Public relations specialists
SOC Code: 27-3031
Public relations specialists carries a 35% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $69,780 and +4.8% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 315,900 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 35% AI exposure, Public relations specialists sits 2 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 46% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Public relations specialists sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Public relations specialists has ai exposure of 35%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Public relations specialists vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Public relations specialists is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Public relations specialists (SOC 27-3031) carries an AI exposure score of 35%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 315,900 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.8% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $69,780, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Public relations specialists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Respond to requests for information from the media or designate an appropriate spokesperson or information source.
- 2. Plan or direct development or communication of programs to maintain favorable public or stockholder perceptions of an organization's accomplishments, agenda, or environmental responsibility.
- 3. Post and update content on the company's Web site and social media outlets.
- 4. Write press releases or other media communications to promote clients.
- 5. Establish or maintain cooperative relationships with representatives of community, consumer, employee, or public interest groups.
- 6. Confer with other managers to identify trends or key group interests or concerns or to provide advice on business decisions.
- 7. Coach client representatives in effective communication with the public or with employees.
- 8. Study the objectives, promotional policies, or needs of organizations to develop public relations strategies that will influence public opinion or promote ideas, products, or services.
- 9. Prepare or edit organizational publications, such as employee newsletters or stockholders' reports, for internal or external audiences.
- 10. Arrange public appearances, lectures, contests, or exhibits for clients to increase product or service awareness or to promote goodwill.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Social Perceptiveness
- Critical Thinking
- Coordination
- Time Management
- Persuasion
- Judgment and Decision Making
Knowledge Areas
- Communications and Media
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Customer and Personal Service
- Sales and Marketing
- Computers and Electronics
- Administrative
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Education and Training
- Sociology and Anthropology
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Public relations specialists?
Public relations specialists has an AI exposure score of 35%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Public relations specialists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Public relations specialists is projected to grow by 4.8% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 315,900 workers.
What skills are needed for Public relations specialists?
Key skills for Public relations specialists include Active Listening, Speaking, Reading Comprehension, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Public relations specialists earn?
The median annual wage for Public relations specialists is $69,780, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Public relations specialists?
The typical entry-level education for Public relations specialists is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Public relations specialists?
Public relations specialists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).