Public Relations Managers

O*NET 11-2032.00 · SOC 11-2032

Public Relations Manager is a solid career choice. Median pay is $147k a year with +5.7% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 6,100 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+5.7%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$147k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
6k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 4
Considerable preparation needed (bachelor's degree)

What You'd Actually Do

  • →Develop PR strategies
  • →Manage media relations
  • →Oversee crisis communications
  • →Write press releases
  • →Coordinate public events and conferences

Education & How to Get In

🎯
Job Zone 4
Considerable preparation needed (bachelor's degree)

A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Public Relations Manager roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as a Public Relations Manager? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.

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Work Environment

Primary Setting

Leadership, offices, client meetings, or hybrid

Work Style

Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Public Relations Manager involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningDevelop PR strategies
MiddayManage media relations
AfternoonOversee crisis communications

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Enterprising (Persuaders)7.0
Conventional (Organizers)4.4
Social (Helpers)4.2
Artistic (Creators)3.7
Investigative (Thinkers)2.3
Realistic (Doers)1.0

Who Thrives as Public Relations Manager?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ENTJThe CommanderESFJThe ProviderENFJThe MentorESTJThe Executive

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open Public Relations Manager Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

Indeed ↗LinkedIn Jobs ↗ZipRecruiter ↗

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Job Outlook

Employment of Public Relations Managers is projected to grow 5.7% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.

Will AI Replace This Job?

26/100Moderate, likely AI-complementary
  • ·44% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
  • ·34% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace

Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.

Common Questions

How much does a Public Relations Manager make?

The median Public Relations Manager earns $147k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.

Will AI replace Public Relations Manager jobs?

Our model puts Public Relations Manager at 26 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 44% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 34% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.

Is Public Relations Manager a growing field?

Employment is projected to grow 5.7% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 6,100 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be a Public Relations Manager?

A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Public Relations Manager roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.

How long does it take to become a Public Relations Manager?

Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.

Is a Public Relations Manager career right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

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