Public Relations Managers
Public relations managers direct the creation of materials that will enhance the public image of their employer or client. Fundraising managers coordinate campaigns that bring in donations for their organization.
Is public relations managers a good career?
It scores 34/100 and ranks #109 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($146,910 vs $61,390)
Possible tradeoffs
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
- Often needs prior experience (5 years or more)
What public relations managers earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. public relations managers earn between $106,580 and $204,520 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live public relations managers jobs
No live public relations managers openings yet
When the jobs.best ATS feed launches, verified public relations managers openings will appear here — each shown against the $146,910 national median. Nothing here is placeholder.
No placeholder listings · nothing inventedHow to become a public relations manager
- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- 5 years or more
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow faster than average through 2034.
Education
For public relations and fundraising management positions, a bachelor’s degree in a field such as public relations, communications, or business typically is required. However, some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a master’s degree, particularly in public relations, journalism, fundraising, or nonprofit management.
Courses in advertising, business administration, public affairs, public speaking, and creative and technical writing can be helpful.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Although not mandatory, public relations managers can become certified. Candidates qualify based on a combination of experience and education and must pass an exam to become certified.
Fundraisers who are awarded certification demonstrate a level of professional competency to prospective employers. To become certified, candidates must meet certain education, professional practice, and professional performance requirements, as well as pass an exam. Fundraisers must apply for renewal every 3 years to keep their certification valid.
Important qualities
Interpersonal skills. Public relations and fundraising managers deal with the public regularly; therefore, they must be friendly enough to build a rapport with, and receive support from, their media contacts and donors.
Leadership skills. Managers often lead large teams of specialists or fundraisers and must be able to guide their activities.
Organizational skills. Public relations and fundraising managers are often in charge of running several events at the same time, requiring superior organizational skills.
Problem-solving skills. Managers sometimes must explain how the company or client is handling sensitive issues. They must use good judgment in what they report and how they report it.
Speaking skills. Public relations and fundraising managers regularly speak for their organization. When doing so, they must be able to explain the organization’s position clearly.
Writing skills. Managers must be able to write well-organized and clear press releases and speeches. They must be able to succinctly present the key messages they want to get across in order to keep the attention of busy readers or listeners.
Related occupations
How much do public relations managers make?
The national median wage is $146,910 a year, with the middle half earning between $106,580 and $204,520 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is public relations managers a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 34 of 100 and ranks #109 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +5.0% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a public relations manager?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, usually with 5 years or more.
Where do public relations managers earn the most?
Among states, District of Columbia pays the highest median ($197,600). Local pay for every state and metro is below.