Rhode Island ranks 13th of 51 states and D.C. for public relations specialists pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($97,800) by $25,030 — a 34% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $47,610 to $123,780 — a $76,170 spread, 14% tighter than the national $88,730 range.
Public Relations Specialists are more concentrated in Rhode Island than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.52 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.52× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $47,610 | $22.89 |
| 25th percentile | $58,700 | $28.22 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $72,770 | $34.99 |
| 75th percentile | $97,660 | $46.95 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $123,780 | $59.51 |
| Mean (average) | $79,650 | $38.29 |
How Rhode Island Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Rhode Island |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island (current) | $72,770 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $97,800 | +34% |
| Washington | $85,500 | +17% |
| Connecticut | $83,620 | +15% |
| California | $81,490 | +12% |
| New York | $78,510 | +8% |
| Virginia | $77,800 | +7% |
| Colorado | $77,120 | +6% |
| Utah | $75,700 | +4% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Rhode Island
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Construction and Building Inspectors | $72,790 | 280 |
| Librarians and Media Collections Specialists | $72,820 | 810 |
| Education Administrators, All Other | $72,700 | 80 |
| Training and Development Specialists | $72,600 | 1,250 |
| Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers | $72,410 | 280 |
| Labor Relations Specialists | $72,360 | 450 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Public Relations Specialists salary in Rhode Island?
The mean public relations specialists salary in Rhode Island is $79,650 per year. The median (middle) salary is $72,770 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Public Relations Specialists in Rhode Island?
Entry-level public relations specialistss (10th percentile) in Rhode Island typically earn around $47,610 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $58,700 per year.
What is the highest Public Relations Specialists salary in Rhode Island?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Rhode Island make approximately $123,780 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $97,660 per year.
How does the Rhode Island Public Relations Specialists salary compare to the national average?
The median public relations specialists salary in Rhode Island is $72,770, which is +4% above national average of $69,780.