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Public Relations Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Key PR

Public Relations Associate

San Francisco, CA · On-site

This role requires 2-4 years of PR agency experience. The Key is a boutique PR and ... You'll collaborate with Principals and Managing Associates to build smart, effective communications ...

Posted today

Mission North

PR Associate

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

Currently, we're searching for an Associate to join our team! One Team, All In As a benefit ... Proficiency with basic computer and PR tech applications including MuckRack, Lexis, Sysomos ...

Qualcomm

Manager, Public Relations

San Diego, CA · On-site

OR Associate's degree and 7+ years of Public Relations or related work experience. *Completed advanced degrees in a relevant field may be substituted for up to two years (Master's = one year ...

Qualcomm

Director, Public Relations

San Diego, CA · On-site

OR Associate's degree and 12+ years of Public Relations or related work experience. *Completed advanced degrees in a relevant field may be substituted for up to two years (Master's = one year ...

Bospar

PR Account Associate

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$56K - $76K/yr

Job Title: PR Account Associate Salary: Highly competitive Benefits and Perks: Fully paid medical, dental and vision including dependents; monthly wellness stipend, phone and internet stipend; paid ...

Bospar

PR Account Associate

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$56K - $76K/yr

Job Title: PR Account Associate Salary: Highly competitive Benefits and Perks: Fully paid medical, dental and vision including dependents; monthly wellness stipend, phone and internet stipend; paid ...

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Public Relations Associate information

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$12

$27

$71

How much do public relations associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for public relations associate in California is $27.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $30.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public relations associate?

A public relations associate meets with the press to create and develop a favorable image of an organization. Responsibilities include the design of advertising materials on a variety of platforms including social media. You must have experience with marketing and ad campaigns along with knowledge of analytics, media relations strategies, and current technologies to succeed in this job. Excellent verbal and communication skills are imperative to implement the vision of a client with creative solutions. Duties also involve advanced written documentation such as case studies, media talking points, and presentations. Work is full-time with most employers preferring individuals with experience in public relations.

What does a public relations associate do?

A Public Relations Associate helps manage and improve the public image of a company or organization. They assist with writing press releases, coordinating media outreach, managing social media presence, and organizing events. Their goal is to foster positive relationships with the media and the public, ensuring that their employer’s message is communicated effectively. Public Relations Associates often work closely with other communications professionals to develop and implement PR strategies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public relations associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Relations Associate, you need strong written and verbal communication skills, media relations experience, and typically a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, or a related field. Familiarity with media monitoring tools, press release distribution platforms, and social media management systems is often required. Creativity, adaptability, and relationship-building are essential soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure effective brand messaging, positive media coverage, and successful collaboration in a fast-paced environment.

How does a public relations associate typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

As a Public Relations Associate, you'll frequently work with teams such as marketing, social media, and customer service to ensure consistent messaging and effective communication strategies. Collaboration often involves coordinating on campaigns, sharing media insights, and preparing unified responses to public inquiries or crises. Building strong working relationships across departments helps enhance the organization's reputation and ensures that all external communications align with broader business goals. Expect regular meetings and cross-functional projects to be a core part of your routine.

How much do public relations associates make?

Public relations associates typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals or those in larger markets can earn higher salaries. Skills in communication, media relations, and familiarity with PR tools can influence earning potential.
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Public Relations Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Relations Associate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,828 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Public Relations Associate

The Key PR

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 8 hours ago

Posted today

Job description

This role requires 2-4 years of PR agency experience.


The Key is a boutique PR and communications agency built for founders at every stage - from early builders to established companies still writing their next chapter. We work with brands across AI, energy, B2B, personal finance, venture capital, and more.


We're expanding our team with people who are genuinely curious about where technology is headed and how the Silicon Valley ecosystem actually works. You should love words and their power, consume media obsessively, and think critically about how the landscape is evolving. You should be equally comfortable working independently and thriving in a fast-moving, collaborative team.


What You'll Do

You'll work directly with our leadership team, with clients, reporters, and influencers, as a core part of our team.


You'll collaborate with Principals and Managing Associates to build smart, effective communications strategies. You'll bring sharp writing, creativity, persistence, and multitasking zen to the role - helping generate results that map directly to our clients' business goals.


What You'll Work On


Client Service

  • Provide exceptional client service and project management, from kickoff through wins
  • Execute the account team's day-to-day client work and overall task management
  • Track deliverables and deadlines across accounts, flagging risks early and keeping work moving


Media Relations

  • Identify, pitch, and work with media across channels, in outlets both established and emerging, with respect for the craft — theirs and ours
  • Write concisely for a variety of audiences, with a compelling voice, often on a quick turn: press releases, media lists, briefing books, backgrounders, speaking and awards submissions, abstracts, Q&As, contributed content, and other written material
  • Bring strong research skills to projects and creative brainstorms, for clients and for agency new business


What We're Looking For

  • Media-obsessed — established and emerging, earned and beyond
  • A creative, strategic thinker
  • Experience managing projects, and hunger to take on more
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a knack for creative writing and storytelling
  • Familiarity and fascination with tech tools

Apply