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Am I Underpaid? - PR Salaries

We've carried out exhuastive research throughout the UK PR industry, to find out exactly how public relations salaries are shaping up. The result is our 2008 UK Public Relations Salary Review, and we think it makes for interesting reading.

The following information is based upon a wide range of published salaries and recruitment advertising, across a range of sources, all in October 2008

National salaries

A typical salary for public relations (PR) account executives across the whole of the UK is likely to be in the range of £20k - £28k. Splitting this range into salaries for account execs and senior account execs, we find that the national averages are:

£21,846 for account execs
£26,183 for senior account execs

Account managers can generally expect to earn between £28,000 and £40,000. Again, if we split this into account managers and senior account managers, we find that the national averages come out as:

£30,792 for account managers
£37,333 for senior account managers

PR salaries at more senior levels, such as account directors and senior account directors range from £35,000 up to £60,000. National averages for both these positions are above £40,000 and £50,000 respectively.

Job Function	Average Salary (UK)
Account Executive	£21,846
Senior Account Executive	£26,183
Account Manager	£30,792
Senior Account Manager	£37,333
Account Director	£44,480
Senior Account Director	£53,253

As you would expect, across the spectrum salaries in London are higher than the UK average, generally by between £1,000 and £2,000.

Job Function	Average Salary (London)
Account Executive	£22,750
Senior Account Executive	£27,805
Account Manager	£31,720
Senior Account Manager	£37,750
Account Director	£45,236
Senior Account Director	£54,250

Are you getting paid what you're worth? To compare some of the salaries for yourself, and maybe find something right up your street, you can search the jobs section of our site for these jobs:

Other details

On top of the salary information, plenty of other information about working conditions and job roles that has come out of the salary review. For instance:

Many consultancies offer additional benefits, including profit-sharing schemes, medical insurance, gym membership, company car and bonuses. You may also be provided with a lap-top and/or mobile phone.
There are more women than men in PR. Men predominate in senior positions, but this is gradually changing.
Working hours are generally nine-to-five, but can often increase depending on workload. As client deadlines are all-important, PR professionals often work until outstanding jobs have been completed.
Although hours may be irregular, paid overtime is rare. However, some consultancies will offer time off in lieu.
PR professionals are generally office-based, but often have to attend networking and media events, exhibitions, as well as meeting with clients and suppliers.
Self-employment/freelance work is possible, although this is more common for experienced PR professionals.
Career breaks and secondments are possible but - due to the competitive nature of the industry - it is important to keep up-to-date with PR and media developments.
PR consultancies exist in most main commercial centres in the UK, as do in-house PR departments. However, the majority are based in and around London.
Dress is usually smart, particularly when meeting clients.
The work can be stressful and highly pressurised, for example when meeting tight deadlines, juggling various clients and projects, or working on a new business proposal. However, it can also be very rewarding.
PR can be an insecure industry as PR budgets are one of the first areas to be cut in times of economic uncertainty.
Flexibility is important. PR professionals are often expected to network and socialise with clients, the media and colleagues to build and maintain relationships. Your social and working life may become intertwined and the boundaries between them blurred.
Travel within a working day can be frequent. Absence from home at night may also be occasionally required. Depending on the consultancy and client base, the role may also demand international travel.