Average Public Relations Specialists Salary in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
Public Relations Specialists in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA, earn an average annual salary of $67,620. This figure is notably below the national average of $80,660, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a different industry focus within the region influence compensation. While the nominal salary may seem lower, understanding the local economic landscape is crucial for a complete picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $67,620 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $97,970.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 210 Public Relations Specialists, the market in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA, indicates a stable, albeit not expansive, presence of these professionals. The concentration, measured by a Location Quotient of 1.62, suggests a higher prevalence of PR specialists compared to the national average, hinting at a consistent demand within the local economy for these skills.
Salary Overview
The average Public Relations Specialists in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA earns-16.2%below the national average.
$32.5
$1,300
$5,635
Public Relations Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Amherst Town-Northampton, MA is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Public Relations Specialists, mirroring national trends, have experienced steady growth over the past four years. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for digital PR expertise, and evolving communication strategies likely contribute to an upward trajectory in compensation for skilled professionals in this field.
Public Relations Specialists Salary Distribution in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
The career path for a Public Relations Specialist typically involves significant salary progression with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with a proven track record and specialized skills can command salaries substantially higher than the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect this career advancement, rewarding expertise and strategic contributions.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $45,750 | $22 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $50,715 | $24.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $62,500 | $30 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $84,525 | $40.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $97,970 | $47.1 |
Detailed Public Relations Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$67,620
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$67,620
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $67,620 in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a PR Specialist's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average. While the nominal pay is lower than the national average salary, the cost of living parity suggests that the real value of the salary is maintained locally.
Job Market Context
210
Total Jobs
2.943
Per 1K Jobs
1.62
Location Quotient
Amherst Town-Northampton, MA has 1.6x the national concentration of Public Relations Specialists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 1.62 for Public Relations Specialists in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA, signifies a market where these professionals are more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a robust local demand or a specialization within the region that favors PR roles, making the job market relatively competitive but also indicating a solid presence of opportunities for those in the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Public Relations Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Springfield, MA Public Relations Specialists Salary | $74,790↑ 11% | 18 mi |
| Worcester, MA Public Relations Specialists Salary | $79,760↑ 18% | 37 mi |
| Pittsfield, MA Public Relations Specialists Salary | $70,960↑ 5% | 38 mi |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT Public Relations Specialists Salary | $92,800↑ 37% | 43 mi |
| Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area Public Relations Specialists Salary | $73,230↑ 8% | 52 mi |
Comparing salaries near Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Public Relations Specialists make in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA?
The median annual salary for a Public Relations Specialists in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA is $67,620. This typically ranges from $45,750 for entry-level positions to $97,970 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA is 16.2% lower than the national median of $80,660.
Is Amherst Town-Northampton, MA a lucrative place for Public Relations Specialists?
No, not strictly lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary is $67,620, it falls below the national average of $80,660. However, the local cost of living is on par with the national average, meaning the salary's purchasing power is equivalent nationally.
Is Amherst Town-Northampton, MA a good place to live for Public Relations Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Amherst Town-Northampton, MA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Springfield, MA ($74,790) and Worcester, MA.
How does the number of PR Specialists in Amherst compare nationally?
Amherst Town-Northampton, MA has a total local workforce of 210 Public Relations Specialists, with 2.943 jobs per 1,000 workers, indicating a notable presence relative to the national average.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for PR Specialists in Amherst?
An LQ of 1.62 means that Public Relations Specialists are 62% more concentrated in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA, than the national average, suggesting a higher demand or specialization in the area.
How does the cost of living affect the salary of a PR Specialist in Amherst?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $67,620 salary in Amherst has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, indicating a balanced economic environment for PR professionals.
Are there many job opportunities for Public Relations Specialists in Amherst?
While the total workforce is 210, the LQ of 1.62 suggests a healthy concentration and consistent demand for PR Specialists within the local market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Amherst Town-Northampton, MA area with a job density of 2.943 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Public Relations Specialists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA