Public Relations Specialists Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
The median pay for a public relations specialists in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $63,910/year ($30.73/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $40K at the entry level to $119K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 103.59), that's roughly $61,695 in purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,781/month — about 42.4% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $64K get you in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
About public relations specialists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Entry-level public relations specialists (10th percentile) start around $40K. Mid-career wages sit at $64K.Top earners bring in $119K or more - a $79K spread from bottom to top.
Public Relations Specialists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $98K | +40% | 18,110 |
| Washington | $86K | +23% | 6,650 |
| Connecticut | $84K | +20% | 1,990 |
| California | $81K | +17% | 31,070 |
| New York | $79K | +13% | 25,780 |
| Virginia | $78K | +11% | 9,580 |
| Utah | $76K | +8% | 2,620 |
| New Jersey | $76K | +8% | 5,820 |
| Delaware | $76K | +8% | 860 |
| Massachusetts | $75K | +8% | 8,080 |
| Georgia | $73K | +4% | 6,130 |
| Rhode Island | $73K | +4% | 1,370 |
| Maryland | $73K | +4% | 4,760 |
| New Hampshire | $71K | +1% | 1,200 |
| Wyoming | $70K | -0% | 330 |
Track public relations specialists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Chicago-Naperville-Elgin numbers change.
Related careers in Arts & Media
Frequently asked questions
How much do public relations specialists make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median is $63,910 a year - that works out to about $30.73 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $40,440, and experienced public relations specialists can clear $119,270. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $64K enough to live in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,182/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,781/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 42.6% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a public relations specialists salary go in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin has a Regional Price Parity of 103.59 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median public relations specialists salary is worth about $61,695 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do public relations specialists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.