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Publicity writer vs communications specialist

The differences between publicity writers 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 publicity writer and a communications specialist. Additionally, a publicity writer has an average salary of $55,347, which is higher than the $51,023 average annual salary of a communications specialist.

The top three skills for a publicity writer include press releases, proofreading and web content. The most important skills for a communications specialist are customer service, powerpoint, and patients.

Publicity writer vs communications specialist overview

Publicity WriterCommunications Specialist
Yearly salary$55,347$51,023
Hourly rate$26.61$24.53
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs10,42242,819
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 83%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Average age4242
Years of experience44

Publicity writer vs communications specialist salary

Publicity writers and communications specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Publicity WriterCommunications Specialist
Average salary$55,347$51,023
Salary rangeBetween $40,000 And $75,000Between $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 publicity writer and communications specialist education

There are a few differences between a publicity writer and a communications specialist in terms of educational background:

Publicity WriterCommunications Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 83%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Most common majorEnglishCommunication
Most common collegeMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyStanford University

Publicity writer vs communications specialist demographics

Here are the differences between publicity writers' and communications specialists' demographics:

Publicity WriterCommunications Specialist
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 39.3% Female, 60.7%Male, 42.9% Female, 57.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.0% Asian, 5.3% White, 66.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%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 Percentage12%12%

Differences between publicity writer and communications specialist duties and responsibilities

Publicity writer example responsibilities.

  • Manage projects diligently under aggressive deadlines while maintaining editorial integrity and ensuring stories have entertainment and/or educational value.
  • Interview new and renewal Medicaid and food stamp applicants and process information to approve eligibility and level of assistance.
  • Coordinate efforts between web developers, SharePoint site administrators and product support representatives to build and support an active online community.

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

Publicity writer vs communications specialist skills

Common publicity writer skills
  • Press Releases, 28%
  • Proofreading, 24%
  • Web Content, 12%
  • Feature Stories, 7%
  • Public Affairs, 6%
  • Copywriting, 5%
Common communications specialist skills
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • PowerPoint, 6%
  • Patients, 6%
  • Web Content, 6%
  • Project Management, 6%
  • Press Releases, 5%

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