Average Public Relations Specialists Salary in Knoxville, TN
Public Relations Specialists in Knoxville, TN, earn an average annual salary of $60,480. This figure is notably below the national average of $80,660, reflecting the unique economic landscape and demand specific to the Knoxville metropolitan area. Local market dynamics and the concentration of related industries play a significant role in shaping compensation for these vital communication professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $60,480 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $93,820.
- Outlook: The Knoxville job market for Public Relations Specialists shows a moderate level of concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.51, suggesting fewer specialists per capita than the national average. With a total local workforce of 390 professionals in this field and 0.937 jobs per 1,000 workers, the demand appears steady but not exceptionally high, implying a stable employment environment for those already established.
Salary Overview
The average Public Relations Specialists in Knoxville, TN earns-25.0%below the national average.
$29.1
$1,163
$5,040
Public Relations Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Knoxville is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Public Relations Specialists nationwide have experienced a consistent upward trend over the past four years, driven by the increasing importance of digital communication and brand management. This national trend likely influences local compensation, suggesting that Knoxville specialists may have seen gradual salary increases, albeit potentially at a different pace than in larger, more dynamic markets.
Public Relations Specialists Salary Distribution in Knoxville, TN
Career progression for Public Relations Specialists in Knoxville, as elsewhere, typically involves a significant salary increase 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 advanced responsibilities can command salaries substantially higher than the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution underscore the substantial earning potential available to those who advance within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $31,580 | $15.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $45,360 | $21.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $52,790 | $25.4 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $75,600 | $36.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $93,820 | $45.1 |
Detailed Public Relations Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$60,480
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$60,480
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $60,480 for Public Relations Specialists in Knoxville aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power directly against the national standard, offering a balanced financial outlook for professionals considering a move to or within Knoxville.
Job Market Context
390
Total Jobs
0.937
Per 1K Jobs
0.51
Location Quotient
Knoxville, TN has 0.51x 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 0.51, Public Relations Specialist roles are less concentrated in Knoxville compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market may be less saturated, potentially offering a competitive edge for skilled professionals seeking opportunities, while also indicating that employers might have a wider pool of talent to choose from in certain specialized areas.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Public Relations Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Asheville, NC Public Relations Specialists Salary | $59,370↓ 2% | 83 mi |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Public Relations Specialists Salary | $62,980↑ 4% | 87 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Public Relations Specialists Salary | $47,730↓ 21% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Knoxville, TN
Hiring Public Relations Specialistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Public Relations Specialists make in Knoxville, TN?
The median annual salary for a Public Relations Specialists in Knoxville, TN is $60,480. This typically ranges from $31,580 for entry-level positions to $93,820 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Knoxville, TN is 25.0% lower than the national median of $80,660.
Is Knoxville, TN a lucrative place for Public Relations Specialists?
No, not compared to the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary for Public Relations Specialists in Knoxville is significantly lower than the national benchmark, indicating less lucrative earning potential in this specific location.
Is Knoxville, TN a good place to live for Public Relations Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in Knoxville, TN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Knoxville, TN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Asheville, NC ($59,370) and Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA.
How does Knoxville's cost of living compare to the national average?
Knoxville, TN, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services in Knoxville is neither significantly higher nor lower than the national standard.
What is the concentration of Public Relations Specialists in Knoxville?
The concentration of Public Relations Specialists in Knoxville is below the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.51. This suggests that the profession is less prevalent per capita in Knoxville compared to the rest of the United States.
How many Public Relations Specialists are there in Knoxville?
There are approximately 390 Public Relations Specialists employed within the Knoxville, TN, workforce.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.51 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 0.51 implies that the market for Public Relations Specialists in Knoxville is less dense than the national average. This could translate to fewer job openings but potentially less competition for experienced professionals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 390 employees in the Knoxville, TN area with a job density of 0.937 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 Knoxville, TN