Public Relations Specialist Salary in Chicago, IL
2024 BLS OEWS Data · Creative · COL Index: 107.3
$63,910
Median Salary
$74,860
Mean Salary
$59,562
COL-Adjusted
4,890
Employment
Salary Distribution
Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Salary | COL-Adjusted |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $40,440 | $37,689 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,810 | $47,353 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $63,910 | $59,562 |
| 75th Percentile | $90,120 | $83,989 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $119,270 | $111,156 |
What Drives the Range
The $78,830 spread between the 10th and 90th percentiles for Public Relations Specialist positions in Chicago, IL reflects several factors. Entry-level professionals and those in smaller organizations typically fall in the lower quartiles, while senior specialists, those with in-demand certifications, and employees at large enterprises command salaries in the upper percentiles.
Chicago, IL's cost-of-living index of 107.3 means that a $63,910 median salary here has the same purchasing power as $59,562 in an average-cost U.S. city. The relatively moderate cost of living makes this a competitive market for purchasing power.