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Communications lead job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected communications lead job growth rate is 12% from 2018-2028.
About 20,400 new jobs for communications leads are projected over the next decade.
Communications lead salaries have increased 8% for communications leads in the last 5 years.
There are over 17,158 communications leads currently employed in the United States.
There are 20,413 active communications lead job openings in the US.
The average communications lead salary is $96,988.
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 17,158 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 17,378 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 17,133 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 15,440 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 14,416 | 0.00% |
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $96,988 | $46.63 | +3.6% |
| 2025 | $93,574 | $44.99 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $91,024 | $43.76 | +1.9% |
| 2023 | $89,324 | $42.94 | --0.9% |
| 2022 | $90,132 | $43.33 | +1.8% |
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 301 | 43% |
| 2 | Alaska | 739,795 | 155 | 21% |
| 3 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 211 | 20% |
| 4 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 173 | 20% |
| 5 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 316 | 18% |
| 6 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 313 | 16% |
| 7 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 406 | 14% |
| 8 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 401 | 14% |
| 9 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 286 | 14% |
| 10 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 363 | 12% |
| 11 | Delaware | 961,939 | 118 | 12% |
| 12 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 407 | 10% |
| 13 | Vermont | 623,657 | 63 | 10% |
| 14 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 53 | 9% |
| 15 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 61 | 8% |
| 16 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 590 | 7% |
| 17 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 506 | 7% |
| 18 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 422 | 6% |
| 19 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 379 | 6% |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 67 | 6% |
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frankfort | 2 | 7% | $91,694 |
| 2 | Juneau | 2 | 6% | $77,625 |
| 3 | Annapolis | 2 | 5% | $91,309 |
| 4 | Covington | 2 | 5% | $93,236 |
| 5 | Dover | 2 | 5% | $82,949 |
| 6 | Cambridge | 3 | 3% | $78,154 |
| 7 | Hartford | 3 | 2% | $97,909 |
| 8 | Lansing | 2 | 2% | $76,504 |
| 9 | Boston | 9 | 1% | $78,271 |
| 10 | Washington | 7 | 1% | $90,914 |
| 11 | Atlanta | 5 | 1% | $84,151 |
| 12 | Tampa | 4 | 1% | $76,711 |
| 13 | Sacramento | 3 | 1% | $132,659 |
| 14 | Baton Rouge | 2 | 1% | $79,110 |
| 15 | Des Moines | 2 | 1% | $68,513 |
| 16 | Chicago | 2 | 0% | $87,564 |
| 17 | Denver | 2 | 0% | $74,392 |
| 18 | Indianapolis | 2 | 0% | $92,263 |
West Liberty University

Macalester College

University of the Incarnate Word

Southern Illinois University

University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

Saint John's University

Penn State University, Brandywine

Marian University

Pennsylvania State University
Luther College

Morehouse College

Indiana University Northwest
Randolph-Macon College

Calvin University

Governors State University

Arkansas State University

Drake University

Montana State University Billings
Mississippi College

Neumann University
West Liberty University
College of Liberal and Creative Arts
Dr. Danielle Mehlman-Brightwell Ph.D.: Organizational skills stand out on a Communication Associates resume. I also take notice of how those skills are applied to the aesthetics of the resume.

Macalester College
Departments of Media & Cultural Studies and International Studies
Michael Griffin Ph.D.: Probably on-the-job writing experience--a portfolio of written work in strategic communications.

University of the Incarnate Word
Communication Arts
Dr. Trey Guinn: The field of communication(s) is like an enormous playground. The roles and responsibilities of professional communicators vary as much as playgrounds and the equipment they house. What seems universal is that communications managers work to advance a brand's image by developing and delivering intentional messages that effectively convey meaning with impact. Beyond that, these individuals work in various settings and perform a range of communicative tasks. Some have general oversight of an organization's internal and external communications, while others may have a narrower focus exclusively on liaising with media to gain purposeful exposure or manage crisis communication. Thus, while the role may seem straightforward, the truth is that the job description and responsibilities can vary greatly. This is important to note because the skills that should stand out on your resume must incorporate your knowledge of the industry and the nuance of the specific job to which you are applying. Sticking with our aforementioned metaphor, a hiring manager may need to know that you have a general understanding of all the toys on the playground but may be especially interested in how well you build sandcastles. Thus, it behooves you to make your resume speak to the job description. And moreover, when appropriate to do so, you would be wise to utilize language in the job description. If you are part of a "tiger team," but the job description calls for someone who has been part of a "high-performing team," accommodate your language for the reader, especially if your reader is a machine that may not be programmed to understand your jargon.
Dr. Trey Guinn: It goes without saying that a communications manager is expected to demonstrate exceptional verbal, nonverbal, and written communication. They should have in-depth knowledge of best writing and messaging practices for the needs of the particular organization and industry to which they have applied. But more than developing and delivering effective messaging, a savvy communications manager must effectively engage with individuals of all levels, whether internal or external to the organization. They must be able to lead and influence with and without positional authority.
Dr. Trey Guinn: In addition to education and experiences related to corporate and strategic communications, it is helpful to have a healthy working knowledge related to the industry to which they have applied. A communications manager in the tech industry should be well-versed in that technology. The same goes for oil and gas, consumer product goods, education, healthcare, etc. Beyond this, we find that organizations gravitate toward candidates with quantitative reasoning skills and an analytical mindset. So, if you have been avoiding courses and projects that require taking deep dives into data, now is the time to brush up!
Dr. Trey Guinn: Companies large and small, especially those offering impressive salary ranges, seek individuals who can go beyond the traditional definition of the role. Organizations are looking for communications managers who can work cross-functionally, employ quantitative reasoning to extract meaningful insights, and then utilize their emotional intelligence and interpersonal savvy to turn nuggets of data into compelling stories presented to senior leaders. They seek people who can lead projects from ideation and strategy phases through implementation and assessment. Best-in-class communications managers also exhibit tremendous ability to influence internal and external stakeholders, unlock potential, and drive value.

Southern Illinois University
School of Communication Studies
Justin Young: What I hear more and more is a desire for multi-skilled Communication Managers. In other words, it's not simply enough to have a background in PR, but often you'll wear many hats and might be asked to shoot a video with your phone, edit it on your desktop, and then post it across social media. So they're not just looking for video editing, or web content management, or social media, or article writing, or public speaking, but ideally, a little of them all.
Justin Young: Two big factors are affecting soft skill needs-diversity and remote work. As companies diversify, they need people who can deftly integrate diverse employees while keeping an open, understanding ear to those employees' needs. A background in intercultural communication and empathy is very useful here.
Along the same lines, COVID has forced many employees into remote work, and the truth is that some will never return to a traditional office schedule. Companies need communicators who can build those team dynamics when the team might be scattered across five states. Again, it's about listening to the needs and understanding that a video chat meeting is less about the tech and more about interpersonal communication and teamwork.
Justin Young: I would say it's less important that someone knows the latest video editing software than they have a sound understanding of film theory. I'm more concerned that someone shooting a 30-second clip for Instagram understands how to compose a shot than they necessarily know how to integrate visual effects. That basic idea is true across the board. Technology is shifting so rapidly today that a core understanding of the principles of design, composition, and even something like UX allows a young person straight out of college to adapt over the next five years as a lot of their physical tech may phase out of use.
18-year-olds aren't using Twitter anymore, but a fundamental understanding of how algorithms work will translate to newer social platforms such as Tik-Tok.
Justin Young: Straight out of school, some of those hard skills might give you a leg up on that first job. However, long-term, I think soft skills like teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, and simply interpersonal skills will advance you further. The most successful people I see tend to be good with people as well as willing to listen and learn. Some people can fake these skills to advance, but the organization usually suffers in the long-term, as do they financially.

University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Department of Communication
Sherry Morreale Ph.D.: Stephen Colbert, actor, comedian, and TV host, graduated with a B.A. in Communication, as did Howard Shultz, the Executive Chairman of Starbucks, Carrie Underwood, country music singer, Peyton Manning, retired NFL football player, Oprah Winfrey, former talk show host and producer, and Spike Lee, director, producer, and actor. Less well known but successful communication graduates also include Robert Lampley, Assistant Director of the Office of Civil Rights at Central Michigan University, Jessica Berlin, Social Marketing Manager of Yahoo, Brandon Weathers, Analyst/Federal Government Contractor, Ashley Kronsell, Communication Specialist at Advanced Vehicle Technology Competition, and Sierra Lowe, Regulatory Communications Coordinator at Cook Medical Group (National Communication Association, 2021a).
This impressive list highlights just a few of the many highly productive people with Communication degrees who are now employed in a range of interesting positions. Clearly, a degree in Communication opens the door to a wide variety of employment opportunities. That is because communication itself is ubiquitous - it is everywhere. But we need to clarify exactly what communication skills are needed, given this wide array of jobs and careers. This brief commentary presents three diverse sources of information about those important communication skills.
1. The results of a national study that highlights exactly what aspects of Communication, and therefore Communication Education, are considered critically important to everyone's personal and professional success in life.
2. Employers' expectations about their communication knowledge and skills in college graduates would like to see.
3. A summary of learning outcomes for communication graduates was developed by the National Communication Association.
Sherry Morreale Ph.D.: A very recent analysis of 82 million job postings uncovered a critical demand by employers for what often is referred to as durable skills (America Succeeds, 2021). By contrast to hard skills, durable skills, sometimes referred to as soft skills, comprise important professional capabilities (Leadership, Critical Thinking, Communication, etc.) and personal qualities (Creativity, Mindfulness, Fortitude, etc.) that last throughout a person's entire career. In this analysis, two key findings are:
-In the job postings, the top five durable skills were requested nearly four (3.8) times more than the top five hard skills.
-Also, Communication and Leadership were in the highest demand, requested by 50+% of postings. These two durable (soft) skills sets include the following specific knowledge and skills.
A third durable skill or competency identified in the job postings, closely related to Leadership and Communication, is Collaboration. The Collaboration knowledge and skills connected to Communication and Leadership are interpersonal communications, coordinating, teamwork, team-oriented, team leadership, collaboration, team building, cooperation, and virtual teams.

Saint John's University
Mass Communication
Nancy DiTunnariello Ph.D.: One of the best skills a Communication Manager can hold is taking charge during stressful situations yet still managing their team. A great manager will understand that they must delegate work to others on their team to get things accomplished. Utilizing and helping to cultivate the strengths of others on your team is an excellent skill to have and a true asset to your organization. One strong and capable employee is great; however, an entire team of them is even better.
Nancy DiTunnariello Ph.D.: Be personable! During the interview process, individuals are so focused on being "professional" that they forget to show potential employers who they really are. YOU are what sets you apart from other applicants. Also, employers want to see if your personality is a good fit with the company culture and the colleagues/clients you would be working with. Plus, would you want to work for an organization where you have to pretend and assume a false persona all day?
Nancy DiTunnariello Ph.D.: A hard/technical skill important in communication is to be aware of applications and programs used within your field and at least have some experience working with them. For example, if you are in advertising, be familiar with applications used in the ad and copy creation process. Or, if you are in tv/film, be familiar with editing applications like Adobe Premiere and Final Cut. This is why really jumping into your coursework pre-career is so important; you can take the time to explore and learn to use important software and applications that will tie to your future career.
Nancy DiTunnariello Ph.D.: One of the characteristics that help you earn the most is your experience when searching for a job. Employers like to see that you have previous experience working in the field - especially if you have been working with other organizations in the same market. For example, suppose you are applying for a job in public relations at an agency specializing in entertainment PR, and you have had other positions in entertainment PR in the past. In that case, the hiring organization knows you are familiar with journalists and already have contacts in this market. This is why college programs really REALLY advocate for internships in the field before graduation. Any way you can get experience in the field that you plan to go into helps provide you with references who can speak on your abilities in the field and help you work on skills you will be utilizing throughout your entire career. More experience often equates to more money.

Penn State University, Brandywine
Communications Department
Hans Schmidt Ph.D.: It is important to have a wide range of communication skills -from effectively participating in and leading meetings to write in style appropriate for the setting to media productions skills. When people move into the "manager" role, of course, this entails having developed a broad awareness of the culture at that particular organization and the skills needed to lead a group of people. So, really, skills related to communication touch on a wide range of job functions and responsibilities.
Hans Schmidt Ph.D.: I know that "soft skills" is commonly used, but I'm not a fan of the term. I think it implies that some of these skills are "soft" or "easy" or "unimportant." They aren't. In many ways, so-called "soft skills" - things like interpersonal communication skills - can be among the most important skills for any worker. This is especially the case in communication-related fields, where there is an expectation that human interaction - both in-person and mediated - is important. This is true with leadership skills and presentation/speaking skills.
Hans Schmidt Ph.D.: Having the ability to write well is important in most knowledge-based fields today. It is especially critical in any communication-related field of job specialization. Otherwise, the specific technical skills are important variations between the particular company and/or job expectations. Some fields use proprietary software that one typically learns about once one starts the job. Some fields require media production competencies - related to basic video production, audio production, imaging or photography, or even web design/management. The important thing is to develop a general competency with technology - and to learn how to learn. That allows you to pivot to develop new skills in different situations and roles.
Hans Schmidt Ph.D.: There are so many variables here. For one thing, market needs are constantly changing. Similarly, there is a wide range of salaries between different employers. This is why it is so important to, again, "learn how to learn." That enables you to be adaptable, flexible, and capable of adjusting to different environments. Also, it emphasizes why the development of fundamental communication skills related to spoken communication, written communication, and - today - mediated communication are so important. You can take these skills and specialize them in any number of ways.

Marian University
The Rev. Dr. George LaMaster: One entry-level position in communication is not like all the others. I recommend that job candidates start with the expectations in the job advertisement. Study them. Then, tailor the resume to highlight how your experiences match their expectations. Lists of "skills" mean very little unless they're substantiated with education or work experience.

Pennsylvania State University
Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications
Dr. Bu Zhong Ph.D.: Social media analytics - obtain and uncover insights by analyzing information circulated on social media platforms.
Luther College
Communication Studies Department
Sarah Wilder Ph.D.: That's an interesting question for a degree like Communication Studies that doesn't have a designated career like other fields. Some positions of our recent graduates include anchor, producer, occupational therapist, director of career development, attorney at law, librarian, graduate student, social worker, marketing manager, and director of training, to name a few. So really what certifications or licenses are helpful will be position/career specific. As far as courses, I recommend a breadth of courses that prepare individuals to interact and communicate competently as well as think critically. This could mean taking an interpersonal communication course to better understand the nuances of truly empathic, competent communication with others, particularly in a diverse workforce, to taking a course on argumentation to better understand how to effectively present ideas and critically interact with a larger society's positions on complicated ideologies.

Matthew Lange Ph.D.: Specific credentials are often a prerequisite to a particular career path. In the field of education, primary- and secondary-school teachers need licensure in their state of employment to teach in public schools, and those requirements are covered in the undergraduate education program. If one moves to another state, however, the new state's Department of Education (or Public Instruction) has to grant new licensure in its state. In contrast, professors and instructors at the post-secondary level require no teaching credentials. Instead, the college or university stipulates a PhD, MA or even simply BA.
The vast majority of German majors/minors learn the language and culture to apply that knowledge to their primary field of study, most often in business or the sciences, to expand their work, study, and research options. Some opportunities have minimum language proficiency expectations, however. Instead of taking applicants self-evaluations of language proficiency (the term "fluent" means different things to different people), employers can rely on standardized tests such as the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) or Writing Proficiency Test (WPT), which were developed by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). German language programs aim to produce graduates with proficiency at the intermediate-high or advanced-low on the ACTFL scale, which ranges from novice-low to distinguished, since that is simultaneously the expected minimum set by the respective state Department of Education for teaching licensure. One can also look beyond the US border to various tests at the Goethe Institut, which evaluate the four modalities of listening, reading, speaking, and writing. These tests evaluate according to the Common European Reference Framework (CERF) that ranges from A1 to C2. German universities require B1 on the CERF scale to enroll directly in university.
Most important for a well-rounded education, of course, is a study abroad experience. By being "a stranger in a strange land" one develops negotiation techniques and problem-solving skills when dealing with linguistically- and culturally-ambiguous situations. Studies have shown that study and work abroad increases creativity and flexibility, which are crucial for personal and professional growth.

Indiana University Northwest
Department of Communication
Dorothy Ige Campbell: A bachelor's degree in Communication is considered ideal for non-academic jobs. For undergraduate degrees, a Communication degree paired with a Minor (such as Business) can be ideal, and that has not changed. Those who wish to teach Communication in secondary schools often complete a four-year degree with a major in Education which stresses teaching methods and childhood development, with an emphasis in Communication. Courses in Drama and English also help secondary teacher preparation in Communication.
For graduate education and academic faculty positions in higher education, a Masters in Communication or a related field for part-time teaching for Junior College teaching of Communication courses is usually required. A Ph. D. is usually required for tenure-track, full-time faculty positions in Communication. Courses in statistical research, theory, then specialty Communication courses (such as Health, Religious or Strategic Communication, and so on) are usually required. At all levels, there is an increased emphasis on diversity in the curriculum.
Randolph-Macon College
Film Studies Program
M. Thomas Inge Ph.D.: When I graduated from Randolph-Macon College in 1959, I was one of 600 students. I wanted to be a writer and literary critic, but the closest thing we had were majors in the liberal arts. Majors in English and Spanish opened my world view, but today more than 1200 view for places in the sciences and technology. Randolph-Macon has become a mega-college and conveyor of the latest information and research like no other in the United States. Books and language work side by side in laboratories and with computers to provide the best education possible.
"What can you do with a degree in the novel or medieval studies?" Just about anything if you attend a school that takes a full perspective on life.
M. Thomas Inge Ph.D.: We learn from the textbooks of life and practice. What employers look for are students who not only reflect current knowledge but move it beyond to new frontiers.

LaShone Manuel: Some skills graduates should possess will be excellent communication skills (written, verbal). Persistence, relating to determination and hard work ethic. And lastly, I recommend students expand on their technical skills.

Governors State University
Communication Department
Valerie Cronin-Fisher Ph.D.: It is difficult to say what a day in the life of a recent graduate currently looks like as the careers they pursue are highly variable. However, a common theme among Communication graduates is the positive impact they have on their organization and community. Many Communication graduates are interested in public service and social justice. They have honed their critical thinking, interpersonal, and writing skills and because of this they make the world a better place no matter the career path they choose.

Dr. Sarah Mayberry Scott Ph.D.: Communication skills are often viewed as "soft skills," and for that reason they are often overlooked by students. It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking, "I communicate every day, why would I need a class in that?" But these so-called soft-skills - interpersonal communication, teamwork, listening, presenting information - are called skills for a reason. The ability to communicate effectively, concisely, appropriately across multiple contexts, for a variety of occasions is not innate. The good news is that these skills can be taught! These oft-neglected skills are some of the first things potential employers look for in hiring new people. Taking courses that help you find, present, share, and create well-researched, credible, logical, and organized information are crucial for students wanting to increase not only their chance of getting hired but also their opportunities for promotions.

Alanah Mitchell Ph.D.: In some cases certifications and licenses can help with possible job prospects. In general, IS education is focused on current technology processes, skills, tools, and technologies that employers are interested in. Additionally, internships during school really help to provide practical experience and increase the chances of job offers.
Alanah Mitchell Ph.D.: Along with business and technical skills, IS majors do need to work in developing a broad set of soft, interpersonal skills. Specifically, collaboration and teamwork, critical thinking and problem solving, creativity, communication, negotiation and conflict management, and leadership as well as working under pressure often rank high in the list of soft skills necessary for success in IS. Increasingly, the development of soft skills is emphasized in academic programs as employers are looking for these skills in new graduates.

Samuel Isaac Boerboom Ph.D.: For communication professionals it will again be about effective presentation of one's skills in online platforms and spaces. Web marketing and persuasion skills are absolutely paramount right now.
Dr. Phyllis Seawright: Based on what our grads this year are doing, it appears that the market needs people with technical and writing skills. Social media is only as good as the writers and thinkers who create it. Our graduates are building web pages and social media platforms, PR and marketing plans. A graduate trained in media and people skills can find a job in this changing marketplace.
Dr. Phyllis Seawright: A gap year is only as adventurous as the budget allows. An up-to-date resume, thorough research of job websites in the desired area, and the ability to Zoom or Skype for interviews will help a fledgling fly farther from the nest. Having excellent presentation skills will secure that job over the Zoom universe.
Dr. Phyllis Seawright: General advice: Practice professionalism while you are still in classes. When it's time for the BIG interview, you will feel more confident in how you present yourself to a potential employer. Keep a friend handy who can review your resume and other materials. It's too easy to miss an error when you have the INTERVIEW on your mind. And keep your interview suit READY to wear.

Neumann University
School of Arts and Sciences
Dr. Alfred Mueller Ph.D.: Coming out of the worst days of the pandemic, I predict that soft skills will be much more important. I have needed to rely more on my own emotional intelligence in the last twelve months than I did in the five years prior to the pandemic. Graduates need to demonstrate emotional intelligence, be able to work well in teams, and be highly adaptable. Given where we are in society right now, graduates must have the ability to communicate clearly and to distinguish between fact and fiction in the world around them. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge a strong need for professional ethics, regardless of the field that a graduate decides to pursue.