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The differences between media relations managers and marketing communications managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a media relations manager, becoming a marketing communications manager takes usually requires 8-10 years. Additionally, a media relations manager has an average salary of $86,031, which is higher than the $84,146 average annual salary of a marketing communications manager.
The top three skills for a media relations manager include press releases, strategic communications and external communications. The most important skills for a marketing communications manager are web content, marketing campaigns, and digital marketing.
| Media Relations Manager | Marketing Communications Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $86,031 | $84,146 |
| Hourly rate | $41.36 | $40.45 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 31,281 | 106,556 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Bachelor's Degree, 80% |
| Average age | 42 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 10 |
A media relations manager is in charge of devising strategies to raise brand awareness through media communications. Their responsibilities typically revolve around creating newsletters and print materials, identify media opportunities, assist in writing communication materials such as speech and press releases, and maintain positive relationships with the media. One may also handle social networking platforms, develop new marketing concepts, and manage media campaigns. Furthermore, as a manager, it is essential to lead and encourage the staff to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
A marketing communications manager's role is to oversee all operations involving media and public relations. They are primarily responsible for devising marketing strategies and programs to improve brand awareness, handling communications and various issues within the company, and crafting communication strategies for product launches and other events. Furthermore, they also must handle correspondence, take the lead in creating newsletters, press releases, and other mediums, ensuring that they align in the company's vision, mission, and regulations. As a marketing communications manager, it is essential to lead and encourage staff while implementing company policies and guidelines.
Media relations managers and marketing communications managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Media Relations Manager | Marketing Communications Manager | |
| Average salary | $86,031 | $84,146 |
| Salary range | Between $57,000 And $129,000 | Between $60,000 And $117,000 |
| Highest paying City | Burlingame, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Delaware | Washington |
| Best paying company | Shearman & Sterling | Boston Consulting Group |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Finance |
There are a few differences between a media relations manager and a marketing communications manager in terms of educational background:
| Media Relations Manager | Marketing Communications Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Bachelor's Degree, 80% |
| Most common major | Communication | Communication |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | University of Georgia |
Here are the differences between media relations managers' and marketing communications managers' demographics:
| Media Relations Manager | Marketing Communications Manager | |
| Average age | 42 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 44.3% Female, 55.7% | Male, 32.3% Female, 67.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 9.2% Asian, 5.1% White, 74.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 3.0% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 8.7% Asian, 8.2% White, 74.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 16% | 10% |