Hiring a public affairs specialist: the market today
The short answer ·
188 open postings ask for a public affairs specialist as of Nov 11, 2026, from 131 employers. The median advertised pay is $92,760, taking the midpoint of each posted range. 129 of those postings are new in the last 30 days, so expect competition.
Who you're competing with
Open postings · Ayla, Nov 11, 2026
What it pays
Advertised pay (range midpoints), 137 postings with pay · OPM actual pay, Sep 2026
Questions buyers ask
How hard is it to hire a public affairs specialist?
Hard. 131 employers are hiring the role right now, led by Amentum with 8 open postings.
What should I pay a public affairs specialist?
Advertised pay centers on $92,760. Federal staff in series 1035 average $129,316 in actual pay.
Where is a public affairs specialist being hired?
As of Nov 11, 2026, the most open postings for the role are in Virginia (35), Texas (18) and California (17). Together they hold 37% of its 188 open postings.
Who can help me hire a public affairs specialist?
Ayla's recruiters, for government agencies and contractors. Send the role for a free market brief within two business days, then interview the people we find; you pay a placement fee when you hire.