Culpwrit

Last week, I enjoyed the privilege of participating on a panel gathered to hear PR presentations for final exam in Ron Culp’s class.  They were the next generation of PR pros: bright, driven, eager and talented.  They’ve examined PR case studies, pursued internships and soaked up as much information and sage advice as possible.  That’s great!

 For many, it’s time to contemplate a dive into the PR salary pool, and even if you’re already swimming in those waters, do you know what others are making at your level?  What kind of compensation should you be seeking?  And in a time of sequesters contrasted with a seemingly rebounding economy, how do those prospects of even landing a job look?

 Well, there’s good news!  According to the 2013 PRWeek/Bloom, Gross & Associates Salary Survey, which polled communications professionals across the U.S., there were reported increases in salaries across disciplines and “at all levels of experience, including entry” in 2012.  In fact, PR pros and potential employers were feeling “downright confident” about prospects in 2013, and were projecting a “rising demand for talent.”  According to Karen Bloom, Principal of executive search firm Bloom, Gross & Associates Principal and sponsor of the Survey, the hiring momentum that was experienced at the end of 2012, has “continued into the start of 2013.” 

Let’s take a look at some of the facts from the Survey:

• In-house PR department hiring is reported up 5% from 2012, and 31% expect to ADD headcount;
• Agencies are expected to almost match last year’s activity, with an impressive 72% expecting to increase headcount;
• And even though non-profits dropped headcount in 2012 (from 29% to 25%), 38% anticipate hiring additional agency support in 2013, which is up from 14% in 2012.

 These results point to a pretty solid picture for new and current job seekers.  But what can you hope to make as you launch, or continue your career in PR?  According to the Survey, “PR pros who began their careers within the past five years generally start at higher salaries than those who began more than five years ago.”

• 32% of males and 50% of females with less than five years’ experience, reported salaries at less than $35K;
• 34% of males and 33% of females with less than five years’ experience, reported salaries between $35K-$50K;
• 16% of males and 12% of females with less than five years’ experience, reported salaries between $50K-$75K.

 To see a full copy of the Survey results and to review current job postings, feel free to visit the Bloom, Gross website at www.bloomgross.com .

 Before Tina Carroll Dugas joined Bloom, Gross & Associates Executive Search and began matching PR pros with client jobs, she was a seasoned practitioner who began as an intern with a PR firm in her first semester of college.