Public Relations Specialists
Held About 243,000 Jobs in 2006
EMPLOYMENT
Public Relations Specialists held about 243,000 jobs in 2006. They are concentrated in service-providing industries such as advertising and related services;health care and social assistance;educational services; and government. Others work for communications firms,financial institutions, and government agencies. According to US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
JOB OUTLOOK
Employment of Public Relations Specialists is expected to grow by 18% from 2006 to 2016,faster than average for all occupations. The need for good public relations in an increasingly competitive business environment should spur demand for these workers in organizations of all types and sizes. Those with additional language capabilities also are in great demand.
JOB PROSPECTS
Keen competition likely will continue for entry-level public relations jobs,as the number of qualified applicants is expected to exceed the number of job openings. Many people are attracted to this profession because of the high profile nature of the work. Opportunities should be best for college graduates who combine a degree in journalism,public relations,advertising,or another communications-related field with a public relations internship or other related work experience. Applicants without the appropriate educational background or work experience will face the toughest obstacles.
EARNINGS
Median annual earnings for salaried Public Relations Specialists were$47,350 in May 2006. The middle 50% earned between $35,600 and 65,310; the lowest 10% earned less than $28,080, and the top 10% earned more than $89,220. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of Public Relations Specialists in May 2006 were:
- Management of companies and enterprises - $52,940
- Business,professional,labor,political,and similar organizations - $51,400
- Advertising and related services - $49,980
- Local government -$47,550
- Colleges,universities,and professional schools - $43,330
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