5 Best Cities to Work In Public Relations
As one of the fastest-growing careers in the United States, there is an opportunity in every city for a career in public relations. But here are the best cities to live in, accounting for location, entertainment, and cost of living, if you are looking for a job in public relations.
Washington DC
Though this city is known for being the home of American politics, this city is also home to the highest average salary for public relations. The average salary is $97,270, making it 36% higher than the average salary of a public relations specialist in the rest of the United States. Since the companies and organizations located in this area are extremely image-conscious, this is the perfect place for someone in public relations to have an impact. It is also a beautiful city, with rich history and plenty of places to live outside the city with short commutes.
2. New York City, New York
In the city that never sleeps, public relations never sleeps either. 79% of all public relations jobs in the United States are located in New York City. One of the largest public relations firms, Edelman, is mainly located in this city. On top of the extensive jobs, this city is famous for a fast-paced life, with restaurants and nightlife. Though it has a significantly higher cost of living than the United States average at $30,294 a year, with a plethora of jobs available, you are sure to find a job that pays enough to live comfortably in New York City.
3. San Francisco, California
San Francisco is the west coast’s New York City. With the highest cost of living in the United States at $3,700 for rent a month, it may seem expensive to live here. But with the average public relations salary at $83,350, it makes its more realistic to live here. So even if you are paying more for rent, you are being compensated to make it affordable. This city is known for the tech industry, which is heavily media-related. If you are looking to work in a more media and technology focused public relations career, San Francisco is a great option.
4. Los Angeles, California
Famous for the movie industry, Los Angeles is known for housing celebrities and for being the entertainment capitol of the United States. This makes it a prime area to work in, with celebrities and companies needing public relations. With a 3 to 1 income ratio for public relations jobs, it makes it more than affordable to live here. Los Angeles also is known for the sunny weather and fast-paced life. Though the traffic is one of the worst in the country, with a well-paying public relations career, you should be able to find a job close to your residence.
5. Austin, Texas
Austin, Texas is the third-fastest growing city in the United States, and includes an entry-level public relations salary at $81,543. Austin is a city with many companies moving and starting in due to the low tax rates. The cost of living is around $55,000, though higher than the rest of Texas, it is still affordable with a well-paying public relations job. College graduates are known to flock to this city for work, making it a great place to live in your 20s. If you are looking for a city in the South, this is a hip and trendy city where you can make your mark in public relations.