Public Relations Specialist salary in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
Public Relations Specialists in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI metro area earn a median of $61,660 a year ($29.64 an hour), based on BLS data for 220 workers.
Pay ranges from $37,160 for the lowest-paid 10% to $98,670 for the top 10%. That is 18% lower than the national median of $74,750. Pay here is 6% lower than the Michigan statewide median of $65,300. There are 1.8 public relations specialists per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $63,680, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for public relations specialists in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $37,160 | $17.86 |
| 25th percentile | $45,790 | $22.01 |
| Median | $61,660 | $29.64 |
| 75th percentile | $78,040 | $37.52 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $98,670 | $47.44 |
| Average (mean) | $63,680 | $30.62 |
Half of public relations specialists earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $5,138.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,569.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,371.54 |
| Weekly | $1,185.77 |
| Hourly | $29.64 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $61,660 salary, see how much house you can afford in Michigan at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Public Relations Specialist salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson, MI | $77,860 | 70 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $71,550 | 820 |
| Midland, MI | $70,440 | 80 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $68,890 | 490 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $66,100 | 2,930 |
| Saginaw, MI | $63,940 | 110 |
| Battle Creek, MI | $63,590 | 70 |
| Niles, MI | $62,630 | 100 |
| Bay City, MI | $62,610 | 40 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | $61,830 | 140 |
| Traverse City, MI | $61,760 | 110 |
| Flint, MI | $61,610 | 180 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI | $59,770 | 1,060 |
| Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $58,460 | 60 |
| Monroe, MI | $56,030 | 30 |
Highest-paying states for public relations specialists
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $102,740 |
| Washington | $87,470 |
| California | $85,030 |
| Connecticut | $84,990 |
| New York | $81,250 |
| Colorado | $80,680 |
| Virginia | $80,380 |
| New Jersey | $80,130 |
| Massachusetts | $79,660 |
| Maryland | $79,560 |
See Public Relations Specialist pay in every state or the Michigan statewide figures.
Related jobs in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Interpreters and Translators | $61,610 | $29.62 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $47,260 | — |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $37,000 | $17.79 |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $53.07 |
| Graphic Designer | $57,820 | $27.80 |
| Interior Designer | $59,820 | $28.76 |
| Producers and Directors | $61,030 | $29.34 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $60,210 | $28.95 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $80,150 | $38.53 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 27-3031. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a public relations specialist make in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
The median salary for public relations specialists in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI metro area is $61,660 a year, or $29.64 an hour. Pay ranges from $37,160 for the lowest-paid 10% to $98,670 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid public relations specialists make in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
The top 10% of public relations specialists in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI metro area earn at least $98,670 a year. The top 25% earn $78,040 or more.
What is the starting pay for public relations specialists in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $37,160 a year, and a quarter of public relations specialists earn $45,790 or less.
How many public relations specialists work in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
About 220 public relations specialists are employed in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI metro area, not counting the self-employed.