Average Public Relations Specialists Salary in Wilmington, NC
Public Relations Specialists in Wilmington, NC, earn an average annual salary of $57,630. This figure is notably below the national average of $80,660, indicating that local market dynamics and demand significantly influence compensation in this coastal city. Factors such as the size of the local PR industry and the overall economic landscape of Wilmington contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $57,630 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.2% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $89,610.
- Outlook: The job market for Public Relations Specialists in Wilmington, NC, appears stable, with a total local workforce of 350 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.03 suggests a concentration of these roles that is very close to the national average, implying a steady but not exceptionally high demand for PR professionals within the area. The presence of 1.874 jobs per 1,000 workers further reinforces this moderate level of market activity.
Salary Overview
The average Public Relations Specialists in Wilmington, NC earns-28.6%below the national average.
$27.7
$1,108
$4,803
Public Relations Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Wilmington's PR market isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts, evolving media landscapes, and increased reliance on strategic communication likely have contributed to incremental salary increases for Public Relations Specialists, even in localized markets.
Public Relations Specialists Salary Distribution in Wilmington, NC
Career progression for Public Relations Specialists in Wilmington, NC, 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 specialized skills can command salaries substantially higher than the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight the potential for substantial career and financial advancement within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $27,440 | $13.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $43,223 | $20.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $52,700 | $25.3 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $72,038 | $34.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $89,610 | $43.1 |
Detailed Public Relations Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$57,630
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$57,630
Adjusted for COL (100)
For Public Relations Specialists considering a move to Wilmington, NC, the average salary of $57,630 aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index, which stands at 100 (the national average). This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services in Wilmington is neither a significant advantage nor a disadvantage compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
350
Total Jobs
1.874
Per 1K Jobs
1.03
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.03, Wilmington, NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Public Relations Specialists roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.03, Wilmington, NC, presents a Public Relations Specialist job market that is almost perfectly aligned with the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates a balanced market where the number of PR specialists relative to the overall workforce is neither exceptionally high nor low. Professionals can expect a competitive environment with opportunities that closely mirror those found nationwide.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Public Relations Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, NC Public Relations Specialists Salary | $58,880↑ 2% | 46 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Public Relations Specialists Salary | $64,810↑ 12% | 67 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Public Relations Specialists Salary | $56,140↓ 3% | 81 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Public Relations Specialists Salary | $70,390↑ 22% | 87 mi |
| Greenville, NC Public Relations Specialists Salary | $60,560↑ 5% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wilmington, NC
Hiring Public Relations Specialistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Public Relations Specialists make in Wilmington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Public Relations Specialists in Wilmington, NC is $57,630. This typically ranges from $27,440 for entry-level positions to $89,610 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wilmington, NC is 28.6% lower than the national median of $80,660.
Is Wilmington, NC a lucrative place for Public Relations Specialists?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $57,630 is considerably lower than the national average of $80,660, making it less lucrative in nominal terms.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live for Public Relations Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in Wilmington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wilmington, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jacksonville, NC ($58,880) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How does Wilmington's PR job market compare to the national average?
Wilmington's PR job market is very similar to the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.03, indicating a comparable concentration of Public Relations Specialists relative to the overall workforce.
What is the average salary for a Public Relations Specialist in Wilmington, NC?
The average annual salary for a Public Relations Specialist in Wilmington, NC, is $57,630.
Is the cost of living high in Wilmington, NC?
No, the cost of living in Wilmington, NC, is exactly at the national average, indicated by a Cost of Living Index of 100.
How many Public Relations Specialists are there in Wilmington, NC?
There are approximately 350 Public Relations Specialists employed in Wilmington, NC.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 350 employees in the Wilmington, NC area with a job density of 1.874 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 Wilmington, NC