Public Relations Specialist Jobs in Knoxville, TN

Knoxville, Tennessee$60,075 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Knoxville

Entry Level
$37,825
Median
$60,075
Senior Level
$86,998

Public Relations Specialist salaries in Knoxville are 11% below the national average, though the lower cost of living often provides similar purchasing power.

Purchasing power in Knoxville is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Media RelationsPress ReleasesCrisis CommunicationStorytellingEvent Planning

Public Relations Specialist Job Market in Knoxville

Knoxville, TN is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for Public Relations Specialist professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Knoxville offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. While Healthcare leads the local economy, there's growing demand for Public Relations Specialist roles across various sectors. The market for Public Relations Specialist positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Public Relations Specialists in Knoxville

Local governmentRegional employersNational companies

Major employers hiring Public Relations Specialists in Knoxville include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Public Relations Specialists in Knoxville

Living in Knoxville as a Public Relations Specialist means navigating a cost of living that's below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious professionals. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. At median Public Relations Specialist salary, rent would consume about 36% of gross income - above the recommended 30% threshold. Consider roommates or suburban options. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

89
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 3
Market Size

Commuting as a Public Relations Specialist in Knoxville

Knoxville Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Public Relations Specialists in Knoxville: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Public Relations Specialist professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Tennessee

Tennessee has no state income tax. Compared to a state with 5% income tax, a Public Relations Specialist earning $60,075 would save approximately $3,004 annually. This makes Knoxville attractive for high earners, though property taxes and sales tax help fund state services.

Career Outlook for Public Relations Specialists

The job outlook for Public Relations Specialists in Knoxville is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Knoxville offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Media Relations, Press Releases, Crisis Communication, Storytelling.

Relocating to Knoxville

Knoxville's affordable cost of living means your Public Relations Specialist salary will stretch further than in major coastal cities. Many professionals relocate here for better quality of life. Tennessee has no state income tax, which can add thousands to your annual take-home pay compared to high-tax states like California or New York.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Public Relations Specialist salary in Knoxville, TN?

The average Public Relations Specialist salary in Knoxville, TN is $60,075 per year. Entry-level Public Relations Specialists typically start around $37,825, while experienced professionals can earn $86,998 or more. The national average for Public Relations Specialist roles is $67,500.

How many Public Relations Specialist jobs are available in Knoxville?

Knoxville has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Public Relations Specialist professionals. Major employers hiring Public Relations Specialists include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. The Healthcare and Education sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Knoxville a good city for Public Relations Specialists?

Knoxville is an solid choice for Public Relations Specialists. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. The affordable cost of living means salaries go further than in more expensive markets. The city's healthcare industry creates strong demand for marketing professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Public Relations Specialists in Knoxville?

Top skills for Public Relations Specialists in Knoxville include Media Relations, Press Releases, Crisis Communication, Storytelling, Event Planning. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Public Relations Specialists in Knoxville?

Knoxville's cost of living is below the national average (89% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Knoxville is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Public Relations Specialists in Knoxville?

Knoxville Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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