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The differences between public relations associates and public relations consultants 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 public relations consultant. Additionally, a public relations consultant has an average salary of $50,333, 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 public relations consultant are press releases, web content, and strategic communications.
| Public Relations Associate | Public Relations Consultant | |
| Yearly salary | $48,953 | $50,333 |
| Hourly rate | $23.54 | $24.20 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 24,482 | 27,882 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 83% | Bachelor's Degree, 81% |
| 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 public relations consultant represents an organization and is the company's way to communicate to the public their plans, decisions, and motivations. They both advertise and show the company's personality and create familiarity and trust. The public relations consultant's role is to create all the PR materials needed to accomplish these goals. It means writing press releases, online content, speeches, and also working with the marketing and advertising team to create copy that will evoke the interest of the public. The ultimate goal is to gain customers and thus increase sales.
Public relations associates and public relations consultants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Public Relations Associate | Public Relations Consultant | |
| Average salary | $48,953 | $50,333 |
| Salary range | Between $34,000 And $68,000 | Between $29,000 And $85,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | AstraZeneca | AbbVie |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Media |
There are a few differences between a public relations associate and a public relations consultant in terms of educational background:
| Public Relations Associate | Public Relations Consultant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 83% | Bachelor's Degree, 81% |
| Most common major | Communication | Communication |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between public relations associates' and public relations consultants' demographics:
| Public Relations Associate | Public Relations Consultant | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 29.5% Female, 70.5% | Male, 33.3% Female, 66.7% |
| 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% |