📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Public Relations Specialists Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · High Demand

Average
$111,967
per year
Median
$104,285
per year
Hourly
$53.83
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$69,856
25th Percentile — Junior$93,791
50th Percentile — Median$104,285
75th Percentile — Senior$147,646
90th Percentile — Top Earners$168,865
💡 Top-earning Public Relations Specialistss in California make up to $168,865 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
$96.6k
2021
$99.5k
2022
$102.5k
2023
$105.5k
2024
$108.7k
2025
$112.0k
2026
📈 Public Relations Specialists salaries in California have followed the national trend with 3.0% annual growth. The strong demand in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Public Relations Specialists Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $173,549 +55.0% High
San Diego $165,711 +48.0% High
San Jose $192,583 +72.0% High
San Francisco $207,139 +85.0% High
Fresno $120,924 +8.0% High
Sacramento $136,600 +22.0% High
Long Beach $162,352 +45.0% High
Bakersfield $120,924 +8.0% High
Anaheim $158,993 +42.0% High
Santa Ana $156,754 +40.0% High
Riverside $143,318 +28.0% High
Stockton $132,121 +18.0% High
Irvine $173,549 +55.0% High
San Bernardino $132,121 +18.0% High
Modesto $125,403 +12.0% High
Fontana $136,600 +22.0% High
Moreno Valley $128,762 +15.0% High
Glendale $165,711 +48.0% High
Fremont $179,147 +60.0% High
🔍
Public Relations Specialists Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Public Relations Specialistss. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $111,967 per year, California's Public Relations Specialists 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 $69,856–$93,791, while experienced Public Relations Specialistss can command $147,646–$168,865.

Looking ahead, the Public Relations Specialists profession in California is projected to grow at 3.0% 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 Specialists salary in California is $111,967 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $78,850.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Public Relations Specialistss 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 Specialists employment.
  • At $111,967/year, California Public Relations Specialists salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $78,850/year.