Average Public Relations Specialists Salary in Roanoke, VA
Public Relations Specialists in Roanoke, VA, earn an average annual salary of $59,540. This figure is notably below the national average of $80,660, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially smaller market demand for specialized PR roles compared to larger metropolitan areas. The local economic landscape and the concentration of industries requiring extensive public relations efforts directly influence this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $59,540 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.4% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $93,620.
- Outlook: The Public Relations Specialist job market in Roanoke, VA, is characterized by a local workforce of 240 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.88, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not rapidly expanding demand. The presence of 1.608 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent, albeit moderate, need for PR expertise within the Roanoke area.
Salary Overview
The average Public Relations Specialists in Roanoke, VA earns-26.2%below the national average.
$28.6
$1,145
$4,962
Public Relations Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Roanoke is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Public Relations Specialists nationwide have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years, driven by the increasing importance of digital communication and brand management. This national growth likely influences local compensation, even if at a more moderate pace, as employers adapt to evolving industry standards and talent acquisition needs.
Public Relations Specialists Salary Distribution in Roanoke, VA
Career progression for Public Relations Specialists in Roanoke, VA, typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the typical salary range can see entry-level professionals earning closer to $45,000, while seasoned specialists with extensive experience and proven track records might command upwards of $75,000 or more, demonstrating substantial career growth potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $34,570 | $16.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $44,655 | $21.5 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $50,330 | $24.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $74,425 | $35.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $93,620 | $45 |
Detailed Public Relations Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$59,540
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$59,540
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $59,540 for Public Relations Specialists in Roanoke, VA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, providing a stable financial footing for professionals considering a move to or within Roanoke.
Job Market Context
240
Total Jobs
1.608
Per 1K Jobs
0.88
Location Quotient
Roanoke, VA has 0.88x 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 0.88, the market for Public Relations Specialists in Roanoke, VA, is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a steady demand for these professionals, the job market is not oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals without intense competition from a large pool of candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Public Relations Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA Public Relations Specialists Salary | $61,700↑ 4% | 26 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Public Relations Specialists Salary | $63,210↑ 6% | 43 mi |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Public Relations Specialists Salary | $56,930↓ 4% | 78 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Public Relations Specialists Salary | $59,890↑ 1% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Roanoke, VA
Hiring Public Relations Specialistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Public Relations Specialists make in Roanoke, VA?
The median annual salary for a Public Relations Specialists in Roanoke, VA is $59,540. This typically ranges from $34,570 for entry-level positions to $93,620 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Roanoke, VA is 26.2% lower than the national median of $80,660.
Is Roanoke, VA a lucrative place for Public Relations Specialists?
No, not compared to the national average.The average salary of $59,540 is significantly lower than the national average of $80,660. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the purchasing power of the salary is comparable.
Is Roanoke, VA a good place to live for Public Relations Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in Roanoke, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Roanoke, VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA ($61,700) and Lynchburg, VA.
How does Roanoke's PR job market compare to national concentration?
Roanoke's Location Quotient of 0.88 indicates a slightly lower concentration of Public Relations Specialists compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but less dense job market.
What is the purchasing power of a PR Specialist's salary in Roanoke?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the average salary of $59,540 in Roanoke offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many Public Relations Specialist jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Roanoke?
There are approximately 1.608 Public Relations Specialist jobs per 1,000 workers in Roanoke, VA, indicating a moderate level of employment in this field.
What is the total number of Public Relations Specialists in Roanoke?
Roanoke, VA, has a total local workforce of 240 Public Relations Specialists.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the Roanoke, VA area with a job density of 1.608 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 Roanoke, VA