Average Public Relations Specialists Salary in Topeka, KS
Public Relations Specialists in Topeka, KS, earn an average annual salary of $65,350. This figure is notably below the national average of $80,660, reflecting the distinct economic landscape and demand dynamics present in the Kansas capital. Localized market forces, including industry concentration and the overall economic climate, play a significant role in shaping compensation for these vital communication professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $65,350 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $98,890.
- Outlook: The Public Relations Specialist job market in Topeka, KS, is characterized by a local workforce of 330 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.6, the concentration of these roles in Topeka is 60% higher than the national average, suggesting a robust and relatively in-demand sector within the city's employment ecosystem. The presence of 2.918 jobs per 1,000 workers further indicates a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, job market for PR specialists in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Public Relations Specialists in Topeka, KS earns-19.0%below the national average.
$31.4
$1,257
$5,446
Public Relations Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Topeka's PR specialist salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that compensation for such roles has seen incremental growth, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. The increasing reliance on strategic communication and public image management across industries likely contributes to a steady, albeit modest, upward trajectory in salary expectations for experienced professionals in this field.
Public Relations Specialists Salary Distribution in Topeka, KS
Salary progression for Public Relations Specialists in Topeka, KS, typically correlates with experience and skill development. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with a proven track record in media relations, crisis communication, and strategic planning can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career advancement opportunities, rewarding those who accumulate expertise and take on greater responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $42,490 | $20.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $49,013 | $23.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $62,990 | $30.3 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $81,688 | $39.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $98,890 | $47.5 |
Detailed Public Relations Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$65,350
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$65,350
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $65,350 for Public Relations Specialists in Topeka, KS, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a PR specialist's salary in Topeka is equivalent to that of a professional earning the national average salary in a location with a national average cost of living. Therefore, while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Topeka ensures that the real value of this income is maintained.
Job Market Context
330
Total Jobs
2.918
Per 1K Jobs
1.6
Location Quotient
Topeka, KS has 1.6x 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.6 for Public Relations Specialists in Topeka, KS, indicates a significant concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests that the market is relatively specialized and potentially more competitive for new entrants, as the demand is proportionally higher within the local workforce. Employers may find it easier to recruit locally due to this higher concentration, but it also signifies a strong existing network of PR professionals within the Topeka area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Public Relations Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lawrence, KS Public Relations Specialists Salary | $60,920↓ 7% | 24 mi |
| Manhattan, KS Public Relations Specialists Salary | $60,370↓ 8% | 50 mi |
| Kansas City, MO-KS Public Relations Specialists Salary | $72,920↑ 12% | 60 mi |
| Kansas nonmetropolitan area Public Relations Specialists Salary | $55,480↓ 15% | 66 mi |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS Public Relations Specialists Salary | $63,380↓ 3% | 68 mi |
Comparing salaries near Topeka, KS
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Public Relations Specialists make in Topeka, KS?
The median annual salary for a Public Relations Specialists in Topeka, KS is $65,350. This typically ranges from $42,490 for entry-level positions to $98,890 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Topeka, KS is 19.0% lower than the national median of $80,660.
Is Topeka, KS a lucrative place for Public Relations Specialists?
No, not in terms of nominal salary.While the average salary of $65,350 is below the national average, the cost of living in Topeka is also at the national average, meaning the purchasing power is comparable. However, 'lucrative' typically implies earning significantly above the norm, which is not the case here.
Is Topeka, KS a good place to live for Public Relations Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in Topeka, KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Topeka, KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lawrence, KS ($60,920) and Manhattan, KS.
How does Topeka's PR specialist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Public Relations Specialists in Topeka, KS, is $65,350, which is lower than the national average of $80,660.
What is the concentration of Public Relations Specialists in Topeka, KS?
Topeka, KS has a Location Quotient of 1.6 for Public Relations Specialists, meaning the concentration of these jobs is 60% higher than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Topeka affect the salary?
Topeka's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means that the $65,350 salary in Topeka has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a national average cost of living area.
What is the total number of Public Relations Specialists in Topeka, KS?
There are approximately 330 Public Relations Specialists employed in Topeka, KS.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 330 employees in the Topeka, KS area with a job density of 2.918 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 Topeka, KS