Our survey finds PR pay disparities by gender, type of employer

But if you’re slogging along for low pay at an entry-level position at a PR agency, don’t despair. In the long term, you may come out ahead. Agency staffers led among those earning in the highest salary bracket.

These and other findings emerged in a PR Daily online survey of 2,787 industry professionals ranging from PR associates to company presidents and chief executives. Respondents to the questionnaire on salary and job satisfaction largely came from the U.S. and Canada, with contingents from Europe, Oceania, Asia, and Africa chiming in.

Nuances and cautionary notes emerge in a deeper look at the numbers.

The largest number of survey respondents—26 percent—earn in the $50,000 to $75,000 range, followed by another quarter who earn from $35,000 to $50,000. Fewer than 1 percent earn more than $250,000 a year.

“In a tough economy, I’ve found that any excuse will be used to avoid paying employees deserved salary for their work at my company,” wrote one account executive. “However, I do love where I’m at other than that issue.”

Another respondent—a social media director—said PR professionals ought to appreciate the salaries they earn, despite budget cuts and a fast-paced work environment.