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Job outlook for publications coordinators in the United States
Publications coordinator job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected publications coordinator job growth rate is 8% from 2018-2028.
About 22,300 new jobs for publications coordinators are projected over the next decade.
Publications coordinator salaries have increased 8% for publications coordinators in the last 5 years.
There are over 16,072 publications coordinators currently employed in the United States.
There are 27,541 active publications coordinator job openings in the US.
The average publications coordinator salary is $48,593.
Are publications coordinator jobs in demand?
Publications coordinator job and salary trends over time
Publications coordinator jobs over time
Publications coordinator job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 16,072 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 16,193 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 16,205 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 15,828 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 15,477 | 0.00% |
Average publications coordinator salary over time
Publications coordinator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $48,593 | $23.36 | +2.7% |
| 2024 | $47,309 | $22.74 | +1.9% |
| 2023 | $46,419 | $22.32 | +1.2% |
| 2022 | $45,878 | $22.06 | +2.2% |
| 2021 | $44,887 | $21.58 | +2.2% |
Publications coordinator jobs by state
Most common states for publications coordinators
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 175 | 25% |
| 2 | Delaware | 961,939 | 232 | 24% |
| 3 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 161 | 21% |
| 4 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 575 | 20% |
| 5 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 150 | 17% |
| 6 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 340 | 16% |
| 7 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 278 | 16% |
| 8 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 576 | 12% |
| 9 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 452 | 11% |
| 10 | Vermont | 623,657 | 70 | 11% |
| 11 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 54 | 9% |
| 12 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 102 | 8% |
| 13 | Alaska | 739,795 | 59 | 8% |
| 14 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 459 | 7% |
| 15 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 78 | 7% |
| 16 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 112 | 6% |
| 17 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 65 | 6% |
| 18 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 452 | 5% |
| 19 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 329 | 5% |
| 20 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 162 | 5% |
Most common cities for publications coordinators
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cambridge | 1 | 1% | $46,371 |
| 2 | Washington | 3 | 0% | $74,917 |
| 3 | Detroit | 1 | 0% | $47,110 |
| 4 | Scottsdale | 1 | 0% | $37,841 |
Publications Coordinator job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of publications coordinator experts
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Coastal Carolina University
Grand Valley State University
Saint Mary's College
University of San Francisco
Winthrop University
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
Bowie State University
University of Florida
Washington State University
What Publications Coordinator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Matthew Turner Ph.D., M.B.A.: It would impossible to say what an average Communication Specialist does since Communication is such a diverse field. The tasks that a professional would do would depend largely on the type of specialist they are and may well depend on seasonal factors or specific events. That person could work in HR, Corporate Communication, Sales, Public Relations, Media, Advertising, or a host of other fields. As someone entering the field you may well be learning from someone else the specifics of your job. You may also be asked to jump right in and create new communication campaigns or continue old ones with little training particularly in smaller businesses.
What general advice would you give to a Publications Coordinator?
Laura Willis Calo Ph.D.: A couple of skills that will become all the more important in coming years are editing and critical thinking. With AI being able to produce initial drafts of content, our role as 'writer' is transitioning to that of 'editor.' In reworking AI-generated content, we need to think critically to ensure it is in line with the strategy driving our work.
What Publications Coordinator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Joy Daggs: 1. Knowing how to use AI responsibly. It can be used to make work more efficient. It's important to understand how to use it appropriately at a tool.
2. Understanding social media and how to interpret data to create and change messages.
3. 'Soft skills' such as public speaking, conflict management, and relationship building are not going away. You may need to learn to adapt those skills to a digital platform, such as Zoom or Teams. I am seeing current articles from publications such as Forbes about current graduates struggling in these areas, so sharpening these skills and your writing skills will set you apart.
What will help Publications Coordinators increase their earning potential?
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.
What general advice would you give to a Publications Coordinator?
Erica Haugtvedt Ph.D.: The skills I think that will become more prevalent and important in the next 3-5 years are critical thinking skills. By critical thinking, I mean looking at the big picture and thinking about values, ethics, and thinking ahead to implications and consequences. AI will be able to produce a lot of words, but whether those words are appropriate to the situation, purpose, and context--whether those words are the words that we need--that will be something that only a conscientious and intelligent person can bring to the situation. People who are able to do that should be leaders in any field.
What Publications Coordinator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Erica Haugtvedt Ph.D.: Liberal Arts majors are able to enter a wide variety of fields with their skill sets in communication and critical thinking. The advice that I would give to graduates just beginning their careers is to be very observant of whatever workplaces they are entering and figure out what the social dynamics and expectations are, as well as the expectations for what kind of work is valued. Look for what gets rewarded, ask whether what gets rewarded is worthwhile, and think critically about whether there are innovations that are needed that you can (eventually) provide. Figure out what role you need to play, and then figure out what role you want to play and how to get there.
What will help Publications Coordinators increase their earning potential?
Erica Haugtvedt Ph.D.: You can maximize your salary potential by presenting your previous experience in the best light and keying it to what the jobs you’re applying for want and need, even if you don’t have experience in that exact job before. If you’re able to write a compelling resume, you could land in a better starting position with a higher salary. The other advice I would give is to always negotiate. Even if you only get a little bit more money in salary for asking, all of that adds up over the years!
What Publications Coordinator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Holly Sullenger PhD: Soft skills such as communication, active listening, giving and receiving feedback, writing, and presenting well are crucial and will become more important.
What will help Publications Coordinators increase their earning potential?
Mr. Daniel Routh: On a day-to-day basis, a communication specialist is likely to be interviewing or networking, planning an event, taking photos or videos, posting and managing social media on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube, meeting with teams or clients about branding and marketing, editing videos, or writing news updates.
What general advice would you give to a Publications Coordinator?
David Painter Ph.D.: Today, a Communication or Public Relations Specialist's day-to-day tasks involve creating, implementing, and managing communication strategies that effectively convey messages to engage, inform, and influence internal and external audiences. These activities may include content creation for social media accounts, websites, newsletters, and press releases; managing and overseeing corporate messaging; and coordinating with marketing teams to promote events, products, services, or causes. Additionally, communication specialists may also handle crisis communications and build relationships with journalists or media outlets to ensure positive coverage. For someone entering the field, these responsibilities require a balance of strong written and oral communication skills, project planning expertise, and relationship-building abilities.
What Publications Coordinator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
David Painter Ph.D.: Many Communication Specialists appreciate the variety in their work as well as their ability to decide which industry they want to promote. From crafting compelling brand narratives for tourist or hospitality organizations to managing digital platforms for financial or legal organizations to strategizing communication plans for sports, fashion, or automotive companies, the possibilities are nearly infinite. Moreover, communication specialists enjoy the creativity, strategic thinking, and collaboration their role demands. However, the job can also be stressful, particularly during crises or when managing conflicting narratives. Long hours and balancing multiple projects can be challenging, but for many, the fast-paced nature and the ability to shape public perception make it worth it.
What will help Publications Coordinators increase their earning potential?
David Painter Ph.D.: The communication field continues to rapidly evolve with digital and technological advancements making it a dynamic profession involved in many aspects of our daily lives. Indeed, today’s consumers are the best informed and most empowered in history with online reviews, ratings, and critiques of every imaginable product, service, and experience. In this context, organizations recognize the need for skilled professionals to manage their brand image and convey messages effectively, particularly in today's digital world where public perception can shift quickly. Communication Specialists are crucial in navigating these ever-changing conditions, making it an exciting, rewarding, and in-demand career.
What will help Publications Coordinators increase their earning potential?
Andrew Wood Ph.D.: Communication Studies, a field that traces its roots back to ancient inquiries into the nature of persuasion, remains in many ways an emerging field. After all, while traditional notions of public speaking emerge from time-testing insights, our field is constantly evolving to address new challenges, modalities, and opportunities. Thus my general advice to anyone entering the field is to avoid relying solely on established career pathways. Yes, there are plenty of jobs in marketing, media production, speech writing, education, management, and the like. But the most effective job-seekers are those who are nimble, flexible, and focused on how they can articulate the value-add of their training to an organization's unique exigences.
What general advice would you give to a Publications Coordinator?
Dr. Alice Veksler Ph.D., BCPA: We have seen an increased focus on soft skills which are crucial to professional success. This means knowing email/slack/zoom etiquette, knowing how to manage time effectively, having conflict resolution skills, having the ability to effectively collaborate with others, and showing initiative, are all crucial and highly in-demand skills. As we move into a more technological direction, knowing how to use AI will become more and more important. Project management is also a key skill that can substantially improve earning potential (especially if credentialed). Understanding the geo-political climate can also help one's ability to move forward within one's career and if in a corporate setting, can facilitate climbing the corporate ladder. An understanding of, and respect for, diversity is also going to continue to matter to employers so cultural competence will become more and more important as well.
What Publications Coordinator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Alice Veksler Ph.D., BCPA: Practice your interpersonal skills and think about how what you have learned in your coursework translates to your chosen field of work. Teamwork, conflict resolution, social media savvy, and professionalism can make or break a career. Being able to articulate and demonstrate mastery of these skills with concrete examples during an interview can help land the job and then embodying the skillset of an excellent communicator will lead to professional success. Networking is also key so making sure that you do internships and engage with others in your chosen field helps with securing a job. Forging connections early in one's career can pay massive dividends down the road. We say that 'you get jobs by talking to people' and this maxim is especially true for a broad field like communication studies. Finally, I always encourage a healthy work-life balance to avoid burnout and maximize productivity.
What will help Publications Coordinators increase their earning potential?
Dr. Alice Veksler Ph.D., BCPA: The single most important thing you can do is learn effective negotiation skills so that you negotiate a good salary and benefits package. Starting salaries will often set the baseline for future earning potential so being able to ensure that you are paid your worth early on is very important. New hires are often hesitant to negotiate salary to their detriment. Effective salary negotiation requires knowing how to do some basic market research to know what is reasonable and requires an understanding of the basics of principled negotiation. For example, it is important to know about positions vs. interests and what a BATNA/WATNA are. Beyond that, you need to stay proactive to ensure you are getting regular salary increases commensurate with norms in the field. Those increases are largely contingent on performance so excelling at the job then becomes the key to ongoing financial success. Making yourself an indispensable and irreplaceable asset to the employer is also very important.
What Publications Coordinator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Yao Sun: On a day-to-day basis, a Communication Specialist takes care of any work relevant to human interaction. This area of knowledge can be applied to a wide variety of jobs. For example, in an IT company, you can find a Communication Specialist in the marketing department for promoting the product, or in the product management department responsible for team building and knowledge integration.
Wendy Weinhold Ph.D.
Associate Professor of JournalismCoastal Carolina University
Communication And Media Studies
What Publications Coordinator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Wendy Weinhold Ph.D.: Curiosity is the most importantly thing when it comes to skill building. Your college classes have you a solid foundation, but there is always more to learn. Seek out mentors who will help you understand your strengths and weaknesses, and be open to opportunities that help you grow.
What general advice would you give to a Publications Coordinator?
Dr. Mikhila Wildey PhD: Maximizing salary potential often has to do with knowing your worth. It is important for individuals to do some research on what similar positions in the field are being paid in order to understand what an acceptable salary range may be for a particular position. In order to argue for an offer to be on the higher end of a typical salary range and maximize earning potential, it is important to vocalize your skills and assets within interviews and in your application materials. Individuals will need to self-advocate to show why they should earn a higher salary. It can be helpful to write out their skills and assets on paper first and rehearse saying them out loud to feel more comfortable and confident within an interview.
What Publications Coordinator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Mikhila Wildey PhD: I think the ability to engage and connect with people will be very important in the field as we shift more and more to a culture that is driven by AI. Although AI can be a useful tool, it likely won’t ever fully replace the value of human interaction and connection. In addition, employers often comment that they want to see employees with strong work ethic, and I think this will continue to be the case in 3-5 years. Having a strong work ethic can separate the people that move forward in their careers to those who remain stagnant.
What will help Publications Coordinators increase their earning potential?
Dr. Mikhila Wildey PhD: My general advice for a graduate beginning their career in the field is to work hard, stay open-minded, and network! Most employees won’t stay in the same position for their entire career, and so I often tell graduates to not get too hung up on the first job needing to be the 'perfect' job for them. Often, the first job will be a place where they learn how to navigate the workplace, learn about their own strengths/weaknesses, and figure out what they like and don’t like. I encourage graduates to use this information to help them make decisions about the next steps in their career. And, if they are working hard and networking with people at their job, then opportunities will often times present themselves or be more available to them as they navigate their future career path.
What Publications Coordinator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Veronica Hefner: Knowing how to brand yourself, both in person and online, is becoming increasingly important. If you're networking at an event, do you have short stories or anecdotes that you can share that help you come across as interesting? A story can tell a listener about your values, work ethics, drive, and competencies much better than you sharing a laundry list of your achievements. The same thing is true when branding yourself online. Another skill is the ability to communicate, even if that sounds simple. Are you able to write a professional email? Can you carry on an intelligent conversation with a potential client? Do you know when to stop talking and actively listen? Are you able to get your message across to diverse audiences? These skills are applicable no matter what job you do.
What general advice would you give to a Publications Coordinator?
Tika Lamsal PhD: Since communication graduates approach the workplaces equipped with effective interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, they can vouch for aspirational positions that become both professionally competitive and individually fulfilling.
What will help Publications Coordinators increase their earning potential?
Tika Lamsal PhD: In the time when students and professionals need to cater to the increasing demands of rapidly growing globalized and digitized workplaces, cross-cultural and multilingual communication skills have become essential for a meaningful and transformative dialogue with one another.
Bonnye Stuart
Internship Coordinator, Speech Communication Coordinator, Study Abroad Adviser, Integrated Marketing Communication InstructorWinthrop University
Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication
What general advice would you give to a Publications Coordinator?
Bonnye Stuart: First of all – have an e-portfolio of your work to show what you can do! Share that during the interview. Build trust with your employer during the interview stage that you have the skills and can-do attitude necessary to be an asset to his/her company! Be willing to go the extra mile, take on extra tasks, work long and hard on projects – all without asking if you will be paid extra for doing this!
What will help Publications Coordinators increase their earning potential?
Zack Stiegler Ph.D.: Having flexibility, willingness to learn new skills, and dedication to the organization can enhance one's value as an employee. Preserving work-life balance is also important to avoid exploitation.
Sheryl McMillan
Senior Research and Outreach Development OfficerTexas A&M University - Corpus Christi
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Publications Coordinator?
Sheryl McMillan: We would like to please review your article prior to publication.
What Publications Coordinator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sheryl McMillan: Attached you will find the answers to your questions provided by Christina Murphey, Ph.D., RN, and Renae Schumann, PhD, RN, CNE. I have included their full titles in the attached document.
What Publications Coordinator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Rochelle Daniel: My general advice to a graduate who transitions into that first professional job in the Communication field is similar to advice I give Communication students for navigating internship workspaces (Communications Internship Handbook: What HBCU Students Need to Know, 2022). Be intentional about learning the organizational or office culture, really listen to find out what is expected of you, be flexible and adaptable when there are changes in workflow, and don't be afraid to ask questions.
What will help Publications Coordinators increase their earning potential?
Dr. Rochelle Daniel: When starting a career in Communications, you can maximize your salary by demonstrating adaptability to change, willingness and eagerness to learn new skills to enhance your performance, and a willingness to solve problems.
Dr. Rebecca Frazer
Assistant Professor of Public RelationsUniversity of Florida
Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication
What will help Publications Coordinators increase their earning potential?
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.
Ms. Chelsea Thomas
Scholarly Assistant ProfessorWashington State University
Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication
What general advice would you give to a Publications Coordinator?
Ms. Chelsea Thomas: A public relations professional's job is to act as a liaison between the public and the client, helping to communicate effectively based on the client's needs. The goal is to communicate the client's messaging in a way that is consistent and mission-driven through a variety of communication tools and tactics. Communication tactics may include press releases, media collaboration, strategic meetings and media monitoring. Ultimately, the public relations professional is responsible for executing a well-strategized public relations campaign and message in an efficient, effective and timely manner for the benefit of both the public and the client being served. Someone entering the field of public relations, such as an intern, may be responsible for client media monitoring, assisting the executive team in organizing events, press releases and media pitches, and conducting general research on industry competitors, trends and media outlets.
What Publications Coordinator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
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.