Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between communications specialists and coordinators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a communications specialist, becoming a coordinator takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a communications specialist has an average salary of $51,023, which is higher than the $41,599 average annual salary of a coordinator.
The top three skills for a communications specialist include customer service, powerpoint and patients. The most important skills for a coordinator are customer service, patients, and excellent organizational.
| Communications Specialist | Coordinator | |
| Yearly salary | $51,023 | $41,599 |
| Hourly rate | $24.53 | $20.00 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 12% |
| Number of jobs | 42,819 | 151,508 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Average age | 42 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 12 |
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.
Coordinators are responsible for liaising between the department they are assigned to and any other external party. They oversee projects or agreements. They are in charge of following through negotiations between the two parties regarding work. They see through the conduct of such contracts by ensuring that all terms are amenable to both parties. They maintain records and other necessary data and paperwork. They also ensure that office policy and guidelines are being followed. Coordinators also ensure that all projects are completed efficiently and effectively.
Communications specialists and coordinators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Communications Specialist | Coordinator | |
| Average salary | $51,023 | $41,599 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $71,000 | Between $27,000 And $61,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Meta | |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a communications specialist and a coordinator in terms of educational background:
| Communications Specialist | Coordinator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Most common major | Communication | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | University of Southern California |
Here are the differences between communications specialists' and coordinators' demographics:
| Communications Specialist | Coordinator | |
| Average age | 42 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 42.9% Female, 57.1% | Male, 36.3% Female, 63.7% |
| 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, 11.5% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.9% Asian, 6.4% White, 53.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 11% |