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The differences between strategic communications consultants 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 strategic communications consultant and a communications specialist. Additionally, a strategic communications consultant has an average salary of $79,405, which is higher than the $51,023 average annual salary of a communications specialist.
The top three skills for a strategic communications consultant include press releases, web content and linkedin. The most important skills for a communications specialist are customer service, powerpoint, and patients.
| Strategic Communications Consultant | Communications Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $79,405 | $51,023 |
| Hourly rate | $38.18 | $24.53 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 29,342 | 42,819 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A strategic communications consultant is involved in the preparation of media releases for a company. This professional often works as a freelancer and is often hired by a media consulting company or by industries such as finance and technology. The core skills that a strategic communications consultant should possess to accomplish his/her or her job responsibilities include strong interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills. The job's education requirements include a bachelor's or master's degree in business, marketing, communication, or a related field.
A communications specialist takes charge of addressing the public by coming up with various strategic campaigns, newsletters, public correspondence, press releases, and advertisements. Their primary role focuses on promoting, shaping, and enhancing a brand's image through public relations. Furthermore, a communications specialist is responsible for handling any complaints or issues, devising and conducting damage control to resolve bad publicity should there be any. It is also essential for a communications specialist to adhere to the company's policies and regulations at all times.
Strategic communications consultants and communications specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Strategic Communications Consultant | Communications Specialist | |
| Average salary | $79,405 | $51,023 |
| Salary range | Between $49,000 And $128,000 | Between $36,000 And $71,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | - | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | - | |
| Best paying industry | - | Technology |
There are a few differences between a strategic communications consultant and a communications specialist in terms of educational background:
| Strategic Communications Consultant | Communications Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Most common major | Communication | Communication |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between strategic communications consultants' and communications specialists' demographics:
| Strategic Communications Consultant | Communications Specialist | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 36.3% Female, 63.7% | Male, 42.9% Female, 57.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.1% Asian, 5.3% White, 66.7% 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 Percentage | 12% | 12% |