Project Management Specialists vs Public Relations Specialists: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Project Management Specialists professionals earn $30,970 more per year than Public Relations Specialists professionals — that's 44.4% higher. At the 90th percentile, Project Management Specialists earns $165,790 compared to $129,480 for Public Relations Specialists.
Salary Range Comparison
Project Management Specialists$59,830 – $165,790
Public Relations Specialists$40,750 – $129,480
$40,750$165,790
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Project Management Specialists | Public Relations Specialists | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $59,830 | $40,750 | +$19,080 |
| 25th Percentile | $76,950 | $51,970 | +$24,980 |
| Median (50th) | $100,750 | $69,780 | +$30,970 |
| 75th Percentile | $131,660 | $95,940 | +$35,720 |
| 90th Percentile | $165,790 | $129,480 | +$36,310 |
| Mean (Average) | $108,100 | $80,310 | +$27,790 |
Employment Numbers
Project Management Specialists
1,006,160
employed nationwide
Public Relations Specialists
280,590
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Project Management Specialists
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $136,250 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $132,530 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $125,390 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $123,670 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $121,680 |
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: Project Management Specialists or Public Relations Specialists?
Project Management Specialists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $30,970 (44.4% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Project Management Specialists?
Project Management Specialists salaries range from $59,830 (10th percentile) to $165,790 (90th percentile), with a median of $100,750.
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 Project Management Specialists and Public Relations Specialists jobs are there?
There are approximately 1,006,160 Project Management Specialists positions and 280,590 Public Relations Specialists positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Public Relations Specialists to Project Management Specialists?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Project Management Specialists has a median salary of $100,750 while Public Relations Specialists earns $69,780. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS