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| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,493 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 1,504 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 1,506 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 1,470 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 1,438 | 0.00% |
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $42,421 | $20.39 | +2.7% |
| 2024 | $41,300 | $19.86 | +1.9% |
| 2023 | $40,523 | $19.48 | +1.2% |
| 2022 | $40,050 | $19.25 | +2.2% |
| 2021 | $39,186 | $18.84 | +2.2% |
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 197 | 28% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 378 | 6% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 56 | 6% |
| 4 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 209 | 5% |
| 5 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 64 | 5% |
| 6 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 54 | 5% |
| 7 | Vermont | 623,657 | 31 | 5% |
| 8 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 320 | 4% |
| 9 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 270 | 4% |
| 10 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 241 | 4% |
| 11 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 236 | 4% |
| 12 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 220 | 4% |
| 13 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 183 | 4% |
| 14 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 133 | 4% |
| 15 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 124 | 4% |
| 16 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 31 | 4% |
| 17 | Alaska | 739,795 | 30 | 4% |
| 18 | New York | 19,849,399 | 582 | 3% |
| 19 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 254 | 3% |
| 20 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 239 | 3% |
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kissimmee | 2 | 3% | $33,695 |
| 2 | Clermont | 1 | 3% | $33,679 |
| 3 | Visalia | 2 | 2% | $44,152 |
| 4 | Attleboro | 1 | 2% | $49,487 |
| 5 | Corvallis | 1 | 2% | $40,419 |
| 6 | Orlando | 2 | 1% | $33,658 |
| 7 | Albany | 1 | 1% | $32,284 |
| 8 | Bismarck | 1 | 1% | $47,279 |
| 9 | Bloomington | 1 | 1% | $39,379 |
| 10 | College Station | 1 | 1% | $40,264 |
| 11 | Davenport | 1 | 1% | $34,667 |
| 12 | Duluth | 1 | 1% | $46,465 |
| 13 | Fort Lauderdale | 1 | 1% | $33,632 |
| 14 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $46,175 |
| 15 | Baton Rouge | 1 | 0% | $32,544 |
| 16 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $49,040 |
University of Florida
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Loyola University New Orleans
Brigham Young University
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University of Detroit Mercy
University of Cincinnati
University of Indianapolis
Georgia Southwestern State University
Albion College
San Jose State University
University of Texas at Tyler
Marshall University
University of Maine
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Dr. Joy Daggs: I have quite a bit of advice:
1. Get as much experience as an undergraduate as possible. Many programs require internships, but even if they don't, seek opportunities to get experience. Take leadership roles in student organizations. Even if it's not specifically a 'public relations' entitled position, anything where you practice your skills is helpful. Even if you need to work a job in retail or service, those jobs still provide important benefits other than a paycheck. Don't discount your experiences!
2. Don't pass up opportunities to meet professionals. Many schools and departments bring their alumni on campus or do virtual events so that you can meet and chat with professionals. Even if it's not required for class, GO. You never know when a casual conversation may lead to an internship or an important professional connection.
3. Use your LinkedIn profile to your advantage. Make sure you have a professional picture that shows you in your best light. Follow organizations that you want to work for and other professional organizations related to your interests. I know of people getting interviews based off of LinkedIn interactions. Check your other social media accounts to make sure that you are not presenting yourself poorly. Most likely, organizations will Google you or look up your personal social media. There are reports of students losing opportunities because of poor social media choices.
University of Florida
Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication
Dr. Rebecca Frazer: Be eager, flexible, and willing to learn. Entry-level PR positions often involve a broad range of different tasks that may require the employee to quickly teach themselves new skills, software, and applications. Demonstrating an ability to catch on quickly and an eagerness to take on new challenges goes a long way in impressing an employer.
Washington State University
Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication
Ms. Chelsea Thomas: Public relations is a good fit for those who enjoy a fast-paced lifestyle with low predictability. That said, a professional in this field will spend significant time building a well-planned, strategic campaign that anticipates potential issues and capitalizes on client successes. A person in this field would do well being organized, strategic, flexible and sociable. A strong writing capacity is a positive aspect as well. Conversely, those in this profession might dislike unpredictable hours, as this industry can sometimes require significant time, attention and dedication to the client's needs.
Michelle Galey: PR is a great profession to enter now because of the growing demand for PR professionals, varied career opportunities, growth potential, competitive salary and benefits, and work-life balance and flexibility. Plus, working in PR allows you to be creative and work with so many different software tools and platforms. With the increasing reliance on digital media and online platforms, there is a growing demand for PR professionals who can effectively navigate these channels and stay up to date with current trends and technologies. We live in an era of 24/7 communication and public scrutiny, so organizations need highly skilled PR professionals to manage and mitigate potential crises effectively. Although this is a sad reality, it provides more work for PR professionals!
Michelle Galey: From my experience being a PR practitioner myself and talking to my former PR students, it’s easy to find both rewards and challenges in the PR profession. My former students tell me that they enjoy the variety, creativity, impact, and networking opportunities in the field but that can sometimes come with high pressure, stress, unpredictability, client expectations, and mundane administrative tasks. These tasks can range from data entry to maintaining media lists and contact databases. Despite the challenges, they find the field rewarding and fulfilling, knowing they have an opportunity to grow in their careers and make significant impacts within their organizations and for their clients.
Loyola University New Orleans
Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication
Jeffrey Ory: Starting a career in public relations can be an exhilarating journey, filled with opportunities to shape perceptions and craft compelling narratives. As you embark on this path, there are a few foundational strategies that can enhance your success in the dynamic field of PR. First and foremost, cultivating a robust network is essential. The heart of public relations lies in forging strong connections. Engage actively with colleagues, journalists, and industry professionals. This can be achieved by attending industry events, participating in relevant organizations, and maintaining a vibrant presence on professional social media platforms like LinkedIn. These relationships will not only provide valuable insights and opportunities but also support your growth in the field. Equally important is honing your communication skills. In public relations, your ability to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively is paramount. Dedicate time to refining your writing and speaking abilities, ensuring you can deliver clear, concise, and compelling messages tailored to various audiences and media formats. This skill set is your toolkit, enabling you to convey your clients' messages effectively and resonate with your target audience. Staying informed cannot be overlooked. The landscape of public relations is constantly influenced by shifting industry trends, breaking news, and technological advancements. By keeping abreast of these changes, you can better anticipate and meet the needs of your clients and the media, thus solidifying your role as a knowledgeable and indispensable asset. Practical experience is another cornerstone of a successful PR career. Seek out internships or entry-level positions within PR agencies or in-house teams. These opportunities are invaluable for understanding the industry's dynamics from the inside out, providing a real-world context to the theories and strategies learned in academic settings. Lastly, embracing a proactive and creative mindset is crucial. Public relations thrive on innovation and initiative. Be ready to propose new ideas, tackle challenges with creative solutions, and manage crises with agility and poise. Your ability to think outside the box and act decisively in high-pressure situations will set you apart in the fast-paced world of public relations.
Brigham Young University
Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication
Brian Smith Ph.D.: Take a look around us…we are in an age of distrust and uncertainty. Public relations is in the best position to fill the trust gap. PR professionals serve the stakeholders and publics that are most affected by company decisions. PR is the advocate that ensures that companies fill the needs of the society while also building company legitimacy.
Elmhurst College
Sports, Kinesiology, And Physical Education/Fitness
Professor Charlie Goehl: I would give this advise for any field. Be a willing learner. Volunteer for any duties. Listen and learn. Ask questions and get to know others in the business. Networking is very important for a beginner.
David Cassilo: A communication specialist will see their role vary by organization, but at most places, this individual will help an organization maintain relationships with both the media and the public. Duties are extensive and can include creating press releases, running social media accounts, authoring written content and coordinating events. No day is likely the same for a communication specialist.
Suzanne Boys PhD., APR: Writing is a perennial skill. Today's Communication graduates will need to learn how to ethically and strategically merge writing skills with the use of generative AI. Hiring managers are also likely to presume that recent Communication graduates are savvy on all social/digital platforms. However, digital/social platforms evolve constantly and professional skills are distinct from personal and recreational skills in this area. For that reason, I recommend new graduates develop social/digital content creation, strategy building, and analytics skills, and that they work to keep these skills current. Reading and responding to emergent and often contested cultural mores is another skill that is important for new graduates. Communication professionals are often at the forefront of cultural engagement, so this is a key skill.
Suzanne Boys PhD., APR: I encourage students to create a portfolio of work samples, including writing, research, and creative pieces. They can use this portfolio to show skills, potential, and the value they will add to a company. I also encourage students to pursue continued education and practical certifications after graduation (e.g., Google and LinkedIn offer free and low cost certifications). Adding those certifications to a resume can show skills, relevance, and work ethic. Joining professional associations (e.g., Public Relations Society of America, American Marketing Association, Together Digital) is also key. Many of those associations offer mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities. Finally, it is important to put yourself forward for opportunities. Employees who take on projects and are unafraid of challenges create leverage for themselves in salary negotiations.
Suzanne Boys PhD., APR: My advice to graduating Communication students is to think outside of the box about ways to build experience. For example, post graduate internships are a great way to gain experience. Another non-traditional post graduate option is to volunteer for local non-profit organizations. Students can use these volunteer experiences to continue building their portfolios and networks, even while they job search. I also advise recent graduates not to pressure themselves to find 'the job.' Their first couple of jobs after graduating will allow them to grow their skills and networks. They can finesse their job search after they have finessed their skills and started to built a career network.
University of Indianapolis
Communication And Media Studies
Dr. Stephanie Wideman Ph.D.: Graduates need to be aware of the changing nature of industry as a whole. The expectation used to be you graduate, get a job, and then expect to stay in that position until you retire. That is not the ways of modern day career-making. Now, most graduates can expect to shift jobs for 3-4 years before they find the right fit. This is a good thing! It allows graduates to explore a bit and find where their talents can really shine.
Dr. Stephanie Wideman Ph.D.: Adaptability, first and foremost. A proper university education should teach students to be able to succeed in a variety of positions relative to their field. Second, media literacy and critical thinking skills will become more and more in demand as we enter this new level of technology.
Georgia Southwestern State University
English Language And Literature
Paul Dahlgren: People will likely tell you that AI is about to render your writing skills obsolete. They could not be more wrong. AI is great at writing, error-free, vapid prose, but it is unlikely that this kind of writing is going to be an important part of what you do. As you likely know, writing is a tool to help organize and structure thought and using writing and other forms of communication effectively to help others make connections between ideas and people is likely to become a much more valuable skill. You can and should incorporate programs like ChatGPT into your writing as this seems to be the way that industry is headed. But you and your company can't afford to use tools like these ones without a careful eye watching and revising what they do. Learn how to query these programs effectively, and don't let them think for you. Your real value to any company comes from your relationships between yourself, your coworkers, your clients, and other stakeholders-not from error-free prose.
Dr. Phillip Arceneaux: It can be a hectic job with responsibilities continually expanding. Some enjoy the challenges and the opportunity to develop new skills, while others may find the pace overwhelming. The variety of industries open to PR professionals allows them to work in sectors they are passionate about, making their work fulfilling.
Dr. Phillip Arceneaux: Every company needs to tell its story, making PR essential. New technologies like digital media and AI offer innovative ways to engage. PR professionals play a crucial role in assessing risks, managing crises, and repairing reputations. The diversity of sectors where PR can be applied makes the profession fulfilling and meaningful.
Dr. Phillip Arceneaux: On a daily basis, PR practitioners are implementing various earned media strategies to build two-way mutually beneficial relationships with consumers. PR is more about building meaningful, long-term relationships between consumers and a brand by telling meaningful stories and communicating information about the brand. Tasks can range from curating content on social media, pitching stories to journalists, event planning, updating website information, drafting newsletters and press releases, designing graphics, conducting market performance and consumer attitude analysis, and more.
Megan Hill: The best way to maximize your salary potential when starting your career is to have built-in experience through internships and/or other practical experience to illustrate the value you're able to bring to an employer on day one.
Megan Hill: Don't rest on your laurels; this field is highly demanding and undergoing constant change, so be prepared to engage in life-long learning - from your own experiences, peers, mentors, professional organizations, etc. - and don't lose sight of what's at the heart of public relations work - building relationships with people.
Dr. Mathew Cabot APR: PR offers the satisfaction of seeing tangible results from one's efforts, whether it's securing positive media coverage, managing a successful campaign, or effectively navigating a crisis. PR professionals appreciate the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on their organization's reputation and success. Conversely, PR often involves long hours and tight deadlines, particularly when coordinating events, responding to media inquiries, or managing crisis situations. Practitioners may find it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance amidst the demands of the job.
Dr. Mathew Cabot APR: A PR practitioner's day-to-day responsibilities can widely vary depending on the practitioner's role, including media relations, social media management, content creation, crisis and reputation management, research and data analytics, and employee communication. Regardless of the specific role, all public relations practitioners help organizations behave and communicate in ways that build trust between the organizations they represent and the stakeholders on whom their success or failure depends. A beginning practitioner could be involved in a variety of tasks, including media monitoring, social media management, research, writing, content creation, and event planning and support.
Lorri Allen: To prepare to get a good first job, use each summer before graduation to secure an internship. Also, work with the campus student media outlet. Most offer all kinds of hands-on experience from broadcasting and event planning to public relations, sales and magazine production. Then, don't settle for the first offer that comes along - unless budget requires it. When starting out, aim for a job that's exciting, challenging, and one that offers mentorship, opportunity for growth and enough pay to cover expenses. Don't be afraid to live at home or get a roommate. It's not always how much money you make, but how much money you save. That said, a candidate with three or four internships is more experienced than those who haven't worked in the field and is qualified to negotiate for a higher salary.
Richard Jones Jr.: Look for opportunities to show off your communication competence and skills. Effectively speaking to your peers and supervisors and giving engaging professional presentations are high-visibility professional activities that many new employees struggle with. Employees who demonstrate competence in this area are more likely to be noticed and form positive impressions that can develop into leadership opportunities and promotion and advancement.
University of Maine
English Language And Literature
Dr. Ellen Taylor she/her: Critical reading, clear writing, being nimble with technology, and critical thinking are more important than ever. Knowing how to judge accurate information and to refute misinformation has never been more critical.
Ellen Stockstill Ph.D.: Communication skills-especially writing-are already tremendously important and valued. While generative AI tools can help with writing, they are still in their infancy and have serious flaws. Companies still rely on good human communicators and even as AI improves, there will be need for human beings to serve as quality control. Students with degrees in the humanities already have a lot of practice dealing with ambiguity. This skill is very important, and companies need people with this skill to handle their most challenging and pressing personnel issues.
Dr. Dustin York: As customers are becoming more and more reluctant to traditional advertising, PR is breaking through the noise. Businesses crave a good online reputation that attracts loyal customers, so PR skills are in high demand. Plus, it's a blend of writing, creativity, and tech-savviness - a hot commodity these days.
Dr. Dustin York: A PR pro's day is a juggling act of pitching stories to media, crafting content, planning events, and maybe even communicating an issue or crisis, but all their work comes down to some sort of storytelling. Newbies assist senior folks with projects, but some common tasks for entry-level pros include media listening and auditing.
Dr. Christiane Farnan Ph.D.: We are hearing from employers in a variety of industries how important career readiness skills are in the hiring of qualified candidates. Three of the most important career readiness skills are proactive self-development, teamwork, critical thinking, and communication. English majors are aware of their strengths and weaknesses, aptly navigate career opportunities, appreciate diverse viewpoints in collaborative relationships, practice logical and analytical decision-making, and are strong writers and effective communicators.