What is sports public relations entry level new york pay?

I’ve been working in sports PR in New York for six years now. Started as a coordinator at a mid-size agency in 2019.

I get asked about salaries constantly by students and recent grads looking to break in.
The information online is all over the place and most of it is outdated or wrong.

Here’s what I actually know from my own experience and from hiring people on my team.

Entry Level Salary Ranges

Agency side

At PR agencies that handle sports clients, entry level coordinator roles pay between $42,000-$55,000 in NYC. This is 2024 data based on what we’ve offered and what I’ve heard from friends at other shops.

Edelman, Weber Shandwick, BCW — the big firms tend to be on the higher end. Smaller boutique sports agencies like Taylor, PMK, or Prosek pay closer to $45,000-$50,000 to start.

I started at $44,000 in 2019. Got bumped to $48,000 after 8 months.

In-house at teams

Working directly for an MLB, NBA, NFL, or NHL team usually pays less than agency. I know that sounds backwards but it’s true.

Entry level communications coordinator roles at NYC-area teams typically start around $40,000-$48,000. The Knicks and Rangers (MSG) were hiring a coordinator last year at $45,000. The Mets listed a similar role at $42,000.

People take lower pay because it’s a team and the job title sounds better on a resume.

Leagues and governing bodies

The NFL league office in Manhattan pays better than teams. Entry level there is more like $52,000-$60,000 from what I’ve heard. The NBA league office is similar. These jobs are hard to get.

What Affects Your Starting Pay

Your internship history matters. If you interned at a team or league before graduating you can push for higher offers. Someone with two sports internships will get offered more than someone coming from unrelated PR experience.

Graduate degree doesn’t add much. I have a master’s in sports management from NYU. It cost me $65,000. My starting salary was the same as colleagues without advanced degrees. I wouldn’t do it again honestly.

Negotiation is possible but limited. I negotiated $2,000 more on my first offer. They said yes immediately which means I should have asked for more. Most places have a set range for entry level and won’t go above it.

The Reality of Living on Entry Level Pay

$45,000 in New York is rough. After taxes you’re taking home maybe $2,900/month.

I lived in Bushwick with two roommates my first two years. Rent was $1,100 for my room. That left about $1,800 for everything else. I didn’t save anything.

Most people I know in entry level sports PR either have roommates, live far out in Brooklyn or Queens, or get help from family. Nobody is comfortable on $45K in this city.

How Fast Does Pay Increase

Year 1 to Year 2: Usually a 5-8% bump if you stay at the same company. I went from $44K to $48K.

Year 2 to Year 3: Another 5-10%. Or you jump to a new company and negotiate 15-20% more.

Senior Coordinator / Junior Manager level (3-5 years): $65,000-$85,000 range.

I’m at $94,000 now after six years. That took two job changes.

What I Tell People Who Ask

Don’t expect to make real money for the first 3-4 years Agency experience is more transferable than team experience NYC pays more than other markets but cost of living eats the difference Have 6 months expenses saved before taking an entry level job here The hours are long during season _ don’t expect overtime pay

Places That Are Hiring

I check these regularly for my own network:

TeamWork Online (most sports jobs post here)
LinkedIn obviously
PRSA job board
Individual team websites under careers

The Nets were hiring a PR coordinator last month. Started at $47,000. MSG posts openings a few times a year.

NoteS: These numbers are for NYC specifically. If you’re looking at sports PR in smaller markets like Cleveland or Denver, subtract 15-20% from everything I mentioned. Also the WNBA and MLS generally pay less than the big four leagues. I’ve seen entry roles at NYCFC around $38,000.