Analysis
NAICS 541820 is the 2022 national industry for public relations agencies, part of 54182 (Public Relations Agencies). Census lists 6 example activities under it in the official index.
County Business Patterns counts 8,646 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 60,066 people at an average annual payroll of $119,649 per employee (91st percentile of national industries). 74% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which marks it as a small-business industry.
Its index entries, the activities Census uses to assign businesses to this code, include lobbying services, lobbyists' offices, political consulting services and public relations agencies, among 6 in all.
Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments grew 1% and employment rose 8%. The 2018 count used NAICS 2017, so part of a large move can come from codes being redefined rather than from businesses opening or closing.
Official definition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in designing and implementing public relations campaigns. These campaigns are designed to promote the interests and image of their clients. Establishments providing lobbying, political consulting, or public relations consulting are included in this industry.
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Index entries (6)
- Lobbying services
- Lobbyists' offices
- Political consulting services
- Public relations agencies
- Public relations consulting services
- Public relations services