PR Salary in India: Key Influencers and Strategies to Maximize Earnings in 2025

Public Relations (PR) in India has evolved into a strategic role encompassing brand positioning, stakeholder engagement, and digital communication strategies. Industries like IT, healthcare, and FMCG prioritize PR experts who deliver measurable outcomes, such as enhancing brand reputation and managing public perception.

According to PRCAI, the Indian PR industry grew by 13% in 2022-23, reaching ₹2,100 crore. This blog explores the PR salary in India, including factors influencing earnings, the public relations manager salary in India, and ways to maximize the average salary of PR in India by 2025.

Boost your career in Public Relations by enrolling in our Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Courses and lead strategic communication with confidence.

Salary Trends in PR: Role-Based Analysis and Insights

PR salaries in India vary significantly based on roles, industries, and skills, reflecting the growing demand for specialized PR professionals. Salaries in PR depend on factors such as your role, experience, industry, and location. The rising demand for professionals skilled in communication strategies, media relations, and digital PR has driven pay scales upward. With brands allocating larger budgets to PR, competitive compensation is now a key attraction for this field.

To excel in the competitive PR industry and command higher salaries, you need a diverse skill set that combines technical expertise and interpersonal abilities. Here are the crucial skills every PR professional should develop:

Core Skills

• Exceptional Communication
  • Articulate your ideas clearly through written and verbal communication.
  • Create impactful press releases, speeches, and social media content.
• Relationship Building
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, media, and stakeholders.
  • Build trust to ensure consistent and effective collaboration.
• Strategic Thinking
  • Plan campaigns that align with organizational goals.
  • Identify opportunities and challenges to deliver targeted solutions.
• Crisis Management
  • Handle negative press or unexpected events swiftly and professionally.
  • Maintain a calm demeanor while mitigating risks to the organization’s reputation.
• Digital PR and Social Media
  • Use social media platforms effectively to amplify brand messages.
  • Understand SEO marketing, content marketing, and analytics to track performance.

Enhance your leadership, strategic, and digital communication skills to thrive in the evolving PR industry. Explore these top DBA programs:

• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Digital Leadership – Golden Gate University
• Doctor of Business Administration – ESGCI, Paris
• Doctor of Business Administration – Rushford Business School

Technical Skills

• Media Relations
  • Pitch stories to journalists and manage media inquiries.
  • Build a database of reliable media contacts.
• Content Creation
  • Copywriting, blog articles, and newsletters.
  • Adapt writing style to suit different audiences and platforms.
• Research and Analysis
  • Stay updated on industry trends and competitors.
  • Use analytics tools to measure campaign performance and ROI.

Interpersonal Skills

• Adaptability
  • Be flexible to handle diverse clients, industries, and challenges.
  • Respond quickly to changing circumstances in the media or public sphere.
• Empathy and Listening
  • Understanding the client and audience needs to craft relevant messages.
  • Build trust by listening to and addressing concerns effectively.

How do these skills translate into role-based salaries? Let’s explore the PR Salary in India: Role-Specific Breakdown for deeper insights.

Role-Specific Salary Overview in PR

PR salaries in India are closely tied to your role and responsibilities. Entry-level roles focus on execution and groundwork, while senior positions demand strategic oversight, leadership, and the ability to deliver measurable results. 

As you grow in your career, roles with greater accountability and decision-making authority offer the highest earning potential. Let’s see the different roles, average annual salaries and the corresponding key responsibilities.

Role	Average Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
PR Executive	₹3-4.5 lakhs	Coordinating with journalists, preparing press kits, drafting press releases, and managing initial media relations.
Senior PR Executive	₹5-8 lakhs	Leading client-facing discussions, reviewing junior team output, managing media outreach strategies, and assisting in campaign execution.
Public Relations Manager	₹10-18 lakhs	Developing PR strategies, managing crises, overseeing client accounts, and leading communication teams to achieve campaign goals.
Senior Manager/Director	₹20-40 lakhs	Crafting long-term strategies, mentoring teams, managing high-profile accounts, and advising leadership on communication decisions.

Source: 6figr.com

Also Read: Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Marketing in India [A Complete Report]
Understanding salaries by role is the start. The next section dives into industry-specific trends to show how your sector impacts earning potential.

PR Salary in India: Industry-Based Insights

Industries significantly influence PR salaries in India. High-paying sectors like IT and FMCG prioritize PR to manage their reputation and communication strategies. Meanwhile, industries like healthcare rely heavily on PR professionals to maintain trust and credibility. 

Here’s an overview of industries and their average annual salaries:

Industry	Average Annual Salary	Notes
IT & Technology	₹8-12 lakhs	Companies focus on reputation management to maintain investor trust and brand credibility in a competitive market.
Healthcare	₹6-10 lakhs	Trust and reputation are vital for patient confidence, driving demand for skilled PR professionals.
FMCG	₹7-12 lakhs	High competition and fast product cycles require innovative campaigns and influencer marketing.
Entertainment	₹5-9 lakhs	Celebrity brand management and promoting events dominate this sector.

Source: wdcweb.com

Why Certain Industries Pay More

• IT & Technology: Reputation management for investor confidence and technical communication adds complexity to PR roles, leading to higher salaries.
• Entertainment: PR professionals in this sector work on high-stakes campaigns like celebrity endorsements, which require quick decision-making and strong media relationships.

Also Read: What is the meaning of Luxury Brand Management?

Industry trends reveal which sectors offer higher pay, but your experience level plays an equally significant role in determining your earning potential. In the next section, explore how salaries in the PR industry increase with responsibilities and expertise gained over time.

Average Salary of PR in India Based on Experience Level

PR salaries increase with experience as professionals take on strategic responsibilities, client management, and leadership roles. Entry-level roles are focused on execution, while mid and senior-level professionals manage teams, develop strategies, and lead high-stakes campaigns. 

Here’s a breakdown of salaries by experience level:

Experience Level	Average Annual Salary	Typical Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 Years)	₹3-4.5 lakhs	Media outreach, content writing, and campaign assistance.
Junior-Level (2-5 Years)	₹5-8 lakhs	Managing client portfolios, supervising interns, and executing campaigns.
Mid-Level (5-10 Years)	₹10-18 lakhs	Strategy formulation, crisis management, and overseeing key accounts.
Senior-Level (10+ Years)	₹20-40 lakhs	Leading communication strategies, managing large teams, and advising leadership.

Source: 6figr.com

Also Read: How to Launch Your Career in PR in India? [Step-by-Step Guide]
Experience matters, but where you work also plays a huge role. The next section breaks down how location impacts PR salaries in India.

Location-Wise Salary Variations for PR Professionals

Salaries for PR professionals are higher in metro cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru, where demand for PR expertise is strong. These cities host large corporates, top agencies, and media hubs, driving premium compensation. Meanwhile, Tier-2 cities like Pune and Jaipur are emerging as cost-effective options for professionals looking to balance salaries and living expenses.

City	Average Annual Salary	Notes
Mumbai	₹8-12 lakhs	Home to India’s largest PR agencies and media houses, driving demand for experienced professionals.
Delhi NCR	₹7-10 lakhs	Corporate headquarters and government projects ensure consistent PR needs.
Bengaluru	₹8-11 lakhs	The IT and startup ecosystem boosts demand for PR roles with technical expertise.
Chennai	₹6-9 lakhs	A growing hub for healthcare and manufacturing PR opportunities.
Pune	₹5-8 lakhs	Emerging corporate presence with affordable living costs.
Jaipur	₹4-6 lakhs	PR roles in tourism and regional businesses offer steady growth potential.

Source: 6figr.com

Cost-Benefit of Tier-2 Cities

• Lower Living Costs: Professionals in Tier-2 cities save significantly on housing and transportation while earning competitive entry-level salaries.
• Emerging Opportunities: Cities like Pune and Jaipur provide growth in specialized sectors like tourism, healthcare, and regional businesses, though salaries may be slightly lower than metros.

Also Read: Top Career Options in Marketing & Advertising [For Freshers & Experienced]
Wondering how company reputation affects salaries? The next section will analyze how top recruiters shape PR salary trends and what they look for when hiring.

How Recruiters Influence PR Salaries in India

Recruiters play a pivotal role in defining PR salary structures, especially at prominent agencies and corporations. Strong media relations, strategic thinking, and digital PR expertise are often prioritized. Additionally, the ability to manage crises effectively and deliver measurable results sets candidates apart.

Here’s a comparison of salaries at leading PR companies in India:

Company	Average Annual Salary	What Recruiters Look For
Adfactors PR	₹7-12 lakhs	Creativity, strong media contacts, and proven campaign success.
Edelman India	₹9-16 lakhs	Digital PR expertise, storytelling skills, and client-centric strategies.
Weber Shandwick	₹8-15 lakhs	Experience in integrated communications and leadership potential.
Genesis BCW	₹8-14 lakhs	Innovative campaign ideas, team leadership, and social media influencer management skills.

Source: Glassdoor

Also Read: How To Evaluate an Influencer Marketing Campaign?

Recruiters set benchmarks, but experience adds depth to your earning potential. The next section examines the salary structure of Public Relations Managers based on their experience level.

Public Relations Manager Salary in India

Public Relations Managers oversee communication strategies, handle crises, and lead teams, with salaries rising as their responsibilities grow. Their role evolves from managing campaigns to providing strategic counsel to leadership, making it one of the most rewarding positions in PR. 

Let’s take a look at a breakdown of salaries and responsibilities at different experience levels:

Experience Level	Average Annual Salary	Responsibilities
5-7 Years	₹10-12 lakhs	Managing client accounts, leading small teams, and creating strategic plans.
7-10 Years	₹13-18 lakhs	Handling high-value clients, managing crises, and overseeing multiple campaigns.
10+ Years	₹18-25 lakhs	Leading PR departments, advising executives, and driving organizational communication strategies.

Source: Ambitionbox

Why Managerial Roles Offer Higher Salaries

• Strategic Oversight: Managers transition from campaign execution to shaping communication strategies that align with business goals.
• Crisis Leadership: Senior managers provide critical guidance during crises, ensuring brand reputation remains intact.
• Team Leadership: Effective managers inspire and direct teams, improving campaign outcomes and client satisfaction.

Also Read: Workplace Communication: Key Types, Methods, and Its Importance
Public Relations Managers are just one part of the PR industry. Explore how skills, location, and industries influence PR salaries across various levels to build your path toward financial success.

Key Factors Influencing PR Salaries: What Shapes Your Earnings

PR salaries in India depend on factors like certifications, niche skills, and proven achievements can fast-track your career to senior roles and higher pay, even if you’re early in your career. Geographic choices and industry preferences also play a key role in determining your earning potential and cost of living.

This section explains how these elements shape PR salaries and provides actionable insights to enhance your career growth.

1. Experience and Expertise: How to Climb Without Experience

While experience remains a key driver of salary, the right skills and achievements can accelerate your progression:

• Niche Skills: Expertise in areas like digital PR, influencer marketing, or data analytics sets you apart. For example, professionals skilled in SEO and social media metrics can lead digital campaigns, which are highly valued by companies today.
• Proven Impact: Employers value measurable results. Successfully managing a PR crisis, such as restoring a brand’s reputation after negative press or increasing positive media coverage during challenging times, demonstrates your ability to deliver real outcomes. Highlighting such achievements can fast-track your promotion to leadership roles.
• Certifications That Matter:
  • A CIPR Specialist Diploma in Crisis Communication (offered by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations) is globally recognized and can position you for high-paying roles.
  • Google Analytics and SEO Certifications (via platforms like HubSpot or Coursera) provide practical skills that are increasingly important in modern PR roles.
  • Digital Marketing Certifications from institutions like MICA and upGrad are preferred for PR professionals looking to transition into specialized or senior roles.

How Certifications Influence Pay: Certifications validate your expertise, making you stand out in recruitment processes and allowing you to negotiate for higher salaries, especially in competitive industries like IT and FMCG.

2. Industry Demand and Trends: Where Opportunities Meet Innovation

Certain industries value innovative approaches more than tenure:

• Startups: These companies are often open to hiring younger professionals in senior roles if they bring fresh ideas. A professional who has successfully executed an influencer-driven campaign can land a role as a PR manager in a growing startup.
• Tech Industry: The need for professionals who understand complex products and tech ecosystems can make technical PR specialists more competitive, even with limited years in the industry.

Also Read: Top 5 Industries Using Digital Marketing To Grow [And Why They Use Digital Marketing]

3. Geographic Location: Budget-Friendly Choices

Where you work influences not only your salary but also your living costs:

• Metro Cities (Mumbai, Bengaluru): These hubs offer salaries of ₹8-12 lakhs due to the concentration of large agencies and high-profile clients, but living costs are steep.
• Tier-2 Cities (Pune, Jaipur): While salaries in these cities range from ₹5-8 lakhs, the lower cost of living allows professionals to save more without compromising on opportunities in emerging sectors like healthcare and tourism.

Pro Tip: If you’re starting your career, working in a Tier-2 city offers a cost-effective way to gain experience without the financial strain of living in a metro.

4. Educational Qualifications and Certifications: Let Your Skills Do the Talking

Educational achievements can outweigh a lack of experience in securing senior positions:

• Advanced Certifications: A Google Analytics or HubSpot Content Marketing certification can help you take charge of data-driven campaigns at higher levels.
• Case Studies and Projects: If your degree program involved real-world projects or internships, highlight these achievements to make a stronger case for promotions or higher-paying roles.

Example: A fresh graduate who helped a local business recover from a social media crisis during an internship might secure a mid-level role in a small agency.

Also Read: 24 Best Digital Marketing Project Ideas & Topics for Beginners / Students [2025]

5. Company Type and Size - A Shortcut to Growth: The Role of Organizational Culture in Salary Growth

Certain companies prioritize creativity and skill over tenure:

• Boutique PR Agencies: These smaller firms value multi-tasking and creativity. If you can manage diverse tasks, they might give you responsibilities reserved for senior roles in larger firms.
• Startups: High growth in startups often leads to quicker promotions. For example, a PR executive in a startup who introduces a successful influencer strategy might quickly rise to a manager role.

Also Read: Top 25 Social Media Marketing Techniques in 2025

Understanding the factors that shape the PR salary in India, from experience to certifications, is crucial for career growth. Next, discover actionable strategies to maximize your earning potential and secure top-paying roles in the industry.

Top Strategies to Maximize Your PR Salary in India

To increase your PR salary in India, focus on developing high-demand skills, establishing strategic connections, and showcasing measurable achievements. Employers prioritize professionals who bring unique value through expertise in areas like digital PR, crisis management, and data-driven strategies.

If you want to boost your earnings, continuous upskilling, purposeful networking, and building a niche are essential. This section offers actionable strategies, tools, and certifications tailored to help you advance in your PR career.

1. Upskilling: Master New PR Tools and Strategies

Staying updated with the latest tools and techniques not only boosts efficiency but also makes you a more attractive candidate.

• Google Analytics: Use this to track website traffic and campaign performance, helping you measure the ROI of PR efforts.
• Hootsuite: Manage and schedule social media posts, monitor brand mentions, and generate performance reports.
• BuzzSumo: Identify trending content and influencers relevant to your campaigns.

Certifications that help:

• HubSpot Content Marketing Certification teaches you how to craft compelling content.
• Google Digital Marketing Certification enhances your ability to run integrated campaigns.
• CIPR Specialist Diplomas focus on crisis communications and public affairs, giving you a global edge.

How certifications help: They signal expertise to employers, increase your credibility, and often result in salary increments or better roles.

2. Networking: Build Relationships with Industry Leaders

Networking isn’t just about attending events—it’s about creating meaningful connections that lead to opportunities.

• Attend Industry Events: Events like the PRAXIS Conference or PRCAI workshops are great places to meet potential mentors and employers.
• Join Professional Groups: Associations like PRCAI or global bodies like CIPR connect you with thought leaders and job opportunities.
• Engage on LinkedIn: Share insights, comment on industry discussions, and connect with professionals in top PR agencies like Adfactors or Edelman.

Why networking works: Referrals from established professionals often bypass traditional hiring processes, leading to higher-paying roles. Example: A recommendation from a senior professional at an event could fast-track your entry into a premium agency.

Also Read: How Can Students Leverage LinkedIn For Better Career Opportunities?

3. Gaining Hands-On Experience

A strong portfolio showcasing measurable results is a powerful asset during salary negotiations.

• Highlight case studies of successful campaigns, such as increasing media coverage or boosting positive sentiment for a client.
• Include metrics like ROI, audience reach, or social engagement to clearly demonstrate the value you bring to the table.
• Use real-world examples of crisis management, influencer campaigns, or public affairs projects to showcase your ability to handle diverse challenges effectively.

Why It Works: Employers are more likely to offer competitive salaries when you can prove your impact through concrete results and tangible successes.

Also Read: Start Freelancing your Digital Marketing Skills

4. Specialize in High-Demand Areas

Specialization is key to standing out in the competitive PR field. Here’s what’s in demand:

• Digital PR: Combining PR with SEO, content marketing, and social media management. Example: Running a campaign that ranks a client’s product page higher on search engines.
• Crisis Management: Developing and implementing plans to manage negative publicity. Example: Handling a brand’s response during a product recall.
• Influencer Marketing: Collaborating with influencers to amplify brand visibility. Example: Managing a celebrity endorsement campaign for a luxury product.
• Public Affairs and CSR: Building relationships with policymakers and aligning campaigns with social responsibility goals. Example: Launching a CSR campaign for an FMCG brand.

Why it works: Specialized roles are less replaceable, leading to higher pay and job security.

Also Read: Digital Marketing vs Social Media Marketing: Key Differences and Best Strategy

5. Seek Mentorship and Guidance

Mentorship can fast-track your career by helping you make informed decisions.

• Find Mentors: Approach industry veterans on platforms like LinkedIn or through professional organizations.
• Participate in Programs: Programs like PR Mentoring India provide access to seasoned professionals who offer guidance.
• Learn Negotiation Skills: Mentors can teach you how to present your achievements during appraisals or interviews effectively.

Example: A mentor who is a senior executive at a PR agency can guide you on transitioning from mid-level to senior roles while negotiating better salaries.

Also Read:

• Negotiation Skills: Definition, Process, Various Stages, Benefits [With Examples]
• Top 10 Free Online Digital Marketing Courses to Boost Your Career in 2025
• How to Get a Job in Digital Marketing: A Step-by-Step Guide

Mastering strategies to boost your PR salary in India is the first step toward career growth. Next, discover how upGrad’s expert-designed programs and certifications can equip you with the skills to achieve your professional goals.

How can UpGrad help grow your PR career?

upGrad’s programs equip PR professionals with skills in digital PR, crisis management, and marketing strategies through practical projects and case studies. Designed with top universities, the courses cover influencer marketing, public affairs, and more. 

Here are some of upGrad’s courses for your PR professional journey:

• Introduction to Modern Public Relations (Free Course)
• Influencer Marketing from a Brand's Perspective
• Management Programs for Career Growth
• Fundamentals of Marketing
• Complete Guide to Content Marketing
• Basics of Search Engine Marketing
• Advanced Certificate in Digital Marketing and Communication from MICA
• MICA's Advanced Certificate in Brand Communication Management

Need help choosing the right PR course? Connect with upGrad for personalized guidance and expert insights on skills and certifications that matter. Visit upGrad’s website or your nearest offline center to start your journey toward PR excellence today!

Sources:

1. https://prcai.org/cms/images/pdf/SPRINT_Report_23_PRCAI.pdf
2. https://6figr.com/in/salary/public-relations--s
3. https://wdcweb.com/blog/influencer-marketing-costs-in-india/
4. https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/public-relations-salary-SRCH_KO0%2C16.htm
5. https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/public-relations-manager-salary