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Job outlook for communications analysts in the United States
Are communications analyst jobs in demand?
Communications analyst job and salary trends over time
Communications analyst jobs over time
Communications analyst job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,403 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 1,414 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 1,415 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 12,810 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 13,243 | 0.00% |
Average communications analyst salary over time
Communications analyst salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $74,108 | $35.63 | +3.4% |
| 2025 | $71,666 | $34.45 | +2.3% |
| 2024 | $70,044 | $33.67 | +4.2% |
| 2023 | $67,236 | $32.32 | +3.4% |
| 2022 | $65,026 | $31.26 | +1.0% |
Communications analyst jobs by state
Most common states for communications analysts
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 301 | 43% |
| 2 | Delaware | 961,939 | 135 | 14% |
| 3 | Vermont | 623,657 | 67 | 11% |
| 4 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 857 | 10% |
| 5 | Alaska | 739,795 | 72 | 10% |
| 6 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 65 | 9% |
| 7 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 51 | 9% |
| 8 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 534 | 8% |
| 9 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 495 | 8% |
| 10 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 67 | 8% |
| 11 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 392 | 7% |
| 12 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 88 | 7% |
| 13 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 440 | 6% |
| 14 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 202 | 6% |
| 15 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 190 | 6% |
| 16 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 109 | 6% |
| 17 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 79 | 6% |
| 18 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 76 | 6% |
| 19 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 68 | 6% |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 67 | 6% |
Most common cities for communications analysts
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andover | 1 | 3% | $70,331 |
| 2 | Pensacola | 1 | 2% | $63,728 |
| 3 | Rocklin | 1 | 2% | $96,379 |
| 4 | Washington | 5 | 1% | $83,146 |
| 5 | Huntsville | 2 | 1% | $51,389 |
| 6 | Fullerton | 1 | 1% | $80,306 |
| 7 | Arlington | 1 | 0% | $77,944 |
| 8 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $56,761 |
| 9 | Birmingham | 1 | 0% | $50,794 |
| 10 | Houston | 1 | 0% | $64,559 |
| 11 | Jacksonville | 1 | 0% | $62,182 |
| 12 | Los Angeles | 1 | 0% | $81,338 |
| 13 | Phoenix | 1 | 0% | $77,695 |
Communications Analyst job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of communications analyst experts
UMass Lowell
Merrimack College
University of Cincinnati Clermont College
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Coastal Carolina University
Grand Valley State University
University of Washington
Saint Mary's College
University of Kentucky
University of San Francisco
Western Kentucky University
University of Connecticut
Winthrop University
Denison University
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
Bowie State University
Wartburg College
What general advice would you give to a Communications Analyst?
Matthew Turner Ph.D., M.B.A.: People like the flexibility and excitement that can come with being a communication specialist. You can often meet interesting and important people and travel to new places. You can get new challenges frequently so you don’t fall into a rut. One of the things that people dislike about being a communication specialist is that it can sometimes feel amorphous. They might wonder what are the most important things to learn, what skills, tools, software, etc. are most valuable and how will changing technology make that knowledge obsolete? It often involves retraining and evolving job responsibilities and positions.
What Communications Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Matthew Turner Ph.D., M.B.A.: It would impossible to say what an average Communication Specialist does since Communication is such a diverse field. The tasks that a professional would do would depend largely on the type of specialist they are and may well depend on seasonal factors or specific events. That person could work in HR, Corporate Communication, Sales, Public Relations, Media, Advertising, or a host of other fields. As someone entering the field you may well be learning from someone else the specifics of your job. You may also be asked to jump right in and create new communication campaigns or continue old ones with little training particularly in smaller businesses.
What will help Communications Analysts increase their earning potential?
Matthew Turner Ph.D., M.B.A.: Communication is central to pretty much every business and organization so someone with good communication skills will always be employable. The skills acquired in getting a degree in communication are transferable to many different career paths.
Michael Ciuchta Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Program Coordinator, Masters of Science in EntrepreneurshipUMass Lowell
Department of Marketing, Entrepreneurship & Innovation
What will help Communications Analysts increase their earning potential?
Michael Ciuchta Ph.D.: If all you want is the highest potential starting salary, then you should aim for careers that offer them. But that is a shortsighted way to view things. For example, many careers that have tournament-like pay structures (think entertainment) often have very low starting salaries but the so-called winners enjoy outsized financial gains. If you are thinking about a more traditional career, I think it's important to make sure you are more valuable to your employer than they are to you. This means you have to market yourself, both to your current employer as well as to potential ones. Of course, this approach may not be for everyone and maximizing your salary potential is only one thing you should be considering when assessing job and career opportunities.
What will help Communications Analysts increase their earning potential?
Melissa Zimdars: Recognize that your first career opportunity won't be your last. If the job you land after college does not have opportunities for growth or advancement, it's imperative that you keep an eye out for them elsewhere as you continue to gain experience in your field.
Fawen Zhang PhD
Professor of AudiologyUniversity of Cincinnati Clermont College
Communication Disorders Sciences And Services
What will help Communications Analysts increase their earning potential?
Fawen Zhang PhD: This is perfect! Thank you so much. We will be sure to feature your response in the article and send a draft over for your review before we promote it.
What general advice would you give to a Communications Analyst?
Yao Sun: The world has never been so eager for enhanced communication. Individuals, parties, organizations, etc. all need conversations and dialogues to improve the understanding toward each other as well as toward the new challenges that we are facing. Being a Communication Specialist can play an important role in this regard.
What Communications Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Yao Sun: On a day-to-day basis, a Communication Specialist takes care of any work relevant to human interaction. This area of knowledge can be applied to a wide variety of jobs. For example, in an IT company, you can find a Communication Specialist in the marketing department for promoting the product, or in the product management department responsible for team building and knowledge integration.
What will help Communications Analysts increase their earning potential?
Yao Sun: People like being a Communication Specialist because of its dynamic and vibrant working environment. However, sometimes people dislike being a Communication Specialist due to the fact that this job demands high energy in dealing with various relationships, and this is a capability that not everybody can have.
Wendy Weinhold Ph.D.
Associate Professor of JournalismCoastal Carolina University
Communication And Media Studies
What general advice would you give to a Communications Analyst?
Wendy Weinhold Ph.D.: Negotiation is so important whenever you start a job. Research will help you understand what people are making in similar jobs in your area, and you will be more likely to get a better offer if you know what to ask for based on what’s reasonable. Beyond salary, you can negotiate technology—such as laptop computers, tablets, phones—as well as other perks, such as professional development stipends. And remember: your first salary is just a start!
What Communications Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Wendy Weinhold Ph.D.: Curiosity is the most importantly thing when it comes to skill building. Your college classes have you a solid foundation, but there is always more to learn. Seek out mentors who will help you understand your strengths and weaknesses, and be open to opportunities that help you grow.
What will help Communications Analysts increase their earning potential?
Wendy Weinhold Ph.D.: Communication is a major that offers you tremendous flexibility as you start your career, so use that to your advantage. Apply for jobs that interest you and build your portfolio. Your first job is highly unlikely to be your final job, so seek a job that will help you gain skills and prepare you for what’s next.
What general advice would you give to a Communications Analyst?
Dr. Mikhila Wildey PhD: Maximizing salary potential often has to do with knowing your worth. It is important for individuals to do some research on what similar positions in the field are being paid in order to understand what an acceptable salary range may be for a particular position. In order to argue for an offer to be on the higher end of a typical salary range and maximize earning potential, it is important to vocalize your skills and assets within interviews and in your application materials. Individuals will need to self-advocate to show why they should earn a higher salary. It can be helpful to write out their skills and assets on paper first and rehearse saying them out loud to feel more comfortable and confident within an interview.
What Communications Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Mikhila Wildey PhD: I think the ability to engage and connect with people will be very important in the field as we shift more and more to a culture that is driven by AI. Although AI can be a useful tool, it likely won’t ever fully replace the value of human interaction and connection. In addition, employers often comment that they want to see employees with strong work ethic, and I think this will continue to be the case in 3-5 years. Having a strong work ethic can separate the people that move forward in their careers to those who remain stagnant.
What will help Communications Analysts increase their earning potential?
Dr. Mikhila Wildey PhD: My general advice for a graduate beginning their career in the field is to work hard, stay open-minded, and network! Most employees won’t stay in the same position for their entire career, and so I often tell graduates to not get too hung up on the first job needing to be the 'perfect' job for them. Often, the first job will be a place where they learn how to navigate the workplace, learn about their own strengths/weaknesses, and figure out what they like and don’t like. I encourage graduates to use this information to help them make decisions about the next steps in their career. And, if they are working hard and networking with people at their job, then opportunities will often times present themselves or be more available to them as they navigate their future career path.
What Communications Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Victor Menaldo: Interacting with AI and knowing how to best exploit it to get the most out of it: increase productivity and value added in whatever field one is in.
What will help Communications Analysts increase their earning potential?
Victor Menaldo: Develop oral communication skills that allow you to speak in an articulate manner and organize your thoughts to signal your competence, knowledge, work ethic, and willingness to keep learning and improving.
What general advice would you give to a Communications Analyst?
Dr. Veronica Hefner: If you're able to know your passion, and your purpose, then find something that fulfills that, even if it means taking a lower paying job at first. For example, if you're really into fitness, get your foot in the door at a company that you respect and work your way up, rather than taking a higher paying job at a place you don't really like doing a job you don't really feel driven to do. Eventually, the passion for your work will motivate you to excel and that will result in achieving financial goals down the road as you are promoted. It's also good to get a master's degree because that will increase your initial salary by exponential amounts, depending on the field. Then, even if you don't land your dream job on the first try, you will have more options for promotion because you've already got the advanced degree in your portfolio.
What Communications Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Veronica Hefner: Knowing how to brand yourself, both in person and online, is becoming increasingly important. If you're networking at an event, do you have short stories or anecdotes that you can share that help you come across as interesting? A story can tell a listener about your values, work ethics, drive, and competencies much better than you sharing a laundry list of your achievements. The same thing is true when branding yourself online. Another skill is the ability to communicate, even if that sounds simple. Are you able to write a professional email? Can you carry on an intelligent conversation with a potential client? Do you know when to stop talking and actively listen? Are you able to get your message across to diverse audiences? These skills are applicable no matter what job you do.
What will help Communications Analysts increase their earning potential?
Dr. Veronica Hefner: I would recommend that a new graduate shows up and does the work to the best of their ability. So much of success is determined by reliability, competency, and effort. Aim to achieve a work/life balance that helps you stay mentally and physically healthy, but realize that means that when you're at work, you need to work. The most successful people are not always the most talented or the most educated, but they are the ones who exert the most effort and ambition. However, when you go home at the end of the day, leave work behind and focus on yourself. Finally, show respect to others. If you disagree with them, or just don't like them, you still need to show respect. Respect diverse people, ideas, perspectives, and consider the experiences you have with people and ideas that are different from your own as a privilege that helps you learn and grow.
Ying Lu Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorUniversity of Kentucky
Hospitality Administration/Management
What general advice would you give to a Communications Analyst?
Ying Lu Ph.D.: Communication skills. This is a service industry and requires strong communication skills to coordinate various departments and interact with diverse customers. A strong communication make you stand out in the team and make your job easier.
What Communications Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ying Lu Ph.D.: Introducing and instructing customers on how to use various tech equipment to have a better consumption experience.
What will help Communications Analysts increase their earning potential?
Ying Lu Ph.D.: Work experience. Gain work experience in the industry as much as possible while studying the degree colleges. If possible, get a promotion to a supervisory position before graduation.
What general advice would you give to a Communications Analyst?
Tika Lamsal PhD: Since communication graduates approach the workplaces equipped with effective interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, they can vouch for aspirational positions that become both professionally competitive and individually fulfilling.
What Communications Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Tika Lamsal PhD: You may want to look for career opportunities that provide a platform for your professional growth through deeply engaging and responsive communication practices across languages and cultures.
What will help Communications Analysts increase their earning potential?
Tika Lamsal PhD: In the time when students and professionals need to cater to the increasing demands of rapidly growing globalized and digitized workplaces, cross-cultural and multilingual communication skills have become essential for a meaningful and transformative dialogue with one another.
What Communications Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Timothy Rich PhD: Think about the types of jobs that interest you and the skills necessary for those jobs early. So many students start thinking about post-graduation life spring their senior year, when it should be an incremental process much earlier. Another pieces of advice would be to talk to faculty and alum about your interests, find internship or research opportunities when possible, and try to figure out early your strengths and weaknesses. It's easy for students, especially high performing ones, to not fully consider what their weaknesses are. I encourage students to jot down what they see as their skills too and to share them with others. It helps them to identify what's a common skill versus something that might make them stick out.
What general advice would you give to a Communications Analyst?
Tianxu Chen: But if you could kindly send me the questions you have, I'll coordinate with the career center to gather relevant information.
What Communications Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Tianxu Chen: I have completed the questions and attached them to this email.
What will help Communications Analysts increase their earning potential?
Tianxu Chen: I may be able to help, because starting later this month, I'll be becoming one of the faculty fellows at UConn's Center for Career Development.
Bonnye Stuart
Internship Coordinator, Speech Communication Coordinator, Study Abroad Adviser, Integrated Marketing Communication InstructorWinthrop University
Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication
What general advice would you give to a Communications Analyst?
Bonnye Stuart: First of all – have an e-portfolio of your work to show what you can do! Share that during the interview. Build trust with your employer during the interview stage that you have the skills and can-do attitude necessary to be an asset to his/her company! Be willing to go the extra mile, take on extra tasks, work long and hard on projects – all without asking if you will be paid extra for doing this!
What Communications Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Bonnye Stuart: Communication skills – in-person and mediated – will become more important as personal communication becomes less frequent and online communication takes center-stage. Analyzing analytics will be crucial as companies and organizations strive to 'really know' their publics behaviors and reach them where they are. Understanding Search Engine Optimization will be a great skill. Writing for a variety of formats – from long form storytelling to blogging will be important. Other skills will include videoing, photography, content creation, website editing and revision and trend watching!
What will help Communications Analysts increase their earning potential?
Bonnye Stuart: I would say be flexible - you may be asked to do a variety of tasks. Some tasks you may feel comfortable doing, others you may feel you don't have the experience to tackle. Be confident in your abilities – you probably know more than you think you do – especially in the areas of technology and social media. Above all, be a sponge – soak up all everything you can from soft, people skills to specific industry knowledge. You can learn from every experience in the workplace (even mundane meetings can yield much information about the culture of the company or organization and who's voice is heard and valued). There is much to learn as you begin your career, even if your first position is not your 'dream job'!
What general advice would you give to a Communications Analyst?
Zack Stiegler Ph.D.: Students who have competency across multiple media technologies will become more valuable. Having a broader skill set offers flexibility to employers and is attractive in terms of efficiency.
What Communications Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Zack Stiegler Ph.D.: Shooting for a big time programming gig in a major urban market might be alluring, but those jobs are highly competitive. It's better to take a longer path to dream jobs by gaining experience in smaller markets. Additionally, media jobs are not limited to traditional media organizations, and skills acquired in media and communication programs are highly applicable in various industries.
What will help Communications Analysts increase their earning potential?
Zack Stiegler Ph.D.: Having flexibility, willingness to learn new skills, and dedication to the organization can enhance one's value as an employee. Preserving work-life balance is also important to avoid exploitation.
What general advice would you give to a Communications Analyst?
Dr. Charles St-Georges Ph.D.: Be sure to communicate to potential employers all the skills you've acquired besides just 'speaking the language.' For example, your study of language and culture has helped you develop strong communication skills in both speaking and writing, and your intercultural competence has enabled you to engage with and learn from diverse populations in positive, productive ways. Your analytical skills are well developed after several years interpreting texts and cultural production across a variety of contexts and in comparison with your own language and culture. You already have significant experience adapting to new systems and learning to function and communicate quickly and effectively within them. Language majors are also uniquely aware of how cross-cultural communication needs to work if it is to happen successfully in an increasingly globalized world, regardless of the language of communication. Take the time to reflect on all the skills you've developed as a language major so you're ready to articulate them and advocate for yourself in a job interview.
What Communications Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Charles St-Georges Ph.D.: With American K-12 education continuing to gut the humanities and stress the importance of a STEM-only education (which is a false either/or choice, by the way), and with each new generation of college students having fewer and fewer social skills and poorer mental health due in part to an increasingly unhealthy relationship with technology, the workforce will increasingly be looking for college graduates who have people skills: effective communicators who are emotionally intelligent, culturally aware, and adept at encountering difference and navigating human complexity. A.I. is not going to provide these skills—especially when it comes to the cross-cultural communication that this increasingly globalized world will require. A quick A.I. translation from language A to language B is not going to facilitate the kind of contextually-savvy, culturally and historically-aware communication needed to combat climate change, deal with the next pandemic, or avert a major armed conflict. Or even effectively sell products, for that matter.
What will help Communications Analysts increase their earning potential?
Dr. Charles St-Georges Ph.D.: Advocate for yourself by clearly articulating all the skills and knowledge your language degree brings with it. This is something that is often underestimated and undervalued as a pay differential conceived of strictly in terms of language competency. Let your employer know everything else your language competency brings to the table.
Sheryl McMillan
Senior Research and Outreach Development OfficerTexas A&M University - Corpus Christi
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Communications Analyst?
Sheryl McMillan: We would like to please review your article prior to publication.
What Communications Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sheryl McMillan: Attached you will find the answers to your questions provided by Christina Murphey, Ph.D., RN, and Renae Schumann, PhD, RN, CNE. I have included their full titles in the attached document.
What will help Communications Analysts increase their earning potential?
Sheryl McMillan: I am happy to help you. If you could please send me your questions, I will find just the right answers and a faculty quote in plenty of time for your deadline.
What general advice would you give to a Communications Analyst?
Dr. Rochelle Daniel: Companies expect Communication graduates to be proficient in verbal and written skills, but there is a higher expectation now and moving forward for these graduates. Both hard and soft communication skills will continue to be important for company growth. Communication graduates will be expected to continuously update their proficiency in AI tools, social media platforms, and other technology to engage organizational publics and meet their companies' expectations. Soft communication skills such as active listening, empathy, friendliness, responsiveness, respect for diversity and inclusion, and nonverbal communication will be crucial.
What Communications Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Rochelle Daniel: My general advice to a graduate who transitions into that first professional job in the Communication field is similar to advice I give Communication students for navigating internship workspaces (Communications Internship Handbook: What HBCU Students Need to Know, 2022). Be intentional about learning the organizational or office culture, really listen to find out what is expected of you, be flexible and adaptable when there are changes in workflow, and don't be afraid to ask questions.
What will help Communications Analysts increase their earning potential?
Dr. Rochelle Daniel: When starting a career in Communications, you can maximize your salary by demonstrating adaptability to change, willingness and eagerness to learn new skills to enhance your performance, and a willingness to solve problems.
What general advice would you give to a Communications Analyst?
Dr. Penni Pier: There are a few things I would tell them. Make sure you make the most of your opportunities to network and learn the things about the industry that you do not know. Be mindful that professional development is a lifelong endeavor and that the first year will be a steep learning curve as you are an emerging professional. Take the initiative to learn or practice skill sets that you haven’t quite mastered. Ask for constructive feedback and then incorporate that feedback into your work. Two very practical pieces of advice that I try to tell my students: 1. Never surprise your boss. Keep them in the loop. If you make a mistake own up to it quickly and ask for feedback regarding how to avoid the mistake in the future and 2. Do not overpromise and under deliver. It is instinctual to want to please your supervisor and not let them down, but you must understand your own capacity, under delivering is ultimately more disappointing than understanding and setting your limits at the outset.
What Communications Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Penni Pier: You must be confident in the skill sets you have and negotiate for a beginning salary that is commensurate with your skills. A lot of emerging professionals shy away from negotiation (or making the right fit for that matter) because they are afraid of turning down a job. Interviews and the first series of negotiations set the tone for the relationship you will have with your employer. You also must be willing to look in geographic areas and related industries that need your skill sets to make give you the most opportunities to be choosy with your first professional position. While at your first position, it is important to make sure that your portfolio stays current, and they you are continuing to do professional development. Be proactive and learn (or enhance) any skills you find lacking. Work on client interaction and how to be a good collaborator with your colleagues. If you do these things and there is room for advancement with the organization that first hired, you this will give you a “leg up” in terms of salary potential. If there is not opportunity for advancement a first position will give you tangible work experience for your portfolio and an opportunity to practice your skills which in turn will make you more marketable if or when you decide to move on.
What will help Communications Analysts increase their earning potential?
Dr. Penni Pier: I wholeheartedly believe the same skills that have been important over the past 50. You need to be a good storyteller, a good writer, and a good researcher. Technology will change, the mediums will change, but the skills of being able to research, use your resources and tell a compelling story that touches the heart of your consumer or target audience remains constant.
What general advice would you give to a Communications Analyst?
Dr. Nick DiFrancesco: Communication- many grads lack even basic communication skills such as presenting, writing, or conversation; the industry is going to be seeking out not just the best and brightest, individuals who are personable, can relate and have rational discussions with others. The inability to engage in conversation and debate, or network with others is a serious issue among students, and these are skills that are absolutely vital to any professional.
What Communications Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Nick DiFrancesco: Ask questions, show up, and take an interest in what you do. Be prepared to learn on the fly because the degree you earned is just the foundation for everything you are going to learn doing the actual work.
What will help Communications Analysts increase their earning potential?
Dr. Nick DiFrancesco: Be reliable and willing to do different things. You don’t know where your best suited after graduation, but demonstrating that you can be counted on is not easily forgotten by most employers. Similarly, employees who decide to pigeon-hole themselves into a narrow set of tasks are rarely asked to do much beyond that, and can impede the progress in one’s career.