Public Relations Managers in California
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | California | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $156,340 | $138,520 | +12.9% vs US |
| State Rank | #8 of 50 states | Top 10 state | |
| Employment | 9,140 jobs | 76,060 jobs | 12.0% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in California
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $97,120 | $46.69 |
| 25th Percentile | $118,550 | $57.00 |
| Median | $156,340 | $75.16 |
| 75th Percentile | $212,230 | $102.04 |
| 90th Percentile | — | — |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Public Relations Managers in California in 2026?
With a median salary of $156,340 in California and a 2021–2024 salary trend of +22.0%, public relations managers are still in strong and growing demand.
How can public relations managers increase their salary in California?
Public Relations Managers in California can increase earnings by targeting higher-paying industries which tend to offer compensation well above the state median. Additionally, relocating to a higher-paying state could offer a significant income boost: California currently ranks #8 out of 50 states for this occupation. Pursuing advanced credentials, specializations, or roles with greater responsibility are proven ways to move toward the 75th or 90th percentile of earners.
Which industries pay the most for Public Relations Managers in California?
State-level industry data is limited for this occupation. Nationally, the top-paying industries are:
| Industry | Annual Median |
|---|---|
| Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services | $223,880 |
| Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services | $223,880 |
| Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences | $221,210 |
How are Public Relations Managers paid in California compared to the national average?
The median salary for Public Relations Managers in California is $156,340, which is 12.9% above the national median of $138,520.