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DATA PROFILE · 2024

Public Relations Specialists salary in North Carolina

Median, range, employment, and 10-year outlook from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, with skills and task data from O*NET. Cost-of-living adjustment from BEA Regional Price Parities.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 27, 2026
Median annual$63,280
Mean annual$68,760
Range (10th to 90th)$36,400 to $104,000
North Carolina employment9,290
State vs national-10.5% vs national

Salary distribution

Where North Carolina public relations specialists fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$36,40025TH$47,070MEDIAN$63,28075TH$79,60090TH$104,000

The middle 50% of workers earn between $47,070 and $79,600, with a median of $63,280.

By seniority

Public Relations Specialists pay by experience level in North Carolina

Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.

Wage trend

Median annual wage in North Carolina over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.

Median annual wage, North Carolina2023 to 2024
$62,0902023$63,2802024

Typical entry

  • Education

    Bachelor's degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Communications and Media

    Knowledge

    4.9 / 5
  • English Language

    Knowledge

    4.7 / 5
  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    4.3 / 5
  • Active Listening

    Basic skill

    4.1 / 5
  • Speaking

    Basic skill

    4.1 / 5
  • Oral Expression

    Ability

    4.1 / 5
  • Reading Comprehension

    Basic skill

    4.0 / 5
  • Social Perceptiveness

    Technical

    4.0 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Respond to requests for information from the media or designate an appropriate spokesperson or information source.

  2. 02

    Post and update content on the company's Web site and social media outlets.

  3. 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.

  4. 04

    Write press releases or other media communications to promote clients.

  5. 05

    Establish or maintain cooperative relationships with representatives of community, consumer, employee, or public interest groups.

  6. 06

    Confer with other managers to identify trends or key group interests or concerns or to provide advice on business decisions.

  7. 07

    Coach client representatives in effective communication with the public or with employees.

  8. 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.

10-year outlook

Growth 2024 → 2034

+4.8%

Projected annual openings

BLS outlook

Average growth

Source: BLS Employment Projections, 20242034 cycle.

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Top metros in North Carolina

Metro-level salary data for public relations specialists in major North Carolina metropolitan areas.

Compare Public Relations Specialists pay across nearby states

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Public Relations Specialists in North Carolina?
According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Public Relations Specialists in North Carolina is $63,280.
How does North Carolina compare to the national median for Public Relations Specialists?
The North Carolina median is -10.5% versus the BLS national figure of $70,692.
What is the salary range for Public Relations Specialists in North Carolina?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $36,400 and the 90th-percentile at $104,000, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
Is Public Relations Specialists a growing field?
BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 4.8% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
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.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates 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.