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Public relations associate vs publicist

The differences between public relations associates and publicists 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 publicist. Additionally, a publicist has an average salary of $50,679, 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 publicist are press releases, press materials, and public relations campaigns.

Public relations associate vs publicist overview

Public Relations AssociatePublicist
Yearly salary$48,953$50,679
Hourly rate$23.54$24.36
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs24,4827,343
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 83%Bachelor's Degree, 83%
Average age4242
Years of experience44

What does a public relations associate do?

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.

What does a publicist do?

Public Relations Supervisors are responsible for implementing the media and public relations strategy of an organization. Their duties include developing public relations campaigns, organize public relations events, assist in emergency response planning, updating documentation, monitoring media, improve management of press office, and manage media databases. They are responsible for assisting with journalistic content writing, refine internal processes, and track public relations activity performance. They help prepare reports as well as undertake competitor and market research.

Public relations associate vs publicist salary

Public relations associates and publicists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Public Relations AssociatePublicist
Average salary$48,953$50,679
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $68,000Between $30,000 And $83,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonWashington
Best paying companyAstraZenecaJ. The Jewish News of Northern California
Best paying industryFinanceMedia

Differences between public relations associate and publicist education

There are a few differences between a public relations associate and a publicist in terms of educational background:

Public Relations AssociatePublicist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 83%Bachelor's Degree, 83%
Most common majorCommunicationCommunication
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityStanford University

Public relations associate vs publicist demographics

Here are the differences between public relations associates' and publicists' demographics:

Public Relations AssociatePublicist
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 29.5% Female, 70.5%Male, 27.4% Female, 72.6%
Race ratioBlack 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, 10.1% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.0% Asian, 5.3% White, 66.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage12%12%

Differences between public relations associate and publicist duties and responsibilities

Public relations associate example responsibilities.

  • Conduct SEO strategy to drive traffic in order to develop a competitive advantage.
  • Manage public affairs and media efforts including writing and placing op-eds and mobilizing editorial campaigns.
  • Coordinate with managers to tweet daily specials and promotions, as well as maintain the Facebook page.
  • Work on affiliate marketing plan, as well as planned and implement company's first SEO strategy.
  • Develop and maintain Facebook social media pages.
  • Compile data from monthly reports to prepare directors' and executive management Microsoft PowerPoint presentation to board members.
  • Show more

Publicist example responsibilities.

  • Manage publicity plans for fiction and non-fiction trade paperback titles.
  • Manage and write copy for client social media platforms and ECPR's social media deliverable, which involve SEO streamlining.
  • Book non-fiction author media tours.
  • Photograph events for the instagram account.
  • Maintain appropriate media lists, clips and coverage reports.
  • Post on Facebook and other websites to promote events & products
  • Show more

Public relations associate vs publicist skills

Common public relations associate skills
  • Press Releases, 22%
  • Web Content, 6%
  • Facebook, 5%
  • Twitter, 5%
  • PowerPoint, 5%
  • Linkedin, 3%
Common publicist skills
  • Press Releases, 30%
  • Press Materials, 7%
  • Public Relations Campaigns, 5%
  • Instagram, 5%
  • Twitter, 5%
  • Writing Press Releases, 4%

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