Public Relations Specialist Jobs in Ottawa, ON

Ottawa, Ontario$54,000 - $91,800 CAD/yearFull-time
Last updated: January 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from Canadian Labour Market reports

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Ottawa

Entry Level
$40,500
Average
$54,000 - $91,800
Senior Level
$114,750

Salaries adjusted for Ottawa's cost of living index (108% of national average).

Required Skills

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Jobs Requiring Similar Skills

Public Relations Specialist Job Market in Ottawa

Ottawa offers a competitive job market for Public Relations Specialist professionals. While Government leads the local economy, there's steady demand for Public Relations Specialist roles across various sectors. The market for Public Relations Specialist positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and emerging businesses. Ottawa's population of 1.0 million supports a diverse job market with opportunities ranging from startups to enterprise organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Public Relations Specialists in Ottawa

City of OttawaOC TranspoOttawa HydroNCC

Major employers hiring Public Relations Specialists in Ottawa include City of Ottawa, OC Transpo, Ottawa Hydro, NCC. These organizations offer competitive compensation packages and career growth opportunities for qualified Public Relations Specialists.

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Ottawa vs Other Cities

Public Relations Specialist salaries in Ottawa typically range from $54,000 to $91,800 annually. This is approximately 14% lower than Toronto, but the lower cost of living often results in similar take-home purchasing power.

Cost of Living for Public Relations Specialists in Ottawa

Living in Ottawa as a Public Relations Specialist means navigating a cost of living that's slightly above the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,900/month. With Public Relations Specialist salaries starting around $50,000, Ottawa offers good value for Public Relations Specialist professionals.

108
Cost Index (100 = avg)
1017K
Population
Yes
Tech Hub
4+
Major Industries

Commuting as a Public Relations Specialist in Ottawa

Ottawa new Confederation Line LRT with OC Transpo buses. Key transit tips: LRT connects east-west through downtown. Many government offices are transit-accessible.

Ottawa offers various neighborhoods suitable for Public Relations Specialist professionals, with options ranging from urban cores to suburban areas with good transit access.

Frequently Asked Questions About Public Relations Specialist Jobs in Ottawa

What is the average Public Relations Specialist salary in Ottawa?

Public Relations Specialist salaries in Ottawa typically range from $54,000 to $91,800 annually, depending on experience and company size. Ottawa's moderate cost of living means these salaries offer good purchasing power.

Is Ottawa a good city for Public Relations Specialists?

Ottawa is a major hub for Public Relations Specialist professionals. Government and Technology are the dominant industries, creating consistent demand. The city's population of 1017K supports a diverse job market with both established companies and emerging businesses.

What's the cost of living like for Public Relations Specialists in Ottawa?

Ottawa's cost of living index is 108 (national average = 100). Costs are slightly above average but manageable with professional salaries.

What skills are essential for Public Relations Specialist roles?

Key skills for Public Relations Specialist positions include Media Relations, Press Releases, Crisis Communication, as well as Storytelling and Event Planning. Employers particularly value candidates who can demonstrate practical experience with these competencies through projects, certifications, or previous work experience.

What digital marketing skills are most in-demand in Canada?

SEO/SEM, content marketing, marketing automation (HubSpot, Marketo), social media management, and data analytics are highly sought after. Performance marketing and paid media expertise commands premium salaries. Emerging skills like AI-powered marketing, programmatic advertising, and marketing data science are increasingly valuable.

Is agency or in-house marketing better for career growth in Canada?

Both paths offer distinct advantages. Agencies provide diverse experience, rapid skill development, and networking opportunities but often have longer hours. In-house roles offer deeper brand knowledge, better work-life balance, and potentially higher base salaries. Many marketers start in agencies then move in-house after 3-5 years.

What marketing certifications are valued in Canada?

Google Analytics and Google Ads certifications are table stakes for digital marketers. HubSpot certifications are valuable for inbound marketing roles. CIM (Canadian Institute of Marketing) designation adds credibility. For senior roles, an MBA or MMK (Master of Marketing) from a recognized Canadian business school is advantageous.

How has marketing changed in Canada post-pandemic?

Digital transformation accelerated dramatically. E-commerce marketing, virtual events, and content marketing budgets increased significantly. Remote work became standard for many marketing roles. Privacy changes (cookies, iOS updates) shifted focus toward first-party data strategies. Video content and social commerce continue to grow in importance.

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