Average Public Relations Specialists Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Public Relations Specialists in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area earn an average annual salary of $72,230. 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 is lower, understanding the local economic landscape is crucial for evaluating its true value.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $72,230 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $105,860.
- Outlook: The Des Moines-West Des Moines area supports a dedicated workforce of 1,130 Public Relations Specialists, representing a concentration 1.53 times the national average. This elevated Location Quotient indicates a significant presence and demand for these professionals within the local job market, suggesting a robust environment for those in the field.
Salary Overview
The average Public Relations Specialists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-10.5%below the national average.
$34.7
$1,389
$6,019
Public Relations Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Des Moines-West Des Moines is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Public Relations Specialists nationwide have experienced steady growth over the past four years, driven by the increasing importance of strategic communication and digital presence for businesses. This trend likely extends to the Des Moines area, reflecting an upward trajectory in compensation.
Public Relations Specialists Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Experience plays a pivotal role in the earning potential of Public Relations Specialists. Entry-level professionals typically start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while senior specialists with extensive experience and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching the 75th percentile and beyond. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries reflects clear career progression opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $42,680 | $20.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $54,173 | $26 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $68,360 | $32.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $90,288 | $43.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $105,860 | $50.9 |
Detailed Public Relations Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$72,230
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$72,230
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $72,230 in Des Moines-West Des Moines aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making the compensation competitive in terms of real value for residents.
Job Market Context
1,130
Total Jobs
2.782
Per 1K Jobs
1.53
Location Quotient
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 1.5x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 1.53, Des Moines-West Des Moines demonstrates a higher concentration of Public Relations Specialists than the national average. This suggests a specialized and potentially competitive market where demand for these skills is more pronounced relative to the general workforce, offering ample opportunities for skilled professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Public Relations Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Public Relations Specialists Salary | $65,990↓ 9% | 31 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Public Relations Specialists Salary | $52,830↓ 27% | 37 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Public Relations Specialists Salary | $45,820↓ 37% | 37 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Public Relations Specialists Salary | $54,400↓ 25% | 37 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Public Relations Specialists Salary | $49,820↓ 31% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Hiring Public Relations Specialistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Public Relations Specialists make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Public Relations Specialists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $72,230. This typically ranges from $42,680 for entry-level positions to $105,860 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 10.5% lower than the national median of $80,660.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Public Relations Specialists?
Yes, with caveats.While the average salary of $72,230 is below the national average, the strong concentration of PR specialists (LQ 1.53) and a cost of living at the national average (100) indicate a stable and accessible market for these professionals.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Public Relations Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($65,990) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Des Moines PR Specialist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Public Relations Specialists in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $72,230, which is approximately 10.5% lower than the national average of $80,660.
What is the concentration of Public Relations Specialists in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.53, meaning there are 53% more Public Relations Specialists in this area compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines affect salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Des Moines-West Des Moines is at the national average. Therefore, the $72,230 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a fair compensation in real terms.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.53 signify for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.53 indicates a higher density of Public Relations Specialists in Des Moines-West Des Moines than the national average, suggesting a specialized job market with potentially strong demand for these roles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,130 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 2.782 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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA