Computer Programmers vs Public Relations Specialists: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Programmers professionals earn $28,890 more per year than Public Relations Specialists professionals — that's 41.4% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Programmers earns $162,090 compared to $129,480 for Public Relations Specialists.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Programmers$52,190 – $162,090
Public Relations Specialists$40,750 – $129,480
$40,750$162,090
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Programmers | Public Relations Specialists | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $52,190 | $40,750 | +$11,440 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,860 | $51,970 | +$19,890 |
| Median (50th) | $98,670 | $69,780 | +$28,890 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,960 | $95,940 | +$33,020 |
| 90th Percentile | $162,090 | $129,480 | +$32,610 |
| Mean (Average) | $103,640 | $80,310 | +$23,330 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Programmers
109,870
employed nationwide
Public Relations Specialists
280,590
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Computer Programmers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $167,970 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $159,250 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $133,560 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $122,580 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $122,000 |
Best Cities for Public Relations Specialists
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $101,200 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $98,460 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $95,370 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $93,220 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $92,060 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Computer Programmers or Public Relations Specialists?
Computer Programmers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $28,890 (41.4% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Computer Programmers?
Computer Programmers salaries range from $52,190 (10th percentile) to $162,090 (90th percentile), with a median of $98,670.
What is the salary range for Public Relations Specialists?
Public Relations Specialists salaries range from $40,750 (10th percentile) to $129,480 (90th percentile), with a median of $69,780.
How many Computer Programmers and Public Relations Specialists jobs are there?
There are approximately 109,870 Computer Programmers positions and 280,590 Public Relations Specialists positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Public Relations Specialists to Computer Programmers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Programmers has a median salary of $98,670 while Public Relations Specialists earns $69,780. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS