Public Relations Specialists Salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
The median pay for a public relations specialists in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is $79,110/year ($38.03/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $49K at the entry level to $130K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.8), so that salary is closer to $72,711 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,124/month — about 60.5% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $79K get you in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
About public relations specialists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Entry-level public relations specialists (10th percentile) start around $49K. Mid-career wages sit at $79K.Top earners bring in $130K or more - a $82K 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 Santa Maria-Santa Barbara numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do public relations specialists make in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
The median is $79,110 a year - that works out to about $38.03 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $48,510, and experienced public relations specialists can clear $130,180. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $79K enough to live in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,045/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,124/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 61.9% 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 Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara has a Regional Price Parity of 108.8 (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 $72,711 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.