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Head of Public Affairs Salary in New York

How much does a Head of Public Affairs make in New York? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Head of Public Affairs in New York is $83,784 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.

However, a Head of Public Affairs's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $97,635
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $75,897 to $91,034
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $68,717
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Head of Public Affairs Job Openings in New York

Key Factors That Influence Head of Public Affairs Salaries

A Head of Public Affairs's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Head of Public Affairs Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Head of Public Affairs's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $68,853
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $82,273
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $102,174
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $127,040
  • Expert (over 8 years): $171,975
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Compliance Specialist I less than 1 year $68,853
Head of Public Affairs 1-2 years $82,273
Compliance Specialist III 2-4 years $102,174
Compliance Specialist IV 5-8 years $127,040
Compliance Specialist V over 8 years $171,975

How Do Head of Public Affairs Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Head of Public Affairs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $87,259.
  • California: $86,928.
  • Massachusetts: $85,770.

Top Paying Cities for Head of Public Affairs

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Holtsville: $86,472
  • Brentwood: $86,327
  • Brightwaters: $85,558

Head of Public Affairs Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Head of Public Affairs roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Healthcare sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Head of Public Affairs positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Head of Public Affairs as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Head of Public Affairs

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology $104,729 $50.0 25%
Healthcare $100,540 $48.0 20%
Energy & Utilities $96,351 $46.0 15%
Software & Networking $96,351 $46.0 15%
Aerospace & Defense $92,162 $44.0 10%

Head of Public Affairs Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Head of Public Affairs's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$75,897
Average $83,784/year
$91,034
$6,325
Average $6,982/month
$7,586
$1,460
Average $1,611/week
$1,751
$36
Average $40/hour
$44
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $91,034 $7,586 $1,751 $44
Average $83,784 $6,982 $1,611 $40
25th Percentile $75,897 $6,325 $1,460 $36

Find Your Next Head of Public Affairs Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Head of Public Affairs job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • TSG - The Sheridan Group | HARTLAND FOUR CORNERS, VT

    Digital Public Affairs Communications Specialist

    TSG - The Sheridan Group | HARTLAND FOUR CORNERS, VT

    TSG – The Sheridan Group seeks a Digital Public Affairs Communications Specialist to support strategic campaigns for corporate, nonprofit, and association ... more

    3 Days Ago

  • TSG - The Sheridan Group | RICES MILLS, VT

    Digital Public Affairs Communications Specialist

    TSG - The Sheridan Group | RICES MILLS, VT

    TSG – The Sheridan Group seeks a Digital Public Affairs Communications Specialist to support strategic campaigns for corporate, nonprofit, and association ... more

    3 Days Ago

  • TSG - The Sheridan Group | GRANTHAM, NH

    Digital Public Affairs Communications Specialist

    TSG - The Sheridan Group | GRANTHAM, NH

    TSG – The Sheridan Group seeks a Digital Public Affairs Communications Specialist to support strategic campaigns for corporate, nonprofit, and association ... more

    3 Days Ago

  • TSG - The Sheridan Group | RUSSTOWN, VT

    Digital Public Affairs Communications Specialist

    TSG - The Sheridan Group | RUSSTOWN, VT

    TSG – The Sheridan Group seeks a Digital Public Affairs Communications Specialist to support strategic campaigns for corporate, nonprofit, and association ... more

    4 Days Ago

  • TSG - The Sheridan Group | LYMAN, VT

    Digital Public Affairs Communications Specialist

    TSG - The Sheridan Group | LYMAN, VT

    TSG – The Sheridan Group seeks a Digital Public Affairs Communications Specialist to support strategic campaigns for corporate, nonprofit, and association ... more

    4 Days Ago

  • TSG - The Sheridan Group | WILDER, VT

    Digital Public Affairs Communications Specialist

    TSG - The Sheridan Group | WILDER, VT

    TSG – The Sheridan Group seeks a Digital Public Affairs Communications Specialist to support strategic campaigns for corporate, nonprofit, and association ... more

    4 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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