Graphic Designers vs Public Relations Specialists: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Public Relations Specialists professionals earn $8,480 more per year than Graphic Designers professionals — that's 13.8% higher. At the 90th percentile, Graphic Designers earns $103,030 compared to $129,480 for Public Relations Specialists.
Salary Range Comparison
Graphic Designers$37,600 – $103,030
Public Relations Specialists$40,750 – $129,480
$37,600$129,480
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Graphic Designers | Public Relations Specialists | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $37,600 | $40,750 | $-3,150 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,200 | $51,970 | $-4,770 |
| Median (50th) | $61,300 | $69,780 | $-8,480 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,000 | $95,940 | $-16,940 |
| 90th Percentile | $103,030 | $129,480 | $-26,450 |
| Mean (Average) | $68,610 | $80,310 | $-11,700 |
Employment Numbers
Graphic Designers
214,260
employed nationwide
Public Relations Specialists
280,590
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Graphic Designers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $98,530 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $89,490 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $82,630 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $82,360 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $78,000 |
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: Graphic Designers or Public Relations Specialists?
Public Relations Specialists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $8,480 (13.8% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Graphic Designers?
Graphic Designers salaries range from $37,600 (10th percentile) to $103,030 (90th percentile), with a median of $61,300.
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 Graphic Designers and Public Relations Specialists jobs are there?
There are approximately 214,260 Graphic Designers positions and 280,590 Public Relations Specialists positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Public Relations Specialists to Graphic Designers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Graphic Designers has a median salary of $61,300 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