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Public relations chairperson job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected public relations chairperson job growth rate is 8% from 2018-2028.
About 22,300 new jobs for public relations chairpeople are projected over the next decade.
Public relations chairperson salaries have increased 8% for public relations chairpeople in the last 5 years.
There are over 5,921 public relations chairpeople currently employed in the United States.
There are 18,121 active public relations chairperson job openings in the US.
The average public relations chairperson salary is $42,820.
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5,921 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 5,966 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 5,970 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 5,831 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 5,702 | 0.00% |
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $42,820 | $20.59 | +2.7% |
| 2024 | $41,688 | $20.04 | +1.9% |
| 2023 | $40,904 | $19.67 | +1.2% |
| 2022 | $40,427 | $19.44 | +2.2% |
| 2021 | $39,554 | $19.02 | +2.2% |
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 180 | 26% |
| 2 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 166 | 4% |
| 3 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 45 | 4% |
| 4 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 38 | 4% |
| 5 | Vermont | 623,657 | 26 | 4% |
| 6 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 275 | 3% |
| 7 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 262 | 3% |
| 8 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 238 | 3% |
| 9 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 141 | 3% |
| 10 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 82 | 3% |
| 11 | California | 39,536,653 | 927 | 2% |
| 12 | New York | 19,849,399 | 438 | 2% |
| 13 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 217 | 2% |
| 14 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 135 | 2% |
| 15 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 130 | 2% |
| 16 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 118 | 2% |
| 17 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 89 | 2% |
| 18 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 54 | 2% |
| 19 | Delaware | 961,939 | 22 | 2% |
| 20 | Alaska | 739,795 | 18 | 2% |
Elon University
Montclair State University
University of Florida
Washington State University
Washington State University
Siena College
Missouri University of Science and Technology
The University of West Florida
Loyola University New Orleans
Allegheny College
University of Akron
University of Akron
University of Saint Mary
Clemson University
Clemson University
Utah State University
Tyler Fisher DPhil: Historians think carefully about periodization and patterns across time. One period, spanning the mid-twentieth century to the early twenty-first century, has been called the 'Information Age.' Are we still in the Information Age, or has it given way to something discernibly different? I would encourage students of History to recognize that, beyond an age of Information, we are entering an age of Curation. That is, we now have access to more information than ever before, but we need students equipped to curate that information — to evaluate, select, edit, mediate, and package data, and to clarify complexities. Students of History are highly competent curators.
Tyler Fisher DPhil: It's something of a cliché, but know your worth. When negotiating an initial offer, ask for more — knowing that you are well prepared to make a highly positive impact in your field. The worst they can say is 'no.'
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.
Erica Johnson PhD: Cultural competency will continue to be important in the field in the coming years. Working in history requires one to be able to navigate a diversity of histories. You need to be able to navigate multiple narratives of the past. This is a reflection of the diversity of society. You need to be able to communicate with colleagues from various backgrounds as well as engage an even more diverse public. Historians do not simply operate behind the scenes researching and writing. To be successful, you must have strong interpersonal skills and an open mind. You need to practice and get more comfortable engaging with others, both one-on-one and speaking before groups.
Kenn Gaither Ph.D.: Interpersonal skills will become as valuable as ever. AI will eliminate some of the more menial parts of public relations, allowing practitioners to get to face-to-face, which is still the space where opportunity, innovation and relationships-building thrive.
Dr. Ezra Rashkow: At Montclair, we've recently launched a digital and public history degree program. This is in response to an awareness that digital literacy is not just the way of the future; it is already very much the way of the present and the past. Students are studying everything from digital archives to oral history recording methods; they are making video presentations, blogs and podcasts; they are learning how to work with historical data and databases; they are learning about the politics of representing history on social media; and more generally, they are gaining critical insights into how history is being used and abused in the present for present purposes. These days, there is an unfortunate society-wide tendency to push students towards pursuing narrow, technical, degrees that appear employable, and universities are therefore facing pressure to transition into becoming vocational schools. In this climate, I hope that in the next few years students will again begin to realize the timeless value of the intellectual training provided by humanities and social sciences degrees in fields like history.
University of Florida
Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication
Dr. Rebecca Frazer: Be eager, flexible, and willing to learn. Entry-level PR positions often involve a broad range of different tasks that may require the employee to quickly teach themselves new skills, software, and applications. Demonstrating an ability to catch on quickly and an eagerness to take on new challenges goes a long way in impressing an employer.
Washington State University
Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication
Ms. Chelsea Thomas: Public relations is a good fit for those who enjoy a fast-paced lifestyle with low predictability. That said, a professional in this field will spend significant time building a well-planned, strategic campaign that anticipates potential issues and capitalizes on client successes. A person in this field would do well being organized, strategic, flexible and sociable. A strong writing capacity is a positive aspect as well. Conversely, those in this profession might dislike unpredictable hours, as this industry can sometimes require significant time, attention and dedication to the client's needs.
Ms. Chelsea Thomas: Public relations is a unique and dynamic field that allows professionals to execute both strategic and tactical initiatives. This profession allows one to experience a fast-paced industry where creativity, objectivity and strategy meet. No two days are likely the same; one can be filled with socializing at planned events, another working with media to manage external relations, and another spending quality time strategizing with a client representative. With the growing need for an organization to build and maintain a positive relationship with the target audience and stakeholders, public relations is an excellent profession for those skilled in communication and customer relationship management.
Michelle Galey: PR is a great profession to enter now because of the growing demand for PR professionals, varied career opportunities, growth potential, competitive salary and benefits, and work-life balance and flexibility. Plus, working in PR allows you to be creative and work with so many different software tools and platforms. With the increasing reliance on digital media and online platforms, there is a growing demand for PR professionals who can effectively navigate these channels and stay up to date with current trends and technologies. We live in an era of 24/7 communication and public scrutiny, so organizations need highly skilled PR professionals to manage and mitigate potential crises effectively. Although this is a sad reality, it provides more work for PR professionals!
Michelle Galey: From my experience being a PR practitioner myself and talking to my former PR students, it’s easy to find both rewards and challenges in the PR profession. My former students tell me that they enjoy the variety, creativity, impact, and networking opportunities in the field but that can sometimes come with high pressure, stress, unpredictability, client expectations, and mundane administrative tasks. These tasks can range from data entry to maintaining media lists and contact databases. Despite the challenges, they find the field rewarding and fulfilling, knowing they have an opportunity to grow in their careers and make significant impacts within their organizations and for their clients.
Dr. Karen Sonnelitter: I think History graduates need to be open to all the ways that their History major has prepared them for a variety of different career paths. Ultimately a history major teaches skills like critical thinking, research, and communication skills that can be applied in a number of different ways and in a lot of different industries.
Missouri University of Science and Technology
History
Dr. John Ketcherside Asst Teaching Professor: Multiple languages, and the ability to leverage social media. These will become more critical to both education and making history accessible to the public.
Dr. John Jensen PhD: In my view, this is the wrong question. A career in history is a long-term investment in a meaningful life. How do you afford the time necessary to 'pay your dues' and learn your craft? In any event, the more specific transferable skills and work experiences you have, for example, GIS, strategic languages, social media, or data analysis, the more likely you will find entry-level positions that pay you a living wage.
Loyola University New Orleans
Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication
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.
Guo Wu PhD: Historian is a good profession due to the social demand for historical knowledge and insight. Historians help students learn from history, apply knowledge to real-life careers, and work as curators to make historical research approachable to the public.
Guo Wu PhD: People are attracted to historical reading and research due to the process of discovering what happened, how people lived, and why certain events occurred. While not everyone may pursue history as a career, many professionals and officials benefit from historical study.
Dr. Gina Martino: New graduates often tell employers that their training helps them think critically and write clearly, but they don’t always highlight some of the most valuable and unique aspects of their training. Being trained to evaluate and analyze evidence to determine how and why things happened and to communicate those findings are skills that are transferable to so many careers. Graduates need to make sure they let employers know how valuable their training in history really is.
Dr. Gina Martino: Those core elements of practicing history (analyzing evidence to explain how and why things happened and communicating those findings) are timeless. The internet has changed the way historians find that evidence, and it seems like every year, there are new places online where we can communicate our findings. It’s exciting and a little bit chaotic. So a new graduate who can effectively sift through the historical data on the internet to find new evidence and determine its reliability will be in demand. Likewise, a graduate who can creatively present this information on social media and through digital history projects, in addition to more traditional written formats, will be well-positioned to enter the job market.
Andrea Meluch Ph.D.: Research your career field and understand the qualifications employers are looking for and make sure you have them through education and experience.
University of Saint Mary
History
Aeleah Soine Ph.D.: Information and sources about the past are increasingly accessible and abundant through digitization and translation efforts, as well as the vast historical databases available through the internet and both public and private collections. The ability to curate and synthesize high volumes of information is a valuable and important skill. Real-life historical stories remain a core dimension of popular culture with high demand for historical narratives, tv and movies, biographies, museum exhibits, and marketing. As a core K-12 subject, certified history teachers remain in steady demand. Professional and academic historians enjoy flexibility and autonomy in their work, often choosing their own subjects of research and presenting their work in scholarly, educational, and public venues.
Clemson University
History
Professor Abel Bartley: The best way to maximize your salary potential in our field today is to learn digital techniques. Publish in popular areas. Civil War, Presidential Biographies etc. Secondly, compliment your education with a MBA or some educational leadership courses so that you can be prepared to take advantage of administrative opportunities. Lastly, cultivate a constituency that is willing to pay you for sharing information through lectures, talks, and book reviews.
Dr. Megan Birk: History degree earners are well positioned to be skilled communicators, both in writing and in person. Being able to research, assess, synthesize, and explain information in a clear way is very valuable. Research skills, and the ability to determine the accuracy of information are going to be critically important in many industries moving forward. Earning a history degree equips people with a range of flexible skills and the ability to learn on the job, which overall makes history a field that serves not just education and teaching, but industry and business as well.
Arash Azizi: Thinking creatively and flexibly about where your skills can be useful, perhaps in ways you didn't anticipate. But there should also be a honest assessment of how much you care about a salary versus other issues such as satisfaction with your work, lifestyle, etc. The hard truth is that there are many careers that will always be much more stable and lucrative than most careers that come out of a history degree
Utah State University
History
Clayton Brown: For those with a history degree, conventional jobs in public education are always an option. However, thinking broadly about potential career paths opens up your horizons. A background in history can provide a foundation for careers in law, government, humanitarian aid, museums, or many other fields that utilize the historian’s skill set. Also consider graduate school. For most professional careers, a Master’s degree is relatively brief (normally two years), but yields dividends in terms of better employment prospects, greater job security, and higher lifetime earnings.