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The differences between communications specialists and communications coordinators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a communications specialist and a communications coordinator. Additionally, a communications specialist has an average salary of $51,023, which is higher than the $47,075 average annual salary of a communications coordinator.
The top three skills for a communications specialist include customer service, powerpoint and patients. The most important skills for a communications coordinator are customer service, web content, and event planning.
| Communications Specialist | Communications Coordinator | |
| Yearly salary | $51,023 | $47,075 |
| Hourly rate | $24.53 | $22.63 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 42,819 | 39,790 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A communications specialist takes charge of addressing the public by coming up with various strategic campaigns, newsletters, public correspondence, press releases, and advertisements. Their primary role focuses on promoting, shaping, and enhancing a brand's image through public relations. Furthermore, a communications specialist is responsible for handling any complaints or issues, devising and conducting damage control to resolve bad publicity should there be any. It is also essential for a communications specialist to adhere to the company's policies and regulations at all times.
A communications coordinator is responsible for overseeing the communications department's operations, developing the brand image, and monitoring press releases, company articles, and other related marketing materials for business promotion and visibility. Communications coordinators actively interact with existing and potential clients, negotiate contracts, and build profitable partnerships. They also develop strategic procedures for creating the business' online presence, organizing promotional events, and media conferences. A communications coordinator must have excellent communication and organization skills to maintain a good reputation and customer satisfaction.
Communications specialists and communications coordinators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Communications Specialist | Communications Coordinator | |
| Average salary | $51,023 | $47,075 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $71,000 | Between $34,000 And $63,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Microsoft | |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Government |
There are a few differences between a communications specialist and a communications coordinator in terms of educational background:
| Communications Specialist | Communications Coordinator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Most common major | Communication | Communication |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between communications specialists' and communications coordinators' demographics:
| Communications Specialist | Communications Coordinator | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 42.9% Female, 57.1% | Male, 29.4% Female, 70.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 11.9% Asian, 5.3% White, 67.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | Black or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.1% Asian, 5.3% White, 66.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 12% |