Salary distribution
Where San Francisco 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 $74,300 and $138,980, with a median of $98,460.
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.
Sponsored
Build the skills employers list for Public Relations Specialists
Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.
Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the San Francisco metro compares to other major California metro areas for public relations specialists.
- San Jose$101,200
- Sacramento$85,360
- Los Angeles$77,380
- San Diego$77,290
- Riverside$73,740
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Public Relations Specialists in San Francisco, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Public Relations Specialists in the San Francisco metropolitan area is $98,460.
- Does San Francisco pay more than the California state average for Public Relations Specialists?
- The San Francisco metro median is +20.8% versus the California state median of $81,490.
- How does San Francisco compare to the national median for Public Relations Specialists?
- The San Francisco metro median is +39.3% versus the BLS national figure of $70,692.
- What is the salary range for Public Relations Specialists in San Francisco?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $58,240 and the 90th-percentile at $167,340 for the San Francisco 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 Francisco 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.