Paralegals and Legal Assistants 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 $8,770 more per year than Paralegals and Legal Assistants professionals — that's 14.4% higher. At the 90th percentile, Paralegals and Legal Assistants earns $98,990 compared to $129,480 for Public Relations Specialists.
Salary Range Comparison
Paralegals and Legal Assistants$39,710 – $98,990
Public Relations Specialists$40,750 – $129,480
$39,710$129,480
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | Public Relations Specialists | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $39,710 | $40,750 | $-1,040 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,190 | $51,970 | $-3,780 |
| Median (50th) | $61,010 | $69,780 | $-8,770 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,280 | $95,940 | $-17,660 |
| 90th Percentile | $98,990 | $129,480 | $-30,490 |
| Mean (Average) | $66,510 | $80,310 | $-13,800 |
Employment Numbers
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
367,220
employed nationwide
Public Relations Specialists
280,590
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Paralegals and Legal Assistants
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $97,740 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $85,230 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $84,950 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $80,550 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $79,240 |
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: Paralegals and Legal Assistants or Public Relations Specialists?
Public Relations Specialists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $8,770 (14.4% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Paralegals and Legal Assistants salaries range from $39,710 (10th percentile) to $98,990 (90th percentile), with a median of $61,010.
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 Paralegals and Legal Assistants and Public Relations Specialists jobs are there?
There are approximately 367,220 Paralegals and Legal Assistants positions and 280,590 Public Relations Specialists positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Public Relations Specialists to Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Paralegals and Legal Assistants has a median salary of $61,010 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