How much does a pr manager make?
Answer: A typical pr manager in the United States makes $146,910 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 75,000 people work in this job. Well above the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
PR manager pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| 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 |
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.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a pr manager do?
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.
What's a typical day like?
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.
How to get this job
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.
Usually a bachelor's degree (preparation level 4 of 5)
Good for people who like leading and selling and keeping things organized.
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.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Management jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
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