Art Directors vs. Public Relations Specialists: Who Earns More?
Art Directors out-earn Public Relations Specialists by $40K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Art Directors land at $114,850 and Public Relations Specialists at $74,750. The education gap is real: art director programs typically require bachelor's degree, while public relations specialist programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Art Directors is Massachusetts ($149,320); for Public Relations Specialists it's District of Columbia ($102,740).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Art Directors median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Art Directors or Public Relations Specialists?
Art Directors earn more nationally. The median is $114,850 for Art Directors versus $74,750 for Public Relations Specialists, a difference of $40K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Art Directors or Public Relations Specialists?
Public Relations Specialists has the better 10-year outlook at 4.8% projected growth, compared to 4.2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Art Directors or Public Relations Specialists?
Art Directors typically requires bachelor's degree. Public Relations Specialists requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Art Directors get paid the most?
Massachusetts is the top-paying state for Art Directors at $149,320/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Art Directors vs. Public Relations Specialists pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Massachusetts, Art Directors earn $149,320 vs. $79,660 for Public Relations Specialists. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.