Tennessee ranks 49th of 51 states and D.C. for public relations specialists pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($97,800) by $41,600 — a 74% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $31,860 to $93,990 — a $62,130 spread, 30% tighter than the national $88,730 range.
Public Relations Specialists are less concentrated in Tennessee than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.50 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 2.00× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $31,860 | $15.32 |
| 25th percentile | $42,780 | $20.57 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $56,200 | $27.02 |
| 75th percentile | $75,900 | $36.49 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $93,990 | $45.19 |
| Mean (average) | $60,960 | $29.31 |
How Tennessee Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (current) | $56,200 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $97,800 | +74% |
| Washington | $85,500 | +52% |
| Connecticut | $83,620 | +49% |
| California | $81,490 | +45% |
| New York | $78,510 | +40% |
| Virginia | $77,800 | +38% |
| Colorado | $77,120 | +37% |
| Utah | $75,700 | +35% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Tennessee
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Surgical Technologists | $56,370 | 2,470 |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $56,390 | 7,150 |
| Health Education Specialists | $55,970 | 870 |
| Structural Iron and Steel Workers | $55,750 | 1,320 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $55,610 | 63,130 |
| Special Education Teachers, Middle School | $55,510 | 1,300 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Public Relations Specialists salary in Tennessee?
The mean public relations specialists salary in Tennessee is $60,960 per year. The median (middle) salary is $56,200 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Public Relations Specialists in Tennessee?
Entry-level public relations specialistss (10th percentile) in Tennessee typically earn around $31,860 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $42,780 per year.
What is the highest Public Relations Specialists salary in Tennessee?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Tennessee make approximately $93,990 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $75,900 per year.
How does the Tennessee Public Relations Specialists salary compare to the national average?
The median public relations specialists salary in Tennessee is $56,200, which is -19% below national average of $69,780.