SOC 2493 Business, media and public service professionals

Public relations professionals Salary

Median salary £36,336 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £36,000 after tax and National Insurance →

For public relations professionals, £37,563 is the typical (median) pay. That is around the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -4.0% versus the national average. Experienced public relations professionals (top 25%) earn over £45,862.

About this role

Public relations professionals manage organisational reputation, developing communications strategies, handling media relationships, creating content and managing crisis communications across all channels.

Key responsibilities

Developing PR strategies and campaigns
Writing press releases and communications materials
Managing media relationships and press enquiries
Planning events and media briefings
Monitoring media coverage and social media

Qualifications and entry routes

Typically requires a degree in PR, communications or journalism. CIPR qualifications and membership are the professional standard. PRCA membership is also recognised.

Career outlook

Steady demand with growing emphasis on digital PR, content marketing and social media expertise.

Key skills

Media relations Content creation Crisis communications Social media Strategic planning

Common industries

PR agencies
Corporate communications
Public sector
Charities
Healthcare

Data coverage

SOC code 2493

Data source ONS ASHE

Years available 2015–2025

Estimated jobs 39,000

Median Salary

£36,336

Mean Salary

£37,761

Jobs (000s)

39k

Data Years

11 years

Salary Range (2025)

P25: £28,606Median: £36,336P75: £45,862

P10: --P25: £29kMedian: £36kP75: £46kP90: --

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Entry Level

£28,606

0-2 years

Mid Level

£28,606

3-7 years

Senior

£45,862

8-15 years

Potential career growth: +60% from entry to leadership

Salary Trend (2015-2025)

Adjust for inflation

Nominal growth: +19.8%Real growth: -13.2%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Gender pay gap: 6.5%

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees

£36,336

Full-time Only

£37,563

Full-time premium: +£1,227

Public relations professionals salary: common questions

How much do public relations professionals earn in the UK?

Public relations professionals earn a median of £37,563 a year (ONS ASHE 2025). The middle half earn between £28,606 and £45,862.

Is £37,563 a good salary in the UK?

What is the starting salary for public relations professionals?

Entry-level public relations professionals typically start near the lower end of the range. The bottom 25% earn up to £28,606, and the lowest-paid 10% earn under £27,732.

Have public relations professionals salaries kept up with inflation?

Since 2015, median public relations professionals pay has risen from £31,206 to £37,563 — +20% in cash terms, or -13% after CPIH inflation. That is behind inflation over the period.

Is there a gender pay gap for public relations professionals?

Male public relations professionals earn a median £37,588 and female public relations professionals £35,138 — a gap of +7.0% in 2025.

Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).