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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Public Relations Specialists salary in Seattle, Washington

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Seattle metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$92,060
Mean annual$100,650
Range (10th to 90th)$61,220 to $143,540
Seattle, Washington employment4,410
State vs national+30.2% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Seattle public relations specialists fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

10TH$61,22025TH$72,270MEDIAN$92,06075TH$126,57090TH$143,540

The middle 50% of workers earn between $72,270 and $126,570, with a median of $92,060.

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.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Public Relations Specialists in Seattle, Washington?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Public Relations Specialists in the Seattle metropolitan area is $92,060.
Does Seattle pay more than the Washington state average for Public Relations Specialists?
The Seattle metro median is +7.7% versus the Washington state median of $85,500.
How does Seattle compare to the national median for Public Relations Specialists?
The Seattle metro median is +30.2% versus the BLS national figure of $70,692.
What is the salary range for Public Relations Specialists in Seattle?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $61,220 and the 90th-percentile at $143,540 for the Seattle 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.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Seattle 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.