North Carolina ranks 29th of 51 states and D.C. for public relations specialists pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($97,800) by $34,520 — a 55% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $36,400 to $104,000 — a $67,600 spread, 24% tighter than the national $88,730 range.
North Carolina employs roughly 3.3% of all public relations specialists in the country (9,290 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $36,400 | $17.50 |
| 25th percentile | $47,070 | $22.63 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $63,280 | $30.43 |
| 75th percentile | $79,600 | $38.27 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $104,000 | $50.00 |
| Mean (average) | $68,760 | $33.06 |
How North Carolina Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (current) | $63,280 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $97,800 | +55% |
| Washington | $85,500 | +35% |
| Connecticut | $83,620 | +32% |
| California | $81,490 | +29% |
| New York | $78,510 | +24% |
| Virginia | $77,800 | +23% |
| Colorado | $77,120 | +22% |
| Utah | $75,700 | +20% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in North Carolina
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products | $63,260 | 45,550 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $63,150 | 1,690 |
| Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists | $63,570 | 3,460 |
| Fundraisers | $62,990 | 3,520 |
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | $63,590 | 3,140 |
| Postal Service Clerks | $63,690 | 2,180 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Public Relations Specialists salary in North Carolina?
The mean public relations specialists salary in North Carolina is $68,760 per year. The median (middle) salary is $63,280 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Public Relations Specialists in North Carolina?
Entry-level public relations specialistss (10th percentile) in North Carolina typically earn around $36,400 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $47,070 per year.
What is the highest Public Relations Specialists salary in North Carolina?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in North Carolina make approximately $104,000 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $79,600 per year.
How does the North Carolina Public Relations Specialists salary compare to the national average?
The median public relations specialists salary in North Carolina is $63,280, which is -9% below national average of $69,780.