Public Relations Managers
Public relations managers plan and direct activities to shape how the public perceives their organization or client. They work in corporate communications departments, government agencies, nonprofits, consulting firms, and media companies. The role involves managing communications strategy, coordinating with media, and responding to public concerns to maintain or improve organizational reputation.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against public relations managers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week includes drafting press releases, coordinating media interviews, monitoring news coverage and social media mentions, and attending meetings with executives and external stakeholders. Public relations managers may prepare talking points for organizational leaders, respond to crisis communications, plan promotional events, or analyze public perception data. Work involves both strategic planning and tactical execution, often with tight deadlines around announcements or emerging issues.
Who this work suits
Holland code ECS. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to do well in this role if you're comfortable taking charge of communication strategy and building systems to manage organizational image. People who succeed here typically enjoy organizing information and processes while also engaging others—balancing the conventional preference for structured workflows with the enterprising drive to influence outcomes and persuade audiences.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $142,020 | $197,600 | $296,830 | 7,410 |
| New York | $139,410 | $180,880 | $233,530 | 7,710 |
| Virginia | $132,210 | $176,340 | $234,080 | 2,610 |
| New Jersey | $133,120 | $174,980 | $225,340 | 2,420 |
| Massachusetts | $121,570 | $171,740 | $215,490 | 2,170 |
| California | $125,550 | $167,980 | $222,310 | 9,400 |
| Maine | $108,630 | $166,940 | $178,670 | — |
| Colorado | $124,680 | $162,870 | $208,020 | — |
| Washington | $128,760 | $159,440 | $198,500 | 1,610 |
| Rhode Island | $108,380 | $156,080 | $201,360 | 210 |
| Connecticut | $103,430 | $154,210 | $214,800 | 890 |
| Delaware | $120,710 | $153,010 | $189,060 | 170 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Accreditation in Public Relations (PR) — Public Relations Society of America
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
and 12 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against public relations managers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 11-2032.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.