District of Columbia pays public relations specialists more than any other state — its $97,800 median leads all 51 states and D.C. reporting wage data.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $60,990 to $186,360 — a $125,370 spread, 41% wider than the national $88,730 range.
Public Relations Specialists are more concentrated in District of Columbia than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 14.04 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 14.04× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $60,990 | $29.32 |
| 25th percentile | $73,630 | $35.40 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $97,800 | $47.02 |
| 75th percentile | $133,830 | $64.34 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $186,360 | $89.59 |
| Mean (average) | $114,580 | $55.09 |
How District of Columbia Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia (current) | $97,800 | n/a |
| Washington | $85,500 | -13% |
| Connecticut | $83,620 | -14% |
| California | $81,490 | -17% |
| New York | $78,510 | -20% |
| Virginia | $77,800 | -20% |
| Colorado | $77,120 | -21% |
| Utah | $75,700 | -23% |
| New Jersey | $75,640 | -23% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in District of Columbia
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Special Education Teachers, Secondary School | $96,880 | 470 |
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School | $96,710 | 110 |
| Radiologic Technologists and Technicians | $99,080 | 550 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers | $96,330 | 1,250 |
| Occupational Therapists | $99,290 | 530 |
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $99,300 | 5,880 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Public Relations Specialists salary in District of Columbia?
The mean public relations specialists salary in District of Columbia is $114,580 per year. The median (middle) salary is $97,800 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Public Relations Specialists in District of Columbia?
Entry-level public relations specialistss (10th percentile) in District of Columbia typically earn around $60,990 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $73,630 per year.
What is the highest Public Relations Specialists salary in District of Columbia?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in District of Columbia make approximately $186,360 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $133,830 per year.
How does the District of Columbia Public Relations Specialists salary compare to the national average?
The median public relations specialists salary in District of Columbia is $97,800, which is +40% above national average of $69,780.