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The differences between public relations associates and communications coordinators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a public relations associate and a communications coordinator. Additionally, a public relations associate has an average salary of $48,953, which is higher than the $47,075 average annual salary of a communications coordinator.
The top three skills for a public relations associate include press releases, web content and facebook. The most important skills for a communications coordinator are customer service, web content, and event planning.
| Public Relations Associate | Communications Coordinator | |
| Yearly salary | $48,953 | $47,075 |
| Hourly rate | $23.54 | $22.63 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 24,482 | 39,790 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 83% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A public relations associate is responsible for assisting the operations of the public relations department on developing campaigns and promotions to promote brand image on various digital platforms and other communication mediums. Public relations associates handle press releases, create digital content, organize public events, and identify business opportunities that would generate more revenue resources and attract potential clients. They also disseminate accurate information to the public regarding company news and special announcements. A public relations associate must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially on adhering to deadlines and business requirements.
A communications coordinator is responsible for overseeing the communications department's operations, developing the brand image, and monitoring press releases, company articles, and other related marketing materials for business promotion and visibility. Communications coordinators actively interact with existing and potential clients, negotiate contracts, and build profitable partnerships. They also develop strategic procedures for creating the business' online presence, organizing promotional events, and media conferences. A communications coordinator must have excellent communication and organization skills to maintain a good reputation and customer satisfaction.
Public relations associates and communications coordinators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Public Relations Associate | Communications Coordinator | |
| Average salary | $48,953 | $47,075 |
| Salary range | Between $34,000 And $68,000 | Between $34,000 And $63,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Washington | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | AstraZeneca | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Government |
There are a few differences between a public relations associate and a communications coordinator in terms of educational background:
| Public Relations Associate | Communications Coordinator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 83% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Most common major | Communication | Communication |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between public relations associates' and communications coordinators' demographics:
| Public Relations Associate | Communications Coordinator | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 29.5% Female, 70.5% | Male, 29.4% Female, 70.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.4% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.2% Asian, 5.3% White, 66.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | Black or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.1% Asian, 5.3% White, 66.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 12% |