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Job outlook for public affairs assistants in the United States
Public affairs assistant job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected public affairs assistant job growth rate is 8% from 2018-2028.
About 22,300 new jobs for public affairs assistants are projected over the next decade.
Public affairs assistant salaries have increased 8% for public affairs assistants in the last 5 years.
There are over 4,114 public affairs assistants currently employed in the United States.
There are 16,955 active public affairs assistant job openings in the US.
The average public affairs assistant salary is $50,453.
Are public affairs assistant jobs in demand?
Public affairs assistant job and salary trends over time
Public affairs assistant jobs over time
Public affairs assistant job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4,114 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 4,145 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 4,148 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 4,052 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 3,962 | 0.00% |
Average public affairs assistant salary over time
Public affairs assistant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $50,453 | $24.26 | +2.7% |
| 2024 | $49,119 | $23.62 | +1.9% |
| 2023 | $48,195 | $23.17 | +1.2% |
| 2022 | $47,633 | $22.90 | +2.2% |
| 2021 | $46,605 | $22.41 | +2.2% |
Public affairs assistant jobs by state
Most common states for public affairs assistants
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 171 | 25% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 285 | 4% |
| 3 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 40 | 4% |
| 4 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 39 | 4% |
| 5 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 261 | 3% |
| 6 | California | 39,536,653 | 956 | 2% |
| 7 | New York | 19,849,399 | 312 | 2% |
| 8 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 241 | 2% |
| 9 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 195 | 2% |
| 10 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 139 | 2% |
| 11 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 119 | 2% |
| 12 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 118 | 2% |
| 13 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 109 | 2% |
| 14 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 83 | 2% |
| 15 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 64 | 2% |
| 16 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 53 | 2% |
| 17 | Delaware | 961,939 | 18 | 2% |
| 18 | Alaska | 739,795 | 17 | 2% |
| 19 | Vermont | 623,657 | 14 | 2% |
| 20 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 12 | 2% |
Most common cities for public affairs assistants
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dubuque | 1 | 2% | $55,728 |
| 2 | Burbank | 1 | 1% | $67,510 |
| 3 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $80,667 |
| 4 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $62,398 |
| 5 | Durham | 1 | 0% | $54,590 |
Public Affairs Assistant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of public affairs assistant experts
Loyola University New Orleans
University of Cincinnati
San Jose State University
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Methodist University
University of Akron
Columbus State University
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Montevallo
University of San Francisco
University of Scranton
University of Detroit Mercy
Hood College
Pace University
Penn State University, Brandywine
Azusa Pacific University
What will help Public Affairs Assistants increase their earning potential?
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.
Jeffrey Ory
President & CEO, il Stratega Marketing & Public Relations, Adjunct ProfessorLoyola University New Orleans
Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication
What will help Public Affairs Assistants increase their earning potential?
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.
What Public Affairs Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
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.
What general advice would you give to a Public Affairs Assistant?
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.
What will help Public Affairs Assistants increase their earning potential?
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.
What general advice would you give to a Public Affairs Assistant?
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.
What will help Public Affairs Assistants increase their earning potential?
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. Leslie Rasmussen
Associate ProfessorWhat will help Public Affairs Assistants increase their earning potential?
Dr. Leslie Rasmussen: The exciting thing about working in PR is that it's never the same. You might be planning an event, writing news releases, developing social media strategies and content, managing campaigns, or working with the media, depending on the day. PR is also versatile - you can work in the auto industry, healthcare, politics, beauty, sports, entertainment... the possibilities are endless. No matter which path you take, the core skills we utilize in PR are writing, research, public speaking, organization, and creativity. How we use those skills will vary from day-to-day.
Sara Erlichman Ph.D.
Visiting Assistant Professor of Communication and MediaMethodist University
Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication
What Public Affairs Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sara Erlichman Ph.D.: One of the top advice I see is that you document your successes with KPIs. Keep a Word file in your personal cloud documenting any and all positive feedback from colleagues and hard data that demonstrate successful results. Only you know exactly how you've impacted the company through your work, and no one is going to advocate for you as well as you can for yourself!
What will help Public Affairs Assistants increase their earning potential?
McKenna Vietmeier: When it comes to Public Relations, there are some fundamental skills that we will see persist: writing and strategic thinking. Excellent writing skills and the ability to strategize/problem solve continue to be the most requested qualifications we get from employers and many of our recent grads point to our PR Writing and PR Strategic Campaigns courses as the ones that best prepared them for their careers. However, in the next 3-5 years, PR students will also need to diversify their skillsets. Many employers now expect their PR person to be a one-stop shop for expertise in social media, graphic design, media relations, multimedia, SEO, marketing, and more. It will become increasingly important for students to think outside of the parameters of standard curriculum and seek out coursework that will help them become the well-rounded, adaptable professional that employers are looking for.
What will help Public Affairs Assistants increase their earning potential?
Dr. Tiffany McBride: As a new communications graduate, students must establish versatility, showcase the schooling and skills they have learned, and leverage any internships or industry-related employment, business, and community relations experience. Communications, specifically public relations and strategic communication, require strong written and vocal communication abilities; highlighting what you have accomplished both inside and outside the classroom will make you stand out from other applicants. It is also a good rule of thumb to keep up with industry trends and standards by networking with industry-related professionals and researching and studying the industry. One piece of advice I give my public relations students and any student taking my courses is to start early by creating an online portfolio of your communication projects and using professional networking sites, such as LinkedIn. Creating a professional or more industry-focused social media presence tells employers and those in the industry that you have researched what it takes to get into the field and are serious about your profession. Also, if the portfolio is comprehensive and created well, it offers a more holistic approach to what you, as a graduate, know how to do, not just what you learned from a textbook but real-life application. Although they may not be your dream job coming out of college, get internships or entry-level jobs to gain experience and network to open doors and gain insights for the future.
Marisa Peacock
LecturerUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Communication And Media Studies
What will help Public Affairs Assistants increase their earning potential?
Marisa Peacock: It's important to figure out how much it costs to keep you alive. Before job hunting, do the math. How much is rent, car, food, etc? Do you need a Starbucks coffee every morning or can you brew your own? Do you need health insurance (recent grads can stay on their parent's insurance until 26 in most cases)? Figure out that number and then add in buffer room so you can have some wiggle room or opportunities to save. That's your base salary. If you go below, you'll have to make concessions - some reasonable, some not. Use cost of living calculators to determine what salaries look like in other places. Remote and hybrid work is still available, so it's important to factor that in, especially if you're going to live in different locations than where you work.
When looking for jobs, don't underestimate your experience. Even if you haven't had PR-related internships, chances are you've demonstrated public relations skills that can translate well. If you worked in retail, for example, that's a lot of customer relations. If you worked front of house at a restaurant, you know how to engage a public. If you worked as a barista, you know how to meet deadlines, work in chaotic situations, and communicate with others.
Look for the skills that make you better at PR and then highlight those experiences on resumes, cover letters, and in interviews. These skills from different experiences may set you apart and make you eligible for more than just entry-level positions.
Dr. Emma Atwood
Associate Professor of EnglishUniversity of Montevallo
English Language And Literature
What general advice would you give to a Public Affairs Assistant?
Dr. Emma Atwood: Now more than ever, in a fast-paced media landscape, we need people who understand how effective arguments work; who understand how persuasion, logic, and emotion affect audiences; and who can think critically about complex issues and see these issues from multiple perspectives. Training in English, Philosophy, and Communication helps prepare future leaders to pursue truth as they enter this landscape and transform it for the better.
Kevin Faigle
Media Relations SpecialistWhat Public Affairs Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kevin Faigle: That's tough to answer. But one, try to see what other similar positions are being paid. There are plenty of websites where you can find salary ranges for positions and that may give a good basis for a starting point. Also, be sure to track everything you are good at and build that resume up. Sometimes a HR department will have a salary range in the job posting, and don't be afraid to ask for the higher amount or even negotiate. 100% of the questions you don't ask, the answer is no. If you are confident in your ability and confident in your background, then show that and push for a higher salary level.
Dr. Zifei Chen
Associate Professor of Public Relations University of San FranciscoUniversity of San Francisco
Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication
What Public Affairs Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Zifei Chen: With the rapid development of technology such as generative AI, it will become even more important to understand how to use technology and tools effectively and *ethically* in today's public relations practice. It is also important to cultivate the soft skills of mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and empathic listening to navigate the ever increasingly fragmented media landscape, information overload, and polarized views.
Stacy Smulowitz Ph.D.
Associate Professor & Department Chair Department of Communication & MediUniversity of Scranton
Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication
What Public Affairs Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Stacy Smulowitz Ph.D.: Public Relations: It is hard to say what individuals will like and dislike about specific jobs. That is really a personal choice. Many PR pros enjoy the variety in their jobs and the people they get to work with and meet daily. They also enjoy seeing the value they provide to the organization and the people they serve.
What will help Public Affairs Assistants increase their earning potential?
Stacy Smulowitz Ph.D.: Public Relations has always been a good profession to enter. Most organizations have at least one person responsible for communication so there are a lot of opportunities in every community for a public relations-trained professional. There are jobs available. Most starting salaries are mid $50's and senior salaries are mid to upper $100's. This is a respected position in organizations with many senior positions reporting directly to the CEO & President.
Alexandra Hichel
Senior Adjunct Instructor – Department of Communication StudiesUniversity of Detroit Mercy
Communication And Media Studies
What Public Affairs Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Alexandra Hichel: Maximizing your salary potential when beginning your career involves strategic steps that go
beyond just your academic qualifications. Consider obtaining relevant certifications to bolster
your skill set. Certifications not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate a
commitment to continuous learning, making you a more valuable candidate in the job market.
Joining a professional association related to your area of interest can open doors to networking
opportunities and valuable insights. Organizations such as IABC, Social Media Club, or Public
Relations Society of America offer not only national but often local chapters, providing a
platform to connect with industry professionals, stay updated on trends, and potentially uncover
job opportunities that might not be widely advertised.
During your academic journey, seize every opportunity to gain hands-on experience through
internships. The practical skills and real-world exposure acquired during internships not only
enhance your resume but also make you a more competitive candidate when negotiating your
starting salary.
Building a digital portfolio is a proactive step to showcase the breadth and strength of your work.
This collection of samples allows potential employers to assess your capabilities and
contributions, reinforcing your value as a candidate.
Understanding your worth is crucial, but it's equally important to recognize that as a newcomer,
you may not have all the answers yet. Be open to learning and adapting, as this flexibility can be
an asset in negotiating salary and navigating the early stages of your career.
Knowing your audience extends beyond personal attributes to include a strategic approach in
communication. Researching reporters and publications, being creative yet truthful in finding the
right media angle, can set you apart. This skill not only demonstrates your understanding of the
industry but also positions you as someone who can contribute effectively to the organization's
goals.
By implementing these strategies, you can not only enhance your professional profile but also
maximize your salary potential as you launch your career in the competitive field of
communications.
Brooke Witherow
Assistant Professor of Communication ArtsHood College
Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication
What general advice would you give to a Public Affairs Assistant?
Brooke Witherow: In public relations, the need for professionals with skills in AI and data analysis continues to grow. AI can be a powerful tool when harnessed well. Recent graduates who understand when and how to use AI will be in high demand. AI's issues with accuracy and bias also highlight the importance of having a PR professional who understands the limitations and challenges of AI just as well as its potential.
A skill that remains important, even with the advent of AI, is writing. When I speak with public relations agencies, one of the most frequently desired skills in recent graduates is strong writing. Part of that is being able to effectively tell a story across a wide variety of channels and to diverse audiences.
Lastly, I always recommend being a life-long learner. Life-long learners are curious and driven. They are not only open to learning new skills and strategies, they actively seek them out. Life-long learners constantly ask questions and use their research skills to find the answers. Learning new technologies, skills and strategies will also help PR professionals create innovative campaigns and navigate major changes in the field.
Jennifer Lee Magas
Vice President of Magas Media Consultants, LLC and a Clinical Associate Professor of Public RelationsPace University
Department of Media, Communications, and Visual Arts
What hard/technical skills are most important for Public Affairs Assistants?
Jennifer Lee Magas: -Good writing
-Intelligence
-The ability to recognize a good story when you see one
-Media savvy - knowing different kinds of media and how they function, deadlines, formats
-Contacts - who do you know in the news business
-Good business sense - how to make money, capitalize on an idea
-Broad communications experience
-Specialized experience - watch these emerging trends: more jobs in corporate communications, crisis management, health care, consumer goods, financial services, technology, cannabis PR, collaborating with influencers
Hans Schmidt Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Communications, Coordinator, Schreyer and Cooper Honors ProgramsPenn State University, Brandywine
Communications Department
What Public Affairs Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Hans Schmidt Ph.D.: Communications and media are constantly changing, and the future of the field has much to do with the way in which technology develops and is adopted. For instance, artificial intelligence technologies will likely transform many industries, including communication and media. But, no matter what, there will always be a need for human communication, and for creativity. So, developing true creativity alongside technical competencies will be important. It will also be important to be an effective interpersonal communicator. Verbal skills, including both written and spoken communication, will also remain important. We need people who can relate to other people - customers, co-workers, and the like.
Kimberley Garth-James
Program Director, Master of Public Administration, Director, Center for Public Affairs (Sacramento), Associate ProfessorAzusa Pacific University
History, Political Science and Public Administration
What skills stand out on Public Affairs Assistant resumes?
Kimberley Garth-James: Knowledge of the industry, such as the composition of the legislature (congress, state legislatures, and city/county policy-making bodies) and of the special interests (lobbyists, experts, "the public") that are key stakeholders. Formal education and training are essential, and morality. International awareness (travels as a Fulbright, missions, or study away) and a second language are useful.
What soft skills should all Public Affairs Assistants possess?
Kimberley Garth-James: Moral behaviors (integrity, honesty, grace, and empathy) to effectively interact with diverse cultures in the community. Future politicians and public administrators (nonprofits, social business enterprises) morality are essential. Interpersonal skills (working with others in teams and groups and relating to audiences). Being dependable, reliable, and well-groomed.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Public Affairs Assistants?
Kimberley Garth-James: Information technology skills (Word), data analysis skills (Excel, Tableau, SAS, Minitab), Geographic Information Sciences (GIS) assessment skills(ArcGIS, ESRI), as well as reading, writing, presentation, and research skills round out the technical skills.
What skills will help Public Affairs Assistants earn the most?
Kimberley Garth-James: A graduate degree, strong analytical skills, and presentation (written and oral and electronic media) skills. Also, a passionate desire to help others through policy making either in politics (law-making) or administration (implementing laws, rules, and regulatory policies). Global mindset (even speaking another language such as Arabic, Spanish, and Mandarin). Willingness to learn and work hard.