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The differences between public relations associates and media relations 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 public relations associate and a media relations specialist. Additionally, a media relations specialist has an average salary of $50,856, which is higher than the $48,953 average annual salary of a public relations associate.
The top three skills for a public relations associate include press releases, web content and facebook. The most important skills for a media relations specialist are patients, compassion, and press releases.
| Public Relations Associate | Media Relations Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $48,953 | $50,856 |
| Hourly rate | $23.54 | $24.45 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 24,482 | 44,665 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 83% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| 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 media relations specialist's role is to help a company maintain good public relations through various forms of media, ensuring to convey their brand's purpose and message. Their responsibilities typically revolve around developing strategies and opportunities, producing newsletters and press releases, remaining updated with the latest trends, and even managing the company's social media platforms. A media relations specialist may also delegate tasks to writers and graphic designers, arrange schedules, and ensure that all goals are met within the expected deadline and budget.
Public relations associates and media relations specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Public Relations Associate | Media Relations Specialist | |
| Average salary | $48,953 | $50,856 |
| Salary range | Between $34,000 And $68,000 | Between $36,000 And $69,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | AstraZeneca | Edelman Financial Engines |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Finance |
There are a few differences between a public relations associate and a media relations specialist in terms of educational background:
| Public Relations Associate | Media Relations Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 83% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Communication | Business |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between public relations associates' and media relations specialists' demographics:
| Public Relations Associate | Media Relations Specialist | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 29.5% Female, 70.5% | Male, 30.6% Female, 69.4% |
| 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, 10.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.1% Asian, 5.3% White, 66.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 12% |