Civil Engineers vs Public Relations Specialists: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Civil Engineers professionals earn $29,810 more per year than Public Relations Specialists professionals — that's 42.7% higher. At the 90th percentile, Civil Engineers earns $160,990 compared to $129,480 for Public Relations Specialists.
Salary Range Comparison
Civil Engineers$65,920 – $160,990
Public Relations Specialists$40,750 – $129,480
$40,750$160,990
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Civil Engineers | Public Relations Specialists | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $65,920 | $40,750 | +$25,170 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,790 | $51,970 | +$26,820 |
| Median (50th) | $99,590 | $69,780 | +$29,810 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,290 | $95,940 | +$32,350 |
| 90th Percentile | $160,990 | $129,480 | +$31,510 |
| Mean (Average) | $107,050 | $80,310 | +$26,740 |
Employment Numbers
Civil Engineers
355,410
employed nationwide
Public Relations Specialists
280,590
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Civil Engineers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $130,310 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $129,260 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $126,560 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $109,250 |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $108,010 |
Best Cities for Public Relations Specialists
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $101,200 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $98,460 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $95,370 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $93,220 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $92,060 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Civil Engineers or Public Relations Specialists?
Civil Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $29,810 (42.7% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Civil Engineers?
Civil Engineers salaries range from $65,920 (10th percentile) to $160,990 (90th percentile), with a median of $99,590.
What is the salary range for Public Relations Specialists?
Public Relations Specialists salaries range from $40,750 (10th percentile) to $129,480 (90th percentile), with a median of $69,780.
How many Civil Engineers and Public Relations Specialists jobs are there?
There are approximately 355,410 Civil Engineers positions and 280,590 Public Relations Specialists positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Public Relations Specialists to Civil Engineers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Civil Engineers has a median salary of $99,590 while Public Relations Specialists earns $69,780. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS