Ðǿմ«Ã½

Public relations graduates find opportunities in fields as varied as advertising agencies, executive leadership, healthcare, athletics, global nonprofit work, and government. The public relations major at Ðǿմ«Ã½ offers exceptional versatility, allowing students to develop practical skills that translate across nearly every professional sector.

What is the career outlook for public relations professions?

Public relations roles differ significantly, with salaries influenced by the specific role, industry, and skill set. According to the , opportunities for employment in public relations are expected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034. 

What is the average salary for people with a public relations degree?

Nationally, individuals with a bachelor’s degree in public relations report an average annual salary of $83,626 ().

What jobs can you get with a pubic relations degree?

Please note: Some jobs may require different levels of education.

Account managers build and maintain strong client relationships, acting as the primary point of contact to understand needs and deliver solutions. They coordinate between clients and internal teams to ensure satisfaction, retention, and growth. Account managers work across most industries including tech, finance, retail, and healthcare.

 Yearly salary: $65,816 *

Brand ambassadors represent and promote a company’s brand by engaging with customers and building positive relationships. They increase brand awareness and trust through authentic communication, events, and advocacy. 

Yearly salary: $42,047 *

Communication managers are responsible for creating the marketing and advertising materials that promote a company’s brand, mission, services, and products. Their work involves public speaking, attending events, writing press releases and other forms of media, and building promotional items. 

Yearly salary: $85,857 *

Content managers plan, create, and oversee content across platforms to ensure it aligns with brand goals and audience needs. They manage content strategy, quality, and performance to drive engagement and consistency.

Yearly salary: $80,932 *

CX strategists examine data, identify issues, and develop strategies to increase customer satisfaction and revenue. CX strategists work within consulting firms, specialized consultancies, or directly for the companies that want to align business goals with customer needs. 

Yearly salary: $139,867 *

Ecommerce marketing specialists drive online sales by planning and executing digital marketing strategies across channels. They optimize campaigns, customer journeys, and conversion performance to grow revenue and engagement.

Yearly salary: $87,147 *

Event planners oversee large events such as conferences, galas, and parties. They bring clients’ visions to life by coordinating venues, vendors, and event logistics, and may work in corporate offices, convention centers, or as self-employed professionals.

Yearly salary: $63,335 *

Industry relations representatives foster and maintain working relationships between management, employees, and labor unions. They work with organizational laws and procedures to foster a culture of mutual respect and compliance within the workforce.

Yearly salary: $99,690 *

Integrated media planners develop and coordinate cross-channel media strategies to reach target audiences effectively. They align media plans across digital, social, print, and broadcast to maximize impact and performance.

Yearly salary: $75,145 *

Journalists share news and information to the public through television, websites, radio, newspapers, and magazines. They interview individuals, attend events, and conduct research on the topics they write about. 

Yearly salary: $60,979 *

Marketing managers lead the development and execution of marketing strategies to promote products, services, or brands. They oversee campaigns, analyze performance, and collaborate with teams to drive growth and meet business goals. 

Yearly salary: $83,488 *

Media relations specialists manage relationships with journalists and media outlets to secure positive coverage and protect brand reputation. They craft press materials, pitch stories, and serve as key spokespersons between organizations and the media.

Yearly salary: $61,893 *

Medical communication specialists take complex health and science information and turn it into digestible information for patients and the public. They support healthcare, pharmaceutical, and research organizations through educational materials, publications, and strategic messaging.

Yearly salary: $120,812 *

Press agents promote and manage the public image of individuals, organizations, or events by securing media coverage and crafting messaging. They handle press releases, media inquiries, and publicity strategies to shape how their clients are perceived.

Yearly salary: $38,735 *

Product marketing managers develop and execute strategies to position and promote products effectively in the market. They create messaging, support go-to-market plans, and collaborate with sales, product, and marketing teams to drive adoption and growth. 

Yearly salary: $148,769 *

Public affairs specialists manage an organization’s relationships with government, regulatory bodies, and the public to influence policy and protect its interests. They monitor legislation, develop advocacy strategies, and communicate key messages to stakeholders.

Yearly salary: $85,669 *

Publicists manage an organization’s public image and media presence. They shape how clients are perceived by the public and craft messaging that reflects the client’s goals and values. Publicists work in many sectors including government, entertainment, fashion, and corporate sectors. 

Yearly salary: $61,822 *

Social media managers create and oversee content across social platforms to engage audiences and build brand presence. They develop strategies, monitor performance, and interact with followers to drive growth and engagement.

Yearly salary: $64,845 *

Strategic communications specialists develop and implement messaging strategies to effectively convey an organization’s goals and values. They manage communications across channels, align messaging with business objectives, and enhance reputation and stakeholder engagement.

Yearly salary: $99,728 *

*Information for all yearly average salaries in the United States were taken from .

Where do Carthage public relations graduates work?

Alumni have gone on to hold positions with employers across the country, including:

  • Boston Red Sox
  • Cannella Media
  • Chicago Fringe Festival
  • City Government and Government Agencies
  • Discover Wisconsin
  • Edelman
  • Federal Reserve System
  • Ford Performance
  • Jockey International
  • Marcus Center of Performing Arts
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Mueller Communications
  • Octagon
  • Six Flags Great America
  • Snap-on Inc.
  • Southwest Airlines
  • The Gratzi
  • Uline
  • Universal Music Group
  • Warner Music

 

Hear from Carthage Public Relations Alumni

Visit The Aspire Program website for more information on careers after Carthage