📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Public Relations Manager Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$178,608
per year
Median
$164,976
per year
Hourly
$85.87
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$100,956
25th Percentile — Junior$141,883
50th Percentile — Median$164,976
75th Percentile — Senior$233,969
90th Percentile — Top Earners$271,731
💡 Top-earning Public Relations Managers in California make up to $271,731 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$150.4k
2021
$155.6k
2022
$161.1k
2023
$166.7k
2024
$172.6k
2025
$178.6k
2026
📈 Public Relations Manager salaries in California have followed the national trend with 3.5% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Public Relations Manager Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $276,842 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $264,340 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $307,206 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $330,425 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $192,897 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $217,902 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $258,982 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $192,897 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $253,623 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $250,051 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $228,618 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $210,757 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $276,842 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $210,757 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $200,041 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $217,902 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $205,399 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $264,340 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $285,773 +60.0% Medium
🔍
Public Relations Manager Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Public Relations Managers. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $178,608 per year, California's Public Relations Manager salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $100,956–$141,883, while experienced Public Relations Managers can command $233,969–$271,731.

Looking ahead, the Public Relations Manager profession in California is projected to grow at 3.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Public Relations Manager salary in California is $178,608 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $125,780.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Public Relations Managers the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Public Relations Manager employment.
  • At $178,608/year, California Public Relations Manager salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $125,780/year.