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Public relations officer : Salary and conditions

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  1. Job description
  2. Salary and conditions
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Case studies

  • A typical starting salary for a public relations (PR) officer can range from £16,000 to £25,000.
  • With a few years' experience, salaries can increase to £30,000 plus.
  • Senior management positions, such as PR director/head of corporate affairs can range from £40,000 to £100,000.
  • Salaries in PR can vary depending on the setting and the region. For example, pay is typically higher in the private sector. Apart from the public sector, there are generally no set salary scales, and initial starting salaries can be modest.
  • Salaries are usually higher in London and the South East.
  • Some organisations operate bonus schemes, while others may offer other incentives such as private health insurance or a company car. You may also be provided with a laptop and/or mobile phone.
  • Working hours are generally nine to five but can often increase depending on workload, with some unsocial hours. PR officers may have to attend events in the evening or be on-call at weekends in order to deal quickly with the PR aspect of a crisis.
  • PR officers are generally office based but may be required to attend networking and media events as well as meetings with clients, suppliers and partner organisations.
  • At an early stage, PR officers can expect to work closely with a wide variety of clients, key spokespeople and managers, often at senior level.
  • Self-employment and freelance work are possible, although this is more common for experienced PR professionals. Career breaks and part-time work are also possible.
  • The PR industry has a wide geographical spread throughout the main commercial centres in the UK, with openings often occurring in all regions. However, there is a heavy concentration in and around London.
  • Dress is generally smart.
  • PR professionals often need to be flexible, as they may be expected to network and socialise with clients, the media and colleagues to build and maintain relationships. Social and working life may become slightly intertwined.
  • There is frequently a need to travel during the working day, and occasional overnight absences from home are required. The role may require international travel, depending on the organisation.
 
AGCAS
Written by AGCAS editors
Date: 
September 2010
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