about 3,000 |
| New Jersey | $174,980 | about 2,000 |
| Massachusetts | $171,740 | about 2,000 |
Official definition: Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/management/public-relations-managers.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/11-2032.00
- www.bls.gov/oes/2021/May/oes112032.htm
- www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Public_Relations_(PR)_Manager/Salary
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY