Average Public Relations Specialists Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Public Relations Specialists in Chattanooga, TN-GA earn an average annual salary of $63,770. This figure is notably below the national average of $80,660, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Chattanooga metropolitan area. The local job market dynamics and the overall economic landscape of the region play a significant role in shaping compensation for these professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $63,770 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.3% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $96,410.
- Outlook: The job market for Public Relations Specialists in Chattanooga, TN-GA, while modest in size with a total local workforce of 310, shows a concentration (Location Quotient) of 0.64. This suggests a slightly lower prevalence of these roles compared to the national average, indicating a stable but not rapidly expanding demand. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers at 1.166 further supports a consistent, albeit not booming, employment landscape for PR professionals in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Public Relations Specialists in Chattanooga, TN-GA earns-20.9%below the national average.
$30.7
$1,226
$5,314
Public Relations Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Chattanooga is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Public Relations Specialists in the region have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, increased demand for strategic communication, and inflation typically drive salary increases across most professional fields, including public relations. This general upward trend likely applies to the Chattanooga market as well, though the pace may differ from national averages.
Public Relations Specialists Salary Distribution in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Career progression for Public Relations Specialists in Chattanooga, TN-GA, typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the gap between starting salaries and those for seasoned professionals often represents substantial growth, reflecting accumulated expertise, expanded responsibilities, and a proven track record. This salary scaling is a key indicator of career advancement opportunities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $36,540 | $17.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $47,828 | $23 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $63,020 | $30.3 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $79,713 | $38.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $96,410 | $46.4 |
Detailed Public Relations Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$63,770
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$63,770
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $63,770 for Public Relations Specialists in Chattanooga, TN-GA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services in Chattanooga is neither a significant advantage nor a disadvantage compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
310
Total Jobs
1.166
Per 1K Jobs
0.64
Location Quotient
Chattanooga, TN-GA has 0.64x the national average concentration of Public Relations Specialists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.64, the Public Relations Specialist job market in Chattanooga, TN-GA, is less concentrated than the national average. This indicates that while there are opportunities, the field is not as saturated as in many other metropolitan areas. Professionals may find a competitive environment, but the lower concentration suggests potential for growth and less intense competition for roles compared to areas with a higher quotient.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Public Relations Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Dalton, GA Public Relations Specialists Salary | $80,660↑ 26% | 26 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Public Relations Specialists Salary | $81,080↑ 27% | 83 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chattanooga, TN-GA
Hiring Public Relations Specialistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Public Relations Specialists make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The median annual salary for a Public Relations Specialists in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $63,770. This typically ranges from $36,540 for entry-level positions to $96,410 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 20.9% lower than the national median of $80,660.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a lucrative place for Public Relations Specialists?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $63,770 is significantly lower than the national average of $80,660. However, the cost of living is on par with the national average, meaning the purchasing power of the local salary is standard.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place to live for Public Relations Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Chattanooga, TN-GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Dalton, GA ($80,660) and Huntsville, AL.
How does the Chattanooga PR Specialist salary compare to the national average?
Public Relations Specialists in Chattanooga, TN-GA, earn an average of $63,770 annually, which is approximately 21% lower than the national average salary of $80,660.
What is the Cost of Living in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
Chattanooga, TN-GA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
How many Public Relations Specialists work in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
There are approximately 310 Public Relations Specialists employed within the Chattanooga, TN-GA metropolitan area, representing 1.166 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Is the job market for PR Specialists strong in Chattanooga?
The market is stable with a lower concentration (LQ of 0.64) than the national average, suggesting consistent but not explosive demand for PR professionals in the region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 310 employees in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area with a job density of 1.166 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 Chattanooga, TN-GA