According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for Journalists is $63,230, while the average annual salary for Public Relations Specialists is $73,250. This means that Public Relations Specialists earn a higher salary than Journalists.
Keep in mind, however, that factors such as location, experience, and the specific workplace can affect salary. For instance, Public Relations Specialists in Washington DC may have higher earnings (averaging $106,040 per year) compared to those in Mississippi ($46,110).
Journalists vs Public Relations Specialists overview
Journalists and Public Relations Specialists are two important roles in the Broadcasting and Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services industries respectively. Many people are interested in understanding the differences between these jobs, as well as the average salaries for each.
Journalist job description
Alternative names: News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
Journalists narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.
Journalist average salary
As reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, the number of Journalists employed in the United States was 39,080, and they earned an average of $63,230 per year. The bottom 10 percent had a salary of $29,210 or less, and the top 10 percent had a salary of $120,590 or more. The average salary has decreased by 4.2% in comparison to the previous year.
Do Journalists make good money?
The mean salary of Journalists is 9% above the average salary in the United States ($58,260). On the other hand, they make 13% less than the mean earnings of the Broadcasting industry ($72,650).
The mean salary of Journalists is 9% above the average salary in the United States ($58,260).
Journalists job growth
The number of Journalists being employed has decreased over the past two years. In 2021, there have been 2,500 less roles than the previous year across the nation, and that marks a decrease of 6%. The average job growth rate for the past 2 years has been -5.9%.
Public Relations Specialist job description
Public Relations Specialists promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.
Public Relations Specialist education and experience
To become a Public Relations Specialist, an individual usually must obtain a Bachelor's Degree. But this field also includes some employees who have a Master's Degree (9%). With regard to experience, about a third of Public Relations Specialist occupations require a 2 to 4 years of previous work-related experience. A smaller portion of roles (23%) require a previous experience of 6 months to 1 year.
Public Relations Specialist average salary
Based on data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 242,710 Public Relations Specialists were employed by the United States in 2021, and their average annual wage was $73,250. The lowest earning 10 percent made $37,020 or less, and the highest earning 10 percent made $124,620 or more per year. Compared to the previous year, the mean salary has grown by 1.8%.
Do Public Relations Specialists make good money?
The mean salary of Public Relations Specialists is about a quarter above the average pay in the United States ($58,260). In contrast, they make 20% less than the mean salary of the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services industry ($91,150).
The mean salary of Public Relations Specialists is about a quarter above the average pay in the United States ($58,260).
FAQ
Do Journalists or Public Relations Specialists make more?
Public Relations Specialists make 16% more than Journalists. The average annual pay for Journalists is $63,230, while Public Relations Specialists earn $73,250 per year.