As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a Community Relations Manager in the United States is $108,322 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.
However, a Community Relations Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Community Relations Manager's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Community Relations Manager's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Community Relations Specialist IV | 7+ years | $119,558 |
| Community Relations Specialist V | 7-10 years | $152,431 |
| Community Relations Manager | 10+ years | $108,322 |
| Community Relations Senior Manager | 10+ years | $156,320 |
| Community Relations Director | 10+ years | $184,281 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Community Relations Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 10.07% |
| Property Management Software | 3.21% |
| Sales and Marketing | 2.03% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Community Management
|
$111,572 |
3%
|
|
Coaching
|
$111,572 |
3%
|
|
Financial Statements
|
$110,488 |
2%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$110,488 |
2%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$110,488 |
2%
|
|
Initiative
|
$110,488 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Community Relations Managers enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Community Relations Manager with a Associate's Degree is between $106,290 and $116,033).
Community Relations Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 5.7% |
| High School | 5.7% |
| Associates | 4.1% |
| Bachelors | 61.7% |
| Masters | 27.6% |
| Doctorate | 0.8% |
Understanding how a Community Relations Manager's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 18, 2021Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Community Relations Manager, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Community Relations Senior Manager | $156,320 | 44% |
| Media Relations Manager | $108,609 | 0% |
| Public Relations Director | $160,840 | 48% |
Salaries for a Community Relations Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $111,964 in 2023 to around $110,188 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Community Relations Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $111,964 |
| 2024 | $111,344 |
| 2025 | $110,188 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Community Relations Manager's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Community Relations Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Community Relations Manager is $136,627.
The highest pay for Community Relations Manager is $129,826.
The lowest pay for Community Relations Manager is $92,060.
Manages programs supporting the corporate strategy designed to promote and represent the organization and brand as a socially responsible force in the community. Creates and plans outreach programs that engage, support, and partner with the community and produce a positive impact to address local issues. Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to develop clear objectives and deliver meaningful and measurable results. Supports community relations programs' entire life cycle, including coordinating events, managing volunteers, and executing grant proposals. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a head of a unit/department. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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