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Public relations counselor vs communications specialist

The differences between public relations counselors and communications 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 counselor and a communications specialist. Additionally, a public relations counselor has an average salary of $60,665, which is higher than the $51,023 average annual salary of a communications specialist.

The top three skills for a public relations counselor include criminal justice, legal issues and communications counsel. The most important skills for a communications specialist are customer service, powerpoint, and patients.

Public relations counselor vs communications specialist overview

Public Relations CounselorCommunications Specialist
Yearly salary$60,665$51,023
Hourly rate$29.17$24.53
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs44,70642,819
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Average age4242
Years of experience44

Public relations counselor vs communications specialist salary

Public relations counselors and communications specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Public Relations CounselorCommunications Specialist
Average salary$60,665$51,023
Salary rangeBetween $38,000 And $95,000Between $36,000 And $71,000
Highest paying City-Washington, DC
Highest paying state-New Jersey
Best paying company-Google
Best paying industry-Technology

Differences between public relations counselor and communications specialist education

There are a few differences between a public relations counselor and a communications specialist in terms of educational background:

Public Relations CounselorCommunications Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Most common majorLawCommunication
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Public relations counselor vs communications specialist demographics

Here are the differences between public relations counselors' and communications specialists' demographics:

Public Relations CounselorCommunications Specialist
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 40.5% Female, 59.5%Male, 42.9% Female, 57.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 9.2% Asian, 5.1% White, 74.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 11.9% Asian, 5.3% White, 67.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage16%12%

Differences between public relations counselor and communications specialist duties and responsibilities

Public relations counselor example responsibilities.

  • Manage print production, advertising and partnerships, and copywriting for monthly concert programs.
  • Manage public affairs and media efforts including writing and placing op-eds and mobilizing editorial campaigns.
  • Provide litigation support, media training and media relations for attorneys and their clients both before and after lawsuits are filed.
  • Develop cutting-edge research and in-depth understanding of mass tort litigation involving the pharmaceutical industry.
  • Spearhead and develop a new monthly e-newsletter for students resulting in increase student ticket sales and participation on student Facebook page.
  • Retrieve certified documents and other evidence on behalf of CPCS attorneys.
  • Show more

Communications specialist example responsibilities.

  • Manage all client data and meeting history in Salesforce.
  • Provision, manage PRI-ISDN and IP installation of AARP state offices for AARP video systems.
  • Manage course syllabi, scientific abstracts, reprints and course development according to all ACCME and FDA guidelines.
  • Manage CRM database and develop key communication items such as email blasts, brochures, flyers, and bulletins.
  • Manage website: regularly update content, implement SEO and monitor website activity.
  • Manage and update written communications on organization's Facebook page and other social media outlets
  • Show more

Public relations counselor vs communications specialist skills

Common public relations counselor skills
  • Criminal Justice, 10%
  • Legal Issues, 8%
  • Communications Counsel, 8%
  • Legal Research, 7%
  • Litigation, 7%
  • Motion Hearings, 7%
Common communications specialist skills
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • PowerPoint, 6%
  • Patients, 6%
  • Web Content, 6%
  • Project Management, 6%
  • Press Releases, 5%

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