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Job outlook for publicity assistants in the United States
Are publicity assistant jobs in demand?
Publicity assistant job and salary trends over time
Publicity assistant jobs over time
Publicity assistant job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,125 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 2,141 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 2,143 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 2,093 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 2,046 | 0.00% |
Average publicity assistant salary over time
Publicity assistant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $39,387 | $18.94 | +2.7% |
| 2024 | $38,346 | $18.44 | +1.9% |
| 2023 | $37,625 | $18.09 | +1.2% |
| 2022 | $37,186 | $17.88 | +2.2% |
| 2021 | $36,383 | $17.49 | +2.2% |
Publicity assistant jobs by state
Most common states for publicity assistants
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 54 | 8% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 106 | 2% |
| 3 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 53 | 2% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 15 | 2% |
| 5 | Vermont | 623,657 | 11 | 2% |
| 6 | California | 39,536,653 | 341 | 1% |
| 7 | New York | 19,849,399 | 270 | 1% |
| 8 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 95 | 1% |
| 9 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 92 | 1% |
| 10 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 66 | 1% |
| 11 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 58 | 1% |
| 12 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 56 | 1% |
| 13 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 51 | 1% |
| 14 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 50 | 1% |
| 15 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 38 | 1% |
| 16 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 22 | 1% |
| 17 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 12 | 1% |
| 18 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 10 | 1% |
| 19 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 7 | 1% |
| 20 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 6 | 1% |
Most common cities for publicity assistants
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frankfort | 1 | 4% | $36,432 |
| 2 | Key West | 1 | 4% | $29,067 |
| 3 | Annapolis | 1 | 3% | $44,990 |
| 4 | Culver City | 1 | 3% | $46,093 |
| 5 | Dover | 1 | 3% | $38,957 |
| 6 | Juneau | 1 | 3% | $44,916 |
| 7 | Coral Gables | 1 | 2% | $28,857 |
| 8 | Fort Lauderdale | 1 | 1% | $28,809 |
| 9 | Hartford | 1 | 1% | $49,034 |
| 10 | Lansing | 1 | 1% | $40,847 |
| 11 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $30,755 |
| 12 | Baton Rouge | 1 | 0% | $32,837 |
| 13 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $41,105 |
| 14 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $40,522 |
| 15 | Des Moines | 1 | 0% | $33,522 |
| 16 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $33,686 |
Publicity Assistant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of publicity assistant experts
Grand Valley State University
Bowie State University
University of Florida
Wartburg College
Washington State University
Washington State University
San Francisco State University
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
Loyola University New Orleans
Emory University
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Hope College
University of Texas at Austin
What Publicity Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Laura Willis Calo Ph.D.: Highlight your relevant experiences from internships and/or courses focused on experiential learning. Complete certifications, such as those offered through PRSA, Hubspot, and Google, that further develop your skills and demonstrate your mastery.
What general advice would you give to a Publicity Assistant?
Kimberly Lauffer: Public relations practitioners work in many different types of organizations, so it's hard to generalize a typical day. However, some activities include clipping (physically or electronically) mentions of their organization and its employees, coordinating interviews between media outlets and experts, identifying good internal stories and writing them, collecting B-roll for video news releases, identifying good external stories and pitching them to media outlets, monitoring social media, heading off or dealing with crises, etc. At the entry level in large academic, corporate, or agency-based organizations, a PR practitioner might have a very specialized role but in small or non-profit organizations, she might be a Jill-of-all-trades. Crucial public relations skills include writing, oral communication, critical thinking, and time management.
What will help Publicity Assistants 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 Publicity Assistant?
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 general advice would you give to a Publicity Assistant?
Mr. Daniel Routh: More and more companies want to expand their presence on social media, and someone with good video, photography, writing, and spoken communication skills is in demand. Someone who communicates well also has potential for leadership and promotion, especially in HR and PR fields.
What will help Publicity Assistants 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 Publicity Assistant 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 Publicity Assistants 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 Publicity Assistant 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.
Dr. Rebecca Frazer
Assistant Professor of Public RelationsUniversity of Florida
Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication
What will help Publicity Assistants 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.
What Publicity Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Penni Pier: You must be confident in the skill sets you have and negotiate for a beginning salary that is commensurate with your skills. A lot of emerging professionals shy away from negotiation (or making the right fit for that matter) because they are afraid of turning down a job. Interviews and the first series of negotiations set the tone for the relationship you will have with your employer. You also must be willing to look in geographic areas and related industries that need your skill sets to make give you the most opportunities to be choosy with your first professional position. While at your first position, it is important to make sure that your portfolio stays current, and they you are continuing to do professional development. Be proactive and learn (or enhance) any skills you find lacking. Work on client interaction and how to be a good collaborator with your colleagues. If you do these things and there is room for advancement with the organization that first hired, you this will give you a “leg up” in terms of salary potential. If there is not opportunity for advancement a first position will give you tangible work experience for your portfolio and an opportunity to practice your skills which in turn will make you more marketable if or when you decide to move on.
Ms. Chelsea Thomas
Scholarly Assistant ProfessorWashington State University
Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication
What will help Publicity Assistants increase their earning potential?
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.
What general advice would you give to a Publicity Assistant?
Dr. Nick DiFrancesco: Communication- many grads lack even basic communication skills such as presenting, writing, or conversation; the industry is going to be seeking out not just the best and brightest, individuals who are personable, can relate and have rational discussions with others. The inability to engage in conversation and debate, or network with others is a serious issue among students, and these are skills that are absolutely vital to any professional.
What will help Publicity Assistants increase their earning potential?
Dr. Nick DiFrancesco: Be reliable and willing to do different things. You don’t know where your best suited after graduation, but demonstrating that you can be counted on is not easily forgotten by most employers. Similarly, employees who decide to pigeon-hole themselves into a narrow set of tasks are rarely asked to do much beyond that, and can impede the progress in one’s career.
What general advice would you give to a Publicity Assistant?
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!
What Publicity Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
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.
What Publicity Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Geri Merrigan: Listening, empathy, and perspective-taking remain as important as ever, because change is the only certainty, and globalization connects us to people quite different from ourselves. That means skills for inclusive communication matter – analyzing an audience and crafting messages for diverse stakeholders. Finally, understanding the technology (especially AI) that is most consequential for your industry/sector, for Communication Studies majors, means understanding current events, reading about AI, and evaluating the credibility of what you read.
Pallavi Kumar
What general advice would you give to a Publicity Assistant?
Pallavi Kumar: I can’t think of any other industry where your passion can become your profession. Because no matter what you are interested in, whether it’s the arts, science, sports, the environment, entertainment etc., there is a job in that area. And you have the ability to move into different areas of specialization because the core skills of PR translate across many areas of specialization.
What Publicity Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. José Osorio Ed.D: People in the field must have cultural literacy and demonstrable oral proficiency in a second language.
Jeffrey Ory
President & CEO, il Stratega Marketing & Public Relations, Adjunct ProfessorLoyola University New Orleans
Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication
What will help Publicity Assistants increase their earning potential?
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.
What general advice would you give to a Publicity Assistant?
Gary Laderman: Religious forces in society are more powerful, persuasive, and influential than any other in society. Religion majors are equipped to analyze and interpret these forces, and translate how various industries and social sectors interact with them. Religion graduates provide unique and valuable perspectives that can make a significant impact in their chosen fields. Do not be shy about the kind of knowledge you have accumulated over your college career, and be sure to clarify that you are not approaching your professional career as a theologian.
What will help Publicity Assistants increase their earning potential?
Gary Laderman: The best way to maximize your salary potential if that is your first and driving priority is not to go into teaching. Instead, religion graduates can find ways to integrate their expertise and knowledge base into professional pursuits in tech industries, medicine and healing, or business and branding. While the word 'religion' can certainly scare some people off, other more sophisticated people will likely be intrigued by this unusual college path. Part of the challenge and great potential for religion majors is to educate the public about these multifarious, confusing, but critical religious forces.
Ginger Blackstone Ph.D.
Assoc. ProfessorUniversity of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Journalism
What general advice would you give to a Publicity Assistant?
Ginger Blackstone Ph.D.: You’ve got to start somewhere. You may not get the dream job with a dream company and a fat salary but be willing to do a smaller job just to get your foot in the door. My first jobs in TV were unpaid internships. I did three of them. When I did graduate, I took a part-time job answering phones and assisting producers. I had to wait tables to cover rent. I was in that role for several months before I took a full-time job at a smaller TV station in a small town about three hours away. My current boss was impressed with my work, but he didn’t have an opening. When a fellow manager at a nearby station called him asking for recommendations, he put in a good word for me. You never know who the lead for the next job will be. Show up, do your job, do your best, try to make a good impression, watch for opportunities, and don’t burn bridges. Media people move around a lot, and everybody knows everybody. It’s important to earn a good reputation and be reliable. Who you know and who they know matters. One other thing I recommend: finding a mentor. Sometimes this crazy business can throw surprises your way. It helps to have a seasoned individual you trust to bounce off ideas or talk through challenges. It makes all the difference.
What Publicity Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jayson Dibble Ph.D.: One thing I love about studying communication is it makes me personally a better relationship partner. Also, I can see immediate results of my abilities (or sometimes inabilities) to make sense of others. One thing that sometimes surprises people is our dedication to learning about research and how social scientific data are gathered. And, yes, we study some math and learn how to do real experiments. I suppose you could say this isn't everyone's cup of tea. But we study these things to help us learn more about communication in general and ultimately to help everyone learn to connect with more kinds of people.
What will help Publicity Assistants increase their earning potential?
John Daly: There are so many tasks depending upon your major in Communication. For example: Communication Studies: Sales, HR, Hospitality, General Management, PR; Crisis communication Radio, Television & Film: Production, Directing, Acting, Script-writing Journalism: Writing for news outlets, Editing Advertising: Copywriting, Creative advertising, Placement; Web design Speech and Hearing Sciences: Audiology, Stuttering, Stroke recovery, Language acquisition