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How much does a Public Information Officer make?

The average salary for a Public Information Officer is $76,713 per year in the US.

A Public Information Officer (PIO) plays a key role in helping people get the information they need. The average yearly salary for a PIO is $76,713. This career can be rewarding both financially and in terms of job satisfaction.


Here are some details about the salary range for PIOs:

  • The lowest 10% earn less than $41,000 per year.
  • The next 10% make between $41,000 and $49,757 annually.
  • Half of all PIOs earn between $58,514 and $76,029 yearly.
  • The top 10% earn more than $93,543 annually.
This range shows that with experience and skills, a PIO can earn a good living.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Public Information Officer?

Job seekers who want to work as Public Information Officers can look forward to higher pay in cities like Los Angeles and Seattle. These cities offer top salaries for people in this field, with Los Angeles taking the lead. Other cities, such as Phoenix, Albany, and Honolulu, also provide competitive wages. Seeking a position in these areas could lead to more opportunities and better earnings.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Public Information Officer jobs, highlighting Los Angeles, CA with the highest at $97,654 and Tallahassee, FL with the lowest at $52,129.
  1. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $97,654
    Working in Los Angeles as an information specialist offers a dynamic environment with major companies like the City of Los Angeles and the County of Los Angeles. The bustling metropolis provides a platform to reach wide audiences through diverse media channels.
    Find Public Information Officer jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $90,589
    In Seattle, an information specialist can engage with tech giants such as Microsoft and Amazon. The city's vibrant community and strong media presence provide excellent opportunities to connect with the public effectively.
    Find Public Information Officer jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $77,264
    Phoenix offers a warm climate and a growing job market for information specialists. Here, one can work with companies like Freeport-McMoRan and American Airlines, leveraging the city's expanding business landscape.
    Find Public Information Officer jobs in Phoenix, AZ


  4. Albany, NY
    Average Salary: $72,859
    Albany provides a rich political and cultural backdrop for an information specialist. Working with state government entities and educational institutions, this city offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
    Find Public Information Officer jobs in Albany, NY


  5. Honolulu, HI
    Average Salary: $72,318
    In Honolulu, an information specialist enjoys the beauty of the Pacific while working with major local employers like Hawaiian Airlines. The island's unique culture enriches the communication approach.
    Find Public Information Officer jobs in Honolulu, HI


  6. Kansas City, MO
    Average Salary: $65,515
    Kansas City offers a mix of urban and suburban settings for information specialists. Companies like Sprint and AMC Theatres create diverse opportunities to connect with various audiences.
    Find Public Information Officer jobs in Kansas City, MO


  7. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $63,956
    Austin's vibrant music and tech scene makes it an exciting place for information specialists. Working with firms like Dell and Whole Foods, professionals can engage with a lively and forward-thinking community.
    Find Public Information Officer jobs in Austin, TX


  8. Lincoln, NE
    Average Salary: $60,732
    Lincoln provides a friendly environment for information specialists, with opportunities to work with the state government and local businesses. The slower pace allows for a close-knit community feel.
    Find Public Information Officer jobs in Lincoln, NE


  9. Columbus, OH
    Average Salary: $58,042
    In Columbus, information specialists find a blend of industry and innovation. With companies like Nationwide and Battelle, the city offers a robust platform for effective communication.
    Find Public Information Officer jobs in Columbus, OH


  10. Tallahassee, FL
    Average Salary: $52,129
    Tallahassee combines historic charm with modern business growth, ideal for information specialists. Working with government agencies and educational institutions, this city fosters a strong sense of community.
    Find Public Information Officer jobs in Tallahassee, FL

What are the best companies a Public Information Officer can work for?

Job seekers looking for a role as a Public Information Officer can find excellent opportunities with top-paying companies. The Office of General Services offers a competitive salary of $90,654 per year. Similarly, the State of Ohio provides a solid average salary of $59,273 annually. Both the State of Florida and the State of Louisiana also offer Public Information Officer positions, though with lower average salaries of $50,808 and $44,882, respectively. These figures highlight the value of considering both public and government sectors when seeking a well-paying role in this field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Public Information Officer jobs, highlighting General Services, Office of with the highest at $90,654 and State of Louisiana with the lowest at $44,882.
  1. General Services, Office of
    Average Salary: $90,654
    The Office of General Services offers Public Information Officer jobs that focus on managing communications for various government projects. This company operates nationwide, with a strong presence in Washington, D.C., and other key cities across the United States.


  2. State of Ohio
    Average Salary: $59,273
    The State of Ohio provides Public Information Officer jobs that emphasize media relations and public engagement. The company is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, but also has significant operations in cities like Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Toledo.


  3. State of Florida
    Average Salary: $50,808
    The State of Florida offers Public Information Officer positions that involve crafting and delivering important public messages. The company has locations in major cities such as Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville.


  4. State of Louisiana
    Average Salary: $44,882
    The State of Louisiana provides Public Information Officer jobs that focus on disseminating information to the public. This company operates in Baton Rouge and New Orleans, as well as other cities across the state.

How to earn more as a Public Information Officer?

Becoming a Public Information Officer (PIO) can lead to a rewarding career. It involves keeping the public informed and ensuring that information flows smoothly between organizations and the public. To increase earning potential in this role, certain strategies can prove beneficial. These strategies require dedication and professional development.

Below are key factors that can help a PIO earn more:

  1. Gain more experience: Experience often leads to higher pay. PIOs with more years in the field and a strong portfolio of successful projects can command higher salaries.
  2. Specialize in a niche: Focusing on a specific area, such as health communication or environmental issues, can make a PIO more valuable. Specializing allows for deeper knowledge and expertise, which employers often reward with higher pay.
  3. Pursue advanced degrees: Holding a master’s degree in communications, public relations, or a related field can open doors to higher-paying positions. Advanced education demonstrates a commitment to the profession.
  4. Obtain certifications: Certifications from recognized organizations can enhance a PIO’s credentials. For example, the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) offers certifications that can boost earning potential.
  5. Network professionally: Building relationships with other professionals in the field can lead to job opportunities and salary increases. Attending conferences, joining professional organizations, and engaging on social media can expand a PIO’s professional network.

Currently 47 Public Information Officer job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Public Information Officer in the US?

Learn what a Public Information Officer does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Public Information Officer today.
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Public Information Officer
47 Job Openings