How to Become a Public Relations Manager: A Complete 2025 Career Guide
Looking to make an impact on media, branding, and corporate communication? A career as a public relations manager empowers you to shape public perception and establish trusted brands. In this guide, you’ll discover how to become a PR manager, including education requirements, key skills, salary insights, and how to advance in this competitive and rewarding field.
What Does a Public Relations Manager Do?
A public relations (PR) manager is the strategic voice of an organization. They lead communication efforts that build credibility and trust with the public, media, investors, and stakeholders.
Key responsibilities of public relations managers include:
- Developing and executing communication and media strategies
- Leading PR campaigns and managing brand image
- Handling crisis communication and reputation management
- Overseeing PR, media, and content creation teams
- Writing press releases, speeches, and editorial content
- Monitoring media coverage, performance metrics, and public sentiment
Public relations managers are employed across a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, technology, education, entertainment, and government.
Must-Have Skills to Become a Successful PR Manager in 2025
To thrive in 2025, the most competitive public relations managers must possess a blend of traditional communication skills and digital fluency.
Top skills include:
- Expert storytelling and media relations
- Proficiency in social media platforms (LinkedIn, X, TikTok)
- Strategic crisis management and ethical decision-making
- Ability to analyze and report on audience data
- Cross-cultural communication and DEI awareness
- Leadership, mentorship, and team management
Pairing these skills with the right degree program sets a strong foundation for success.
Public Relations Manager Education Requirements
How do you become a public relations manager?
The typical educational path for public relations managers begins with a bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields:
- Public Relations
- Communication or Communications Studies
- Journalism
- Marketing
- English or Media Studies (less common, but relevant)
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median weekly earnings for full-time workers over age 25 with a bachelor’s degree was $1,543, about 66% higher than those with only a high school diploma ($930). Individuals with a bachelor’s degree also experienced a much lower unemployment rate (2.5%) than those with no college education (4.2%).
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Specialized PR Education That Stands Out
While many communication degrees provide a generalist foundation, top programs now offer more career-aligned and industry-relevant concentrations tailored to public relations and corporate communication.
Take, for example, the 100% online Bachelor of Arts in Organizational and Corporate Communication from ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, which focuses on:
- Corporate communication strategy
- Crisis and reputation management
- Internal and employee communication
- PR writing and message development
- Media relations and leadership
- Communication analytics and research
This type of curriculum prepares students not only for entry-level communication jobs but also equips them with the long-term strategic skills necessary to transition into public relations manager roles.
Explore the online BA in Organizational and Corporate Communication
Optional Master’s Degrees and Certifications
While a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement, some PR professionals pursue a master’s degree in communication, public relations, or business administration (MBA) to move into executive or leadership positions.
Certifications like the can also enhance credibility, particularly for those seeking to manage large teams or work in specialized industries such as healthcare, finance, or technology.
Public Relations Manager Salary and Job Outlook (2025)
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the , public relations managers continue to see strong demand, competitive salaries, and expanding career opportunities, driven by the growing need for strategic communication, brand reputation management, and digital media expertise across industries. The data shows:
- Median salary: $138,520/year
- Top earners: Over $239,000/year
- Entry-level salary range: Around $84,000/year
- Job growth (2023–2033): +7% (faster than average)
With the rise of digital media and increased brand transparency, public relations managers are in high demand, particularly in the technology, nonprofit, education, and finance sectors.
Discover the highest-paying jobs with a communications degree in 2025.
How to Gain Real-World Experience in PR
If you’re asking how to become a PR manager without prior industry experience, the answer lies in proactive skill-building.
Ways to build your PR portfolio:
- Volunteer for PR and event roles at nonprofits
- Manage internal communications at your current job.
- Create and grow a personal brand through online content.
- Freelance with press kits, branding, or copywriting projects.
- Join professional networks, such as PRSA or local communication groups.
Step-by-Step: How to Become a Public Relations Manager
- Earn a degree in Communication or Public Relations.
- Begin in entry-level roles, such as PR coordinator or communications assistant.
- Gain 3–5 years of experience managing media, content, or brand strategy
- Pursue professional certifications such as:
- Accredited in Public Relations (APR)
- Accredited Business Communicator (ABC)
- Develop leadership skills through mentorship or training.
- Apply for PR manager roles or seek internal promotions.
Is a Career as a Public Relations Manager Right for You?
The ideal public relations manager is:
- A strong communicator with attention to detail
- Strategic and analytical in thinking
- Passionate about storytelling and messaging
- Resilient under pressure and ethical in decision-making
If this sounds like you, a career in public relations management may be your perfect fit.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½’s online Bachelor of Arts in Organizational and Corporate Communication prepares aspiring PR managers for real-world success with flexible, career-focused coursework.
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