Choose from a wide range of CV templates and customize the design with a single click.
Use ATS-optimised CV and resume templates that pass applicant tracking systems. Our CV builder helps recruiters read, scan, and shortlist your CV faster.
Use professional field-tested resume templates that follow the exact CV rules employers look for.
Create CV
Use professional field-tested resume templates that follow the exact CV rules employers look for.
Create CVIf you’re researching communications manager salary, you’re likely asking: how much does a communications manager make in the USA, what determines their pay, and how can you increase your compensation?
In today’s market, communications managers sit at the intersection of brand, PR, internal messaging, and executive visibility. That positioning directly impacts compensation — especially in industries like tech, healthcare, and finance.
This guide breaks down real U.S. salary ranges, total compensation (base + bonus + equity), recruiter insights, and negotiation strategies — based on how offers are actually structured and approved.
The average salary for a communications manager in the US varies significantly depending on experience, industry, and company size.
Entry-level (0–3 years): $60,000 – $85,000
Mid-level (4–7 years): $85,000 – $115,000
Senior (8–12 years): $115,000 – $145,000
Director-level: $140,000 – $190,000+
National average: $102,000 – $110,000 per year
Monthly salary: $8,500 – $9,200
$60,000 – $85,000
Typically transitioning from roles like communications specialist or PR coordinator
Limited negotiation leverage unless coming from top-tier companies
Recruiter insight:
Entry-level candidates are often placed within rigid salary bands. Negotiation flexibility is low unless you bring niche experience (e.g., crisis communications or executive comms).
$85,000 – $115,000
Core responsibilities: media relations, internal comms, campaign strategy
Industry is one of the biggest drivers of compensation differences.
Tech (SaaS, Big Tech): $110,000 – $160,000
Finance & FinTech: $105,000 – $150,000
Healthcare & Pharma: $95,000 – $140,000
Nonprofits: $65,000 – $95,000
Education: $70,000 – $100,000
Government: $75,000 – $110,000
Recruiter insight:
Tech companies pay more because communications directly impacts .
Communications managers often receive additional compensation:
Bonus: 5% – 20% of base salary
Equity (tech/startups): $10,000 – $80,000 annually (RSUs or stock options)
Signing bonus (competitive roles): $5,000 – $25,000
👉 Total compensation range:
$70,000 (entry-level, smaller companies)
Up to $200,000+ (senior roles in tech or large enterprises)
Bonus eligibility begins here (typically 10–15%)
Recruiter insight:
At this level, hiring managers evaluate impact and visibility. Candidates managing executive stakeholders or high-profile campaigns command higher offers.
$115,000 – $145,000
Often leads teams or owns full communication strategy
Bonus: 15% – 20%
Equity more common in tech companies
Recruiter insight:
This is where compensation diverges sharply. Candidates with crisis management, investor communications, or global brand experience can exceed $150K base.
$140,000 – $190,000+
Total compensation: $180,000 – $300,000+
Recruiter insight:
At director level, compensation is tied to organizational influence — reporting line (CMO vs CEO), team size, and budget ownership.
Location plays a major role due to cost of living and talent competition.
San Francisco Bay Area: $120,000 – $170,000
New York City: $110,000 – $160,000
Seattle: $105,000 – $150,000
Austin: $90,000 – $130,000
Chicago: $95,000 – $135,000
Increasingly common
Salaries often adjusted based on candidate location
Top remote offers still align with high-cost markets if talent is scarce
Recruiter insight:
Companies now use geo-banding salary structures, meaning your location can reduce or increase your offer by 10–30%.
Understanding total compensation (TC) is critical.
Fixed annual income
Typically 70% – 85% of total compensation
Performance-based (individual + company)
5% – 20% depending on seniority
Common in tech and startups
RSUs in public companies
Stock options in early-stage startups
Example Total Compensation Package (Senior Level):
Base salary: $130,000
Bonus (15%): $19,500
Equity: $25,000 annually
👉 Total Compensation: ~$174,500
Internal communications only vs global brand strategy
Executive visibility (CEO comms = higher pay)
Startups: lower base, higher equity
Enterprises: higher base, structured bonuses
Strong portfolio of campaigns
Experience managing crises or PR risks
Leadership and stakeholder influence
Salary decisions are not random. They are structured through:
Each role has a predefined salary range
Based on level, geography, and internal equity
Hiring managers must stay within approved ranges
Finance teams enforce consistency
Offers are adjusted based on competing candidates
Stronger candidates can push higher within the band
Recruiter insight:
You are not negotiating against the recruiter — you are negotiating against internal salary structures and risk tolerance.
Crisis communications
Executive communications
Investor relations
Corporate reputation management
These specialties can increase salary by 20%–40%.
Transitioning from nonprofit to tech can increase salary by $30K–$60K.
Weak Example:
“I handled internal communications.”
Good Example:
“I led a crisis communications strategy that reduced negative media coverage by 40%.”
Top candidates often increase offers by 10%–25% by leveraging multiple offers.
Know your realistic band before negotiating.
Start at the top 10%–15% of the salary range.
Base salary
Bonus percentage
Equity grants
Signing bonus
Weak Example:
“Can you increase the salary?”
Good Example:
“Based on my experience managing executive communications and market benchmarks, I’m targeting a total compensation package closer to $140K–$150K.”
5–10 years: $100K → $150K+
Director level: $180K+
VP level: $250K – $500K+ (including equity)
Increasing demand for digital and crisis communication
Higher salaries in tech and AI-driven companies
Growing importance of executive communication roles
A communications manager in the US can realistically earn:
Entry-level: $60K – $85K
Mid-career: $85K – $115K
Senior: $115K – $145K
Director+: $180K – $300K+ total compensation
Your earning potential depends less on the title itself — and more on industry, specialization, and how strategically you position your value in the hiring process.
If you understand how companies structure compensation and negotiate accordingly, you can significantly outperform the average salary benchmarks.
Upload CV
Import from Linkedin
