California ranks 4th of 51 states and D.C. for public relations specialists pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($97,800) by $16,310 — a 20% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $48,060 to $146,040 — a $97,980 spread, 10% wider than the national $88,730 range.
California employs roughly 11.1% of all public relations specialists in the country (31,070 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $48,060 | $23.10 |
| 25th percentile | $62,740 | $30.16 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $81,490 | $39.18 |
| 75th percentile | $108,670 | $52.25 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $146,040 | $70.21 |
| Mean (average) | $92,580 | $44.51 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $81,490 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $97,800 | +20% |
| Washington | $85,500 | +5% |
| Connecticut | $83,620 | +3% |
| New York | $78,510 | -4% |
| Virginia | $77,800 | -5% |
| Colorado | $77,120 | -5% |
| Utah | $75,700 | -7% |
| New Jersey | $75,640 | -7% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $81,240 | 6,650 |
| Human Resources Specialists | $81,810 | 104,880 |
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School | $81,860 | 3,420 |
| Surgical Technologists | $81,120 | 10,570 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers | $80,970 | 19,310 |
| Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators | $82,100 | 11,260 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Public Relations Specialists salary in California?
The mean public relations specialists salary in California is $92,580 per year. The median (middle) salary is $81,490 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Public Relations Specialists in California?
Entry-level public relations specialistss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $48,060 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $62,740 per year.
What is the highest Public Relations Specialists salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $146,040 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $108,670 per year.
How does the California Public Relations Specialists salary compare to the national average?
The median public relations specialists salary in California is $81,490, which is +17% above national average of $69,780.