Public relations officer
Also known as: media relations officer, public affairs officer, communications officer, media consultant, press relations officer, public information officer
About this occupation
Public relations officers represent a company or organisation to stakeholders and the public. They use communications strategies to promote an understanding of the activities and image of their clients in a favourable way.
Essential skills and knowledge
- advise on public relations
- establish relationship with the media
- develop public relations strategies
- develop communication strategies
- protect client interests
- market research
- diplomatic principles
- use different communication channels
- rhetoric
- conduct public presentations
- analyse external factors of companies
- advise on public image
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Public Relations Managers (O*NET 11-2032.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, government officials, and media representatives and use these relationships to develop new business opportunities.
- Assign, supervise, and review the activities of public relations staff.
- Identify main client groups and audiences, determine the best way to communicate publicity information to them, and develop and implement a communication plan.
- Develop, implement, or maintain crisis communication plans.
- Write interesting and effective press releases, prepare information for media kits, and develop and maintain company internet or intranet web pages.
- Manage communications budgets.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Enterprising, Conventional, Social
Top skills: Speaking, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, Social Perceptiveness, Critical Thinking
US median pay: US$146,910 a year (2025), 74,850 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaExtremely important (4.9)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageExtremely important (4.7)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (4.0)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.1)
- SociologyO*NET: Sociology and AnthropologyImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Public Relations Specialists
- Advertising and Promotions Managers
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
- Management Analysts
- Marketing Managers
- Fundraising Managers
- Social and Community Service Managers
- Human Resources Managers
- Search Marketing Strategists
- General and Operations Managers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.