Photographers vs. Public Relations Specialists: Who Earns More?
Public Relations Specialists out-earn Photographers by $30K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Photographers land at $44,660 and Public Relations Specialists at $74,750. The education gap is real: photographer programs typically require bachelor's degree, while public relations specialist programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Photographers is District of Columbia ($110,970); for Public Relations Specialists it's District of Columbia ($102,740).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Photographers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Photographers or Public Relations Specialists?
Public Relations Specialists earn more nationally. The median is $44,660 for Photographers versus $74,750 for Public Relations Specialists, a difference of $30K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Photographers or Public Relations Specialists?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
Which requires more education, Photographers or Public Relations Specialists?
Photographers typically requires bachelor's degree. Public Relations Specialists requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Photographers get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Photographers at $110,970/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Photographers vs. Public Relations Specialists pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Photographers earn $110,970 vs. $102,740 for Public Relations Specialists. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.