Public Relations Degree Programs in Virginia Beach, VA (2026)
Quick answer: The Virginia Beach metro employs about 1,140 public relations specialists (BLS OEWS, May 2025), and licensing is set at the state level, through target employers on the experience they weight.
Compare public relations programs enrolling now:
Licensing
Licensing is a state matter, not a city one. Public relations is not licensed. Voluntary accreditation marks exist for experienced practitioners and employers genuinely vary in the weight they give them; early-career hiring runs on writing samples, internships and media placements.
See the Virginia licensing and pay overview for the statewide picture, and confirm current requirements with target employers on the experience they weight.
Schools Near You
Schools in our database near this area, ranked by BOC Score. The list favors schools with a related program on record, but program availability and delivery format change, so confirm directly with any school that it currently offers the program you want.
We do not have campus-based schools on record within 250 miles of this area right now. School availability changes as programs open and close, and many programs in this field enroll online - see the main program page for options that are not tied to your location. Know a school we missed? Tell us.
What Public Relations Specialists Earn in Virginia Beach
Public Relations Specialists in the Virginia Beach area earn a median $73,890 per year, below the national median of $74,750 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Public Relations Pay in Virginia Beach, VA
| Metric | Virginia Beach metro | Virginia | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $73,890 | $80,380 | $74,750 |
| 10th percentile | $43,830 | $46,840 | $44,110 |
| 25th percentile | $53,530 | $60,610 | $56,260 |
| 75th percentile | $96,420 | $111,600 | $100,370 |
| 90th percentile | $117,640 | $162,050 | $135,150 |
| Employment | 1,140 | 9,990 | 283,380 |
| Location quotient | 0.82 | - | 1.00 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. Metro figures cover the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC metropolitan statistical area.
What the Numbers Say About This Market
The Virginia Beach median of $73,890 is below the national median of $74,750, and below the Virginia statewide median of $80,380 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
The metro’s location quotient of 0.82 means public relations specialists are less concentrated here than in the average U.S. labor market (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Higher concentration generally means more employers competing for the same people, and an easier job change later.
PR employment tracks organizational headquarters - corporate, agency, government and institutional - and regulated industries support specialist roles well outside the biggest media markets.
Other Virginia Metro Areas
| Metro area | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond | $75,730 | 1,760 |
| Charlottesville | $76,580 | 380 |
| Roanoke | $62,130 | 250 |
| Blacksburg | $65,170 | 190 |
| Lynchburg | $60,990 | 170 |
| Harrisonburg | $59,580 | 100 |
Figures: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
Wage and employment figures describe the occupation as measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, not the graduates of any particular program, and individual outcomes may vary. Licensing rules change; confirm current requirements with the responsible state board before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do public relations specialists make in Virginia Beach?
The median annual wage for public relations specialists in the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC metro area is $73,890, below the national median of $74,750 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
How many public relations specialists work in the Virginia Beach area?
The Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC metro area employs about 1,140 public relations specialists (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Do public relations specialists in Virginia Beach need a license?
Licensing is handled at state level rather than by city. Public relations is not licensed. Voluntary accreditation marks exist for experienced practitioners and employers genuinely vary in the weight they give them; early-career hiring runs on writing samples, internships and media placements. Confirm current requirements with target employers on the experience they weight.
Can I study public relations online from Virginia Beach?
The academic portion of these programs is widely available online for working adults, while labs, clinical hours or supervised field work are completed in person. Check that the program's accreditation satisfies target employers on the experience they weight.
Is Virginia Beach a better market than the rest of Virginia?
The Virginia Beach metro median is $73,890 against a statewide median of $80,380 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Compare that gap with the difference in living costs before treating it as a raise.
Related
- Public Relations degree programs in Virginia - statewide pay, licensing and metro comparison
- Public Relations programs and how to choose one
- CTE Teacher (Shop Teacher) career profile - the trade career this degree path builds on
- All online degree paths for tradespeople
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 - Public Relations Specialists (SOC 27-3031), national, state and metropolitan estimates
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2024-34
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook - education and licensing requirements
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.