Washington ranks 2nd of 51 states and D.C. for public relations specialists pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($97,800) by $12,300 — a 14% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $58,360 to $137,530 — a $79,170 spread, 11% tighter than the national $88,730 range.
Washington employs roughly 2.4% of all public relations specialists in the country (6,650 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $58,360 | $28.06 |
| 25th percentile | $67,480 | $32.44 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $85,500 | $41.11 |
| 75th percentile | $111,100 | $53.41 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $137,530 | $66.12 |
| Mean (average) | $94,470 | $45.42 |
How Washington Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Washington (current) | $85,500 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $97,800 | +14% |
| Connecticut | $83,620 | -2% |
| California | $81,490 | -5% |
| New York | $78,510 | -8% |
| Virginia | $77,800 | -9% |
| Colorado | $77,120 | -10% |
| Utah | $75,700 | -11% |
| New Jersey | $75,640 | -12% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Washington
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Analysts | $85,650 | 1,400 |
| Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School | $85,340 | 3,290 |
| Editors | $85,250 | 2,800 |
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $85,010 | 4,230 |
| Compliance Officers | $86,200 | 10,820 |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $84,690 | 1,110 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Public Relations Specialists salary in Washington?
The mean public relations specialists salary in Washington is $94,470 per year. The median (middle) salary is $85,500 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Public Relations Specialists in Washington?
Entry-level public relations specialistss (10th percentile) in Washington typically earn around $58,360 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $67,480 per year.
What is the highest Public Relations Specialists salary in Washington?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Washington make approximately $137,530 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $111,100 per year.
How does the Washington Public Relations Specialists salary compare to the national average?
The median public relations specialists salary in Washington is $85,500, which is +23% above national average of $69,780.