Average Public Relations Specialists Salary in Iowa City, IA
Public Relations Specialists in Iowa City, IA, earn an average annual salary of $64,660. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $80,660, reflecting the specific economic dynamics and demand within the Iowa City metropolitan area. Localized market conditions, industry concentration, and the overall cost of doing business significantly influence compensation levels for PR professionals in this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $64,660 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $85,470.
- Outlook: The Public Relations Specialist job market in Iowa City, IA, is moderately concentrated, with a total local workforce of 230 professionals. The location quotient of 1.34 suggests a slightly higher presence of these roles compared to the national average, indicating a stable, albeit not booming, demand for PR expertise within the community. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers stands at 2.443, reinforcing the presence of a dedicated professional base.
Salary Overview
The average Public Relations Specialists in Iowa City, IA earns-19.8%below the national average.
$31.1
$1,243
$5,388
Public Relations Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Iowa City is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Public Relations Specialist salaries in the region have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, increased reliance on digital communication strategies, and the evolving media landscape likely contribute to a steady upward trajectory in compensation for skilled PR professionals.
Public Relations Specialists Salary Distribution in Iowa City, IA
Salary progression for Public Relations Specialists in Iowa City, IA, typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with a proven track record and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career advancement opportunities, rewarding increased responsibility and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $40,000 | $19.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $48,495 | $23.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $66,410 | $31.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $80,825 | $38.9 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $85,470 | $41.1 |
Detailed Public Relations Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$64,660
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$64,660
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $64,660 for Public Relations Specialists in Iowa City, IA, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the lower salary compared to the national average is offset by the stable cost of living, making it a financially neutral relocation from a cost perspective.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
2.443
Per 1K Jobs
1.34
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.34, Iowa City, IA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Public Relations Specialists roles compared to the national norm.
With a location quotient of 1.34, Iowa City, IA, exhibits a concentration of Public Relations Specialists that is 34% higher than the national average. This indicates a more robust market for these professionals relative to other occupations within the city, suggesting a healthy demand and a competitive environment for both employers seeking talent and individuals looking for opportunities in the PR field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Public Relations Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA Public Relations Specialists Salary | $65,410↑ 1% | 23 mi |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL Public Relations Specialists Salary | $67,950↑ 5% | 48 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Public Relations Specialists Salary | $61,040↓ 6% | 72 mi |
| Dubuque, IA Public Relations Specialists Salary | $65,240↑ 1% | 72 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Public Relations Specialists Salary | $52,830↓ 18% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Iowa City, IA
Hiring Public Relations Specialistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Public Relations Specialists make in Iowa City, IA?
The median annual salary for a Public Relations Specialists in Iowa City, IA is $64,660. This typically ranges from $40,000 for entry-level positions to $85,470 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Iowa City, IA is 19.8% lower than the national median of $80,660.
Is Iowa City, IA a lucrative place for Public Relations Specialists?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary of $64,660 is significantly below the national average of $80,660 for Public Relations Specialists.
Is Iowa City, IA a good place to live for Public Relations Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in Iowa City, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Iowa City, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($65,410) and Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL.
How does the number of PR specialists in Iowa City compare nationally?
Iowa City has a slightly higher concentration of Public Relations Specialists than the national average, as indicated by a location quotient of 1.34.
What is the cost of living impact on a PR Specialist's salary in Iowa City?
The cost of living in Iowa City is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $64,660 salary has average purchasing power.
Are there many Public Relations Specialist jobs in Iowa City?
There are 230 Public Relations Specialists locally, with 2.443 jobs per 1,000 workers, indicating a moderate presence in the job market.
Can experience significantly increase a PR Specialist's salary in Iowa City?
Yes, experience is a key driver for salary increases, with senior roles commanding higher compensation than entry-level positions due to increased responsibility and expertise.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the Iowa City, IA area with a job density of 2.443 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 Iowa City, IA