Average Public Relations Specialists Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
Public Relations Specialists in the Portland-South Portland, ME area earn an average annual salary of $66,000. This figure is notably below the national average of $80,660, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a different cost-of-living structure influence compensation. While the nominal salary may seem lower, understanding the local economic landscape is crucial for evaluating its true value.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $66,000 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $95,200.
- Outlook: The Portland-South Portland area supports a dedicated workforce of 540 Public Relations Specialists. With a Location Quotient of 1.04, the concentration of these roles is slightly above the national average, indicating a stable and perhaps slightly growing demand for PR expertise within this specific metropolitan region. The presence of nearly 2 specialists per 1,000 workers underscores a consistent need for communication professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Public Relations Specialists in Portland-South Portland, ME earns-18.2%below the national average.
$31.7
$1,269
$5,500
Public Relations Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Portland-South Portland is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Public Relations Specialists nationwide have seen a gradual upward trend over the past four years, driven by inflation and the increasing importance of strategic communication. This general growth likely extends to the local market, though the pace may vary based on regional economic performance and industry-specific demand.
Public Relations Specialists Salary Distribution in Portland-South Portland, ME
Career progression for Public Relations Specialists typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level professionals might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned specialists with proven track records and advanced responsibilities can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify the substantial career growth and earning potential available within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $44,630 | $21.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $49,500 | $23.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $61,520 | $29.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $82,500 | $39.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $95,200 | $45.8 |
Detailed Public Relations Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$66,000
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$66,000
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $66,000 for Public Relations Specialists in Portland-South Portland aligns perfectly 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. Therefore, the nominal salary holds its value quite effectively within the local economic environment.
Job Market Context
540
Total Jobs
1.89
Per 1K Jobs
1.04
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.04, Portland-South Portland, ME has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Public Relations Specialists roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.04 for Public Relations Specialists in Portland-South Portland indicates a job market that is very close to the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a balanced environment where the demand for PR professionals is neither exceptionally high nor particularly low compared to other regions. The market is competitive but offers steady opportunities for skilled individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Public Relations Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME Public Relations Specialists Salary | $63,390↓ 4% | 29 mi |
| Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Public Relations Specialists Salary | $74,900↑ 13% | 67 mi |
| Northern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Public Relations Specialists Salary | $72,990↑ 11% | 67 mi |
| Southwestern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Public Relations Specialists Salary | $71,300↑ 8% | 67 mi |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH Public Relations Specialists Salary | $76,420↑ 16% | 76 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-South Portland, ME
Hiring Public Relations Specialistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Public Relations Specialists make in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The median annual salary for a Public Relations Specialists in Portland-South Portland, ME is $66,000. This typically ranges from $44,630 for entry-level positions to $95,200 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-South Portland, ME is 18.2% lower than the national median of $80,660.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a lucrative place for Public Relations Specialists?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $66,000 is below the national average of $80,660, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a good place to live for Public Relations Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-South Portland, ME is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-South Portland, ME?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lewiston-Auburn, ME ($63,390) and Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Portland-South Portland PR specialist salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Public Relations Specialists in Portland-South Portland, ME is $66,000, which is $14,660 less than the national average of $80,660.
What is the concentration of Public Relations Specialists in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.04, indicating a slightly higher presence of PR specialists than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Portland-South Portland, ME affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living matches the national average, meaning the $66,000 salary has equivalent purchasing power to the national average salary.
What is the total number of Public Relations Specialists in the Portland-South Portland, ME area?
There are approximately 540 Public Relations Specialists employed in the Portland-South Portland, ME metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 540 employees in the Portland-South Portland, ME area with a job density of 1.89 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 Portland-South Portland, ME