Salary distribution
Where San Diego public relations specialists fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $60,310 and $101,920, with a median of $77,290.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.9 / 5
Communications and Media
Knowledge
- 4.7 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.3 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 4.1 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
- 4.1 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
Social Perceptiveness
Technical
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Respond to requests for information from the media or designate an appropriate spokesperson or information source.
- 02
Post and update content on the company's Web site and social media outlets.
- 03
Plan or direct development or communication of programs to maintain favorable public or stockholder perceptions of an organization's accomplishments, agenda, or environmental responsibility.
- 04
Write press releases or other media communications to promote clients.
- 05
Establish or maintain cooperative relationships with representatives of community, consumer, employee, or public interest groups.
- 06
Confer with other managers to identify trends or key group interests or concerns or to provide advice on business decisions.
- 07
Coach client representatives in effective communication with the public or with employees.
- 08
Study the objectives, promotional policies, or needs of organizations to develop public relations strategies that will influence public opinion or promote ideas, products, or services.
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Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the San Diego metro compares to other major California metro areas for public relations specialists.
- San Jose$101,200
- San Francisco$98,460
- Sacramento$85,360
- Los Angeles$77,380
- Riverside$73,740
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Public Relations Specialists in San Diego, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Public Relations Specialists in the San Diego metropolitan area is $77,290.
- Does San Diego pay more than the California state average for Public Relations Specialists?
- The San Diego metro median is -5.2% versus the California state median of $81,490.
- How does San Diego compare to the national median for Public Relations Specialists?
- The San Diego metro median is +9.3% versus the BLS national figure of $70,692.
- What is the salary range for Public Relations Specialists in San Diego?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $47,720 and the 90th-percentile at $129,060 for the San Diego metro area.
- What education is required for Public Relations Specialists?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Diego CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.