News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists vs. Public Relations Specialists: Who Earns More?
Public Relations Specialists out-earn News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists by $13K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists land at $62,200 and Public Relations Specialists at $74,750. The education gap is real: news analysts, reporters, and journalist programs typically require bachelor's degree, while public relations specialist programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists is District of Columbia ($105,390); for Public Relations Specialists it's District of Columbia ($102,740).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists or Public Relations Specialists?
Public Relations Specialists earn more nationally. The median is $62,200 for News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists versus $74,750 for Public Relations Specialists, a difference of $13K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists or Public Relations Specialists?
Public Relations Specialists has the better 10-year outlook at 4.8% projected growth, compared to -3.9% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists or Public Relations Specialists?
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists typically requires bachelor's degree. Public Relations Specialists requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists at $105,390/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists vs. Public Relations Specialists pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists earn $105,390 vs. $102,740 for Public Relations Specialists. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.