Electrical Engineers vs Public Relations Specialists: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Electrical Engineers professionals earn $42,130 more per year than Public Relations Specialists professionals — that's 60.4% higher. At the 90th percentile, Electrical Engineers earns $175,460 compared to $129,480 for Public Relations Specialists.
Salary Range Comparison
Electrical Engineers$74,670 – $175,460
Public Relations Specialists$40,750 – $129,480
$40,750$175,460
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Electrical Engineers | Public Relations Specialists | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $74,670 | $40,750 | +$33,920 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,590 | $51,970 | +$35,620 |
| Median (50th) | $111,910 | $69,780 | +$42,130 |
| 75th Percentile | $141,630 | $95,940 | +$45,690 |
| 90th Percentile | $175,460 | $129,480 | +$45,980 |
| Mean (Average) | $120,980 | $80,310 | +$40,670 |
Employment Numbers
Electrical Engineers
188,790
employed nationwide
Public Relations Specialists
280,590
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Electrical Engineers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $186,920 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $163,840 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $136,820 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $135,480 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $134,900 |
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: Electrical Engineers or Public Relations Specialists?
Electrical Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $42,130 (60.4% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Electrical Engineers?
Electrical Engineers salaries range from $74,670 (10th percentile) to $175,460 (90th percentile), with a median of $111,910.
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 Electrical Engineers and Public Relations Specialists jobs are there?
There are approximately 188,790 Electrical Engineers positions and 280,590 Public Relations Specialists positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Public Relations Specialists to Electrical Engineers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Electrical Engineers has a median salary of $111,910 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