Journalist vs PR Manager: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Journalist
Research, write, and report news stories for print, digital, or broadcast media.
PR Manager
Build and protect brand reputation through media relations and communications.
PR Manager earns more on average — the national median is $27,648/year (42%) higher than a Journalist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Journalist vs PR Manager — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Journalist | PR Manager | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $97,658 | $135,308 | Journalist $37,650 |
| New York, NY | $77,882 | $111,446 | Journalist $33,564 |
| Seattle, WA | $91,958 | $133,925 | Journalist $41,967 |
| Austin, TX | $73,633 | $107,316 | Journalist $33,683 |
| Chicago, IL | $71,532 | $100,893 | Journalist $29,361 |
| Boston, MA | $85,685 | $120,022 | Journalist $34,337 |
| London, UK | £50,881 | £71,154 | Journalist $20,273 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$89,056 | CA$121,742 | Journalist $32,686 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Journalist or PR Manager earn more?+
A PR Manager earns more on average. The national median salary for a Journalist is $65,932/year, compared to $93,580/year for a PR Manager — a difference of $27,648 (42%).
Which has better career growth — Journalist or PR Manager?+
Journalist roles are growing at -2% YoY while PR Manager demand is growing at 6% YoY. PR Manager has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Journalist to PR Manager?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Journalist or PR Manager?+
PR Manager has a lower AI automation risk (28% vs 38%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.