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Publicists


Overview

Publicists

Introduction

There are two types of publicists: those who work for companies, movie studios, recording companies, sports teams, and other organizations and those who work for individuals such as CEOs, actors, musicians, and professional athletes. Publicists who are employed by companies and organizations handle the daily press operations for the organization. They handle media relations, arrange interviews, ensure that the correct information is distributed to the press, and write press releases. Those who work for individuals try to en...

Quick Facts


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Median Salary

$61,150

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Employment Prospects

Fair

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Minimum Education Level

Bachelor's Degree


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Experience

Internships
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Skills

Interpersonal
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Personality Traits

Enterprising
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Earnings

Publicists earn anywhere from $20,000 to more than $250,000 per year. Those just starting out might earn less, while those with proven track records command higher salaries. According to the Department of Labor, publicists had median annual salaries of $61,150 in May of 2019. Salaries ranged from $34,590 to $115,430. Publicists who work for high-profile individuals can earn higher salaries.

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Work Environment

During busy times, publicists may work 12- to 20-hour days, seven days a week. Some publicists travel with their clients, while others do not. Either way, this job is very time-consuming. Successful publicists have flexible schedules and are accessible to their clients at any time during the day or night.

Outlook

The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that employment of public relations specialists in general is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2028, but the number of applicants with degrees in the communications fields (journalism, public relations, and advertising) is expected to exceed the number of job openings. Publicists with expertise in social media wi...