Position
Salary

How much does a Public Information Officer make?

The average salary for a Public Information Officer is $75,566 per year in the US.

A Public Information Officer shares important information with the public. This person often works for a government agency, non-profit, or large company. Public Information Officers aim to keep people informed about news, events, and policies. Their goal is to build trust and transparency between the organization and the community.


The salary for a Public Information Officer can vary. It depends on factors like experience, location, and the type of organization. On average, Public Information Officers earn about $75,566 each year. Here are some typical salaries:

  • 10% earn around $40,000
  • 25% earn about $48,848
  • 50% earn around $75,392
  • 75% earn about $101,936
  • 90% earn around $128,480
These figures show the wide range of salaries available. As Public Information Officers gain experience, they often see their salary increase.

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

Public information officers in Los Angeles earn some of the highest salaries. On average, they take home about $97,654 a year. Cities like Seattle and Phoenix also offer good pay for these roles. Apart from these, cities such as Albany, Honolulu, and Austin provide competitive salaries for public information officers. This can make these locations attractive for professionals in the field.
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 $52,186.
  1. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $97,654
    Working in Los Angeles offers vibrant opportunities. Major companies and city agencies provide dynamic roles. The entertainment hub brings unique challenges and interactions with the public.
    Find Public Information Officer jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $88,118
    Seattle combines tech and natural beauty. Many tech giants and government roles exist here. Public outreach and crisis communication are key tasks.
    Find Public Information Officer jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $77,658
    Phoenix offers a growing city with diverse industries. Working here means engaging with a variety of public sectors. Opportunities with state government and businesses abound.
    Find Public Information Officer jobs in Phoenix, AZ


  4. Albany, NY
    Average Salary: $74,108
    Albany provides a historic backdrop for public roles. Government agencies and non-profits offer strong positions. Public service is a major focus in this capital city.
    Find Public Information Officer jobs in Albany, NY


  5. Honolulu, HI
    Average Salary: $73,891
    Honolulu offers a unique blend of island culture and city life. State government and tourism sectors provide diverse roles. Public engagement is crucial in this vibrant location.
    Find Public Information Officer jobs in Honolulu, HI


  6. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $65,776
    Austin is a tech and music hub. The city's growth offers many public roles. Engaging with a diverse community is a key part of the job.
    Find Public Information Officer jobs in Austin, TX


  7. Kansas City, MO
    Average Salary: $65,515
    Kansas City is known for its diverse industries. Opportunities exist in government and private sectors. Networking and community outreach are vital here.
    Find Public Information Officer jobs in Kansas City, MO


  8. Lincoln, NE
    Average Salary: $59,464
    Lincoln offers a smaller city experience with a strong community focus. State government roles are prominent. Public service and outreach are central tasks.
    Find Public Information Officer jobs in Lincoln, NE


  9. Columbus, OH
    Average Salary: $58,751
    Columbus provides a mix of urban and suburban opportunities. State agencies and businesses offer various roles. Public engagement and communication are key here.
    Find Public Information Officer jobs in Columbus, OH


  10. Tallahassee, FL
    Average Salary: $52,186
    Tallahassee serves as a political hub. State government roles are plentiful. Public outreach and policy communication are central tasks.
    Find Public Information Officer jobs in Tallahassee, FL

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

The State of Ohio offers the highest average salary for Public Information Officer jobs at $60,799 annually. The State of Florida follows closely with an average salary of $52,004. The State of Louisiana provides a competitive salary of $44,990. These positions provide good opportunities for those entering the field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Public Information Officer jobs, highlighting State of Ohio with the highest at $60,799 and State of Louisiana with the lowest at $44,990.
  1. State of Ohio
    Average Salary: $60,799
    The State of Ohio offers Public Information Officer jobs that involve managing communications and media relations. These positions are available across the state with key offices in Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. This role provides a platform to influence public policy and engage with communities.


  2. State of Florida
    Average Salary: $52,004
    The State of Florida presents a variety of Public Information Officer roles that focus on crafting messages and handling media inquiries. With key locations in Tallahassee, Miami, and Orlando, these roles offer an opportunity to impact state-level communications. Employees work to ensure accurate and timely information dissemination.


  3. State of Louisiana
    Average Salary: $44,990
    In the State of Louisiana, Public Information Officers communicate with the public and media to promote state initiatives. Locations such as Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Shreveport are central to these positions. This role is essential for keeping the public informed on state activities and decisions.

How to earn more as a Public Information Officer?

Becoming a successful Public Information Officer (PIO) can lead to rewarding and lucrative opportunities. Building a strong career in this field involves more than just excellent communication skills. One should focus on various key factors that contribute to earning more in this profession. Understanding these factors can significantly enhance one’s career trajectory.

To maximize earning potential, a PIO must first develop a comprehensive set of skills and qualifications. This includes obtaining relevant education, such as a degree in communications, journalism, or public relations. Additionally, gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions can provide valuable insights. Certifications in media relations or crisis communication can also enhance marketability. Another important factor is staying informed about industry trends and continuously upgrading skills through professional development courses. Networking with other PIOs and industry professionals can open doors to better opportunities. Each of these factors plays a critical role in advancing a career in public information.

Here are five key factors to consider:

  1. Education: Obtain relevant degrees and certifications.
  2. Experience: Gain practical experience through internships and entry-level positions.
  3. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with industry trends and professional development.
  4. Networking: Build relationships with peers and industry leaders.
  5. Skills Development: Enhance communication and media relations abilities.

Currently 37 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
37 Job Openings