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The differences between media relations managers and public relations managers 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 relations manager and a public relations manager. Additionally, a public relations manager has an average salary of $91,426, which is higher than the $86,031 average annual salary of a media relations manager.
The top three skills for a media relations manager include press releases, strategic communications and external communications. The most important skills for a public relations manager are press releases, web content, and pr campaigns.
| Media Relations Manager | Public Relations Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $86,031 | $91,426 |
| Hourly rate | $41.36 | $43.95 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 31,281 | 35,273 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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 public relations manager is responsible for monitoring the public relations department to boost its brand image and attract potential clients through press releases and media coverage. They work closely with the marketing team, developing marketing campaigns and promotional strategies for creating brand awareness. Public relations managers maintain the company's presence on various social media platforms, responding to the customers' inquiries and concerns regarding the company's goods and services. A public relations manager must have excellent communication and leadership skills, especially in identifying business opportunities to increase revenues and profitability.
Media relations managers and public relations managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Media Relations Manager | Public Relations Manager | |
| Average salary | $86,031 | $91,426 |
| Salary range | Between $57,000 And $129,000 | Between $64,000 And $128,000 |
| Highest paying City | Burlingame, CA | Las Vegas, NV |
| Highest paying state | Delaware | Nevada |
| Best paying company | Shearman & Sterling | |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Technology |
There are a few differences between a media relations manager and a public relations manager in terms of educational background:
| Media Relations Manager | Public Relations Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Most common major | Communication | Communication |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between media relations managers' and public relations managers' demographics:
| Media Relations Manager | Public Relations Manager | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 44.3% Female, 55.7% | Male, 34.5% Female, 65.5% |
| 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, 5.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 5.1% White, 74.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 16% | 16% |