Public Relations Specialists
| Description |
OES Code: 34008 |
Public Relations Representatives develop and enhance positive images for their employer. As advocates for organizations or individuals, they build and maintain a carefully planned relationship with the public. PR Representatives use various types of media such as publications, special reports, videos, and multimedia programs to influence the way their employer is viewed by the public, workers, stockholders, and legislators.
Wages,California
| Entry-Level Hourly Wage |
$14.57 |
| 25th Percentile |
$17.08 |
| 50th Percentile |
$23.15 |
| 75th Percentile |
$29.23 |
Wages, San Joaquin County
| Entry-Level Hourly Wage |
$11.00 |
| 25th Percentile |
$12.68 |
| 50th Percentile |
$17.50 |
| 75th Percentile |
$24.63 |
Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey
Hours & Benefits
Most PR Reps work a standard 40-hour week, but overtime is common. Meetings, community functions, business lunches, travel assignments, special speaking and writing commitments, and unscheduled work on "crisis" situations often mean long hours.
Benefits include paid vacations and holidays, sick leave, medical and dental insurance, retirement plans, and sometimes stock purchase options.
Employment Trends, California
| Employment 1998 |
10,200 |
| Projected Employment 2008 |
13,600 |
| Percent Change 1998-2008 |
33.3% |
| Separations 1998-2008 |
3,100 |
Employment Trends by California County
Working Conditions
Public relations programs operate against deadlines. Under such high-pressure conditions, nine-to-five schedules are uncommon. Public relations executives are not tied to their desks for long periods. Public relations offices are busy places; work schedules are irregular and frequently interrupted.
Advancement
In large organizations, beginning PR Reps may start as trainees in a formal training program. Promotions come as employees prove they can handle more demanding assignments. Non-profit organizations often provide many opportunities for PR Reps to learn new tasks. A typical PR career path within a public relations firm may begin as a research or account assistant then to account executive and account supervisor. Some PR Reps become vice president and eventually senior vice president. In addition, continuing education is a means of earning more income and making oneself more valuable within the PR industry.
Getting the Job & Other Information
Job seekers can find job openings in classified ads, trade journals, human resources departments or government personnel agencies, professional associations, radio stations and broadcasting companies, social services organizations, and youth organizations and centers. Applying directly to companies and public relations agencies is highly effective. Internships with public relations counseling firms, corporate departments, or nonprofit organizations are extremely valuable for people still attending school. Graduates should also register with their university career center.
Private firms are listed in the Yellow Pages under Public Relations Service.
Private firms are listed in the yellow pages under Optical Goods, Opticians - Dispensing, and Optometrists.
For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank. |
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