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The differences between media assistants and communications specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a media assistant and a communications specialist. Additionally, a communications specialist has an average salary of $51,023, which is higher than the $37,287 average annual salary of a media assistant.
The top three skills for a media assistant include video production, audio equipment and visual equipment. The most important skills for a communications specialist are customer service, powerpoint, and patients.
| Media Assistant | Communications Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $37,287 | $51,023 |
| Hourly rate | $17.93 | $24.53 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 13,894 | 42,819 |
| Job satisfaction | 3 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Media assistants are professionals who are responsible for providing administrative support to the media operations of an organization. These assistants are required to work closely with the media team to perform tasks such as analyzing media, using media software to keep track of performance and develop strong relationships with media outlets. By coordinating with technical consultants, media assistants must assist in planning various video productions as well as updating the content and graphics of the company's website. They must also develop strategies so that they can increase audience reach across media channels.
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.
Media assistants and communications specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Media Assistant | Communications Specialist | |
| Average salary | $37,287 | $51,023 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $54,000 | Between $36,000 And $71,000 |
| Highest paying City | Mountain View, CA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | New York | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | ||
| Best paying industry | Professional | Technology |
There are a few differences between a media assistant and a communications specialist in terms of educational background:
| Media Assistant | Communications Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Most common major | Communication | Communication |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between media assistants' and communications specialists' demographics:
| Media Assistant | Communications Specialist | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 38.7% Female, 61.3% | Male, 42.9% Female, 57.1% |
| 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, 10.0% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 11.9% Asian, 5.3% White, 67.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 12% |