U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) / Department of Education / Public Affairs

Job-title file

Public Affairs

Carry out the duties of this position in support of the agency's public mission.

28 employees hold this title in Department of Education. Median total compensation for the role is $153,336, above the department median of $144,712.

Employees: 28
Total payroll: $4.2M
Role median: $153,336
Agency median: $144,712
Comparison: Above

What the records show

Role pay distribution

Pay distribution for this role

$82,764$194,051+

Hover a bar for its range; click to filter the list below.

How total compensation varies among the 28 people in this role. Even for one job title, pay differs with seniority, step, overtime, and tenure. Each bar is a pay range; the far-right bar collects the highest earners.

Compared with the local labor market

Public Affairs pay vs. the United States

Across all employers in the United States, the median wage for Public Relations Specialists — about 283,380 people — is $74,750. Department of Education pays a median base salary of $153,336 for this role, 105% above that figure — above the 90th percentile of local pay for the occupation.

Where Department of Education sits in the local pay range

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$44,110

$56,260

$74,750

$100,370

$135,150

Department of Education median · $153,336

The bar is the range of annual wages for Public Relations Specialists across every employer in the United States, from the 10th to the 90th percentile, with the middle 50% highlighted. The marker shows Department of Education’s median base salary for this role. Both figures are base pay only.

Median total compensation for this role at Department of Education is $153,336, which includes overtime and employer-paid benefits. The benchmark above excludes both, so total compensation is deliberately not compared against it.

Benchmark: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) covers all employers in the area — private, non-profit, and government alike — so this is a comparison against the whole local labor market for the occupation, not against private-sector pay. OEWS wages are straight-time pay and exclude overtime, shift differentials, and employer-paid benefits, so the government figure shown here is base pay on the same basis. Total compensation is not comparable to it. Job titles are matched to the closest standard occupation, so the comparison is between similar work rather than an identical job classification.

Compare departments

This role across U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense)

Public Affairs is held in 72 U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) departments. In Department of Education, the median of $153,336 ranks #24 of 72.

Highest-paying departments for this role

Commodity Futures Trading Commission

$262,238 · 2

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

$224,143 · 6

Fed Retirement Thrift Investment Board

$204,130 · 2

Federal Reserve System

$201,485 · 9

Federal Housing Finance Agency

$192,153 · 1

Office of Special Counsel

$191,289 · 1

Securities and Exchange Commission

$182,072 · 6

Federal Trade Commission

$181,316 · 6

Export-Import Bank of the United States

$181,216 · 7

Adv Council on Historic Preservation

$181,216 · 1

National Transportation Safety Board

$181,216 · 5

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

$181,216 · 11

Median total compensation for the Public Affairs role in other U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense)departments (highest first). Each bar links to that department’s page for this role.

Same department

Other job titles in Department of Education

Record list

Employees with this title

Page 1

Christine Isett

Public Affairs/Department of Education

2024 total comp

$207,063

Sub-department: Federal Student Aid
Base pay: $207,063
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $207,063
Pay grade: 00
Work city: Dallas
Work county: Dallas
Work state: Texas

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $207,063
Basic Pay (before locality): $207,063
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 481730113
Length of Service (Years): 24
Occupation Code (OPM): 1035
Pay Plan (OPM): AD

At Department of Education, Christine Isett serves as a Public Affairs based in Dallas, Texas. Their 2024 pay totaled $207,063. They are classified at grade 00.

Katherine Devine

Public Affairs/Department of Education

2024 total comp

$182,966

Sub-department: Office of Communications and Outreach
Base pay: $181,216
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,750
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $182,966
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Arlington
Work county: Arlington
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $181,216
Basic Pay (before locality): $135,987
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 510100013
Length of Service (Years): 29
Occupation Code (OPM): 1035
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Katherine Devine is a Public Affairs at Department of Education based in Arlington, Virginia. 2024 total compensation came to $182,966. They are classified at grade 14.

Juliette Rizzo

Public Affairs/Department of Education

2024 total comp

$181,216

Sub-department: Imm Office of Secretary of Education
Base pay: $181,216
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $181,216
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Bethesda
Work county: Montgomery
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $181,216
Basic Pay (before locality): $135,987
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 240130031
Length of Service (Years): 24
Occupation Code (OPM): 1035
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Juliette Rizzo is a Public Affairs at Department of Education based in Bethesda, Maryland. 2024 total compensation came to $181,216. They are classified at grade 14.

Roberto Gomez

Public Affairs/Department of Education

2024 total comp

$181,216

Sub-department: Federal Student Aid
Base pay: $181,216
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $181,216
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $181,216
Basic Pay (before locality): $135,987
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 16
Occupation Code (OPM): 1035
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Roberto Gomez works as a Public Affairs for Department of Education based in Washington, District of Columbia. Roberto earned $181,216 in 2024. Their pay grade is 14.

James Bradshaw

Public Affairs/Department of Education

2024 total comp

$181,216

Sub-department: Office of Communications and Outreach
Base pay: $181,216
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $181,216
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $181,216
Basic Pay (before locality): $135,987
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 41
Occupation Code (OPM): 1035
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

James Bradshaw works as a Public Affairs for Department of Education based in Washington, District of Columbia. James earned $181,216 in 2024. Their pay grade is 14.

Elaine Quesinberry

Public Affairs/Department of Education

2024 total comp

$181,216

Sub-department: Office of Communications and Outreach
Base pay: $181,216
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $181,216
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $181,216
Basic Pay (before locality): $135,987
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 38
Occupation Code (OPM): 1035
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Elaine Quesinberry is a Public Affairs at Department of Education based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2024 total compensation came to $181,216. They are classified at grade 14.

Joann Webb

Public Affairs/Department of Education

2024 total comp

$181,216

Sub-department: Office of Communications and Outreach
Base pay: $181,216
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $181,216
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $181,216
Basic Pay (before locality): $135,987
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 35
Occupation Code (OPM): 1035
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Joann Webb holds the role of Public Affairs at Department of Education based in Washington, District of Columbia. In 2024, their total compensation was $181,216. Their pay grade is 14.

Mary Oknich

Public Affairs/Department of Education

2024 total comp

$179,985

Sub-department: Federal Student Aid
Base pay: $179,985
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $179,985
Pay grade: 00
Work city: Saint Paul Park
Work county: Washington
Work state: Minnesota

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $179,985
Basic Pay (before locality): $179,985
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 276340163
Length of Service (Years): 14
Occupation Code (OPM): 1035
Pay Plan (OPM): AD

Mary Oknich is a Public Affairs at Department of Education based in Saint Paul Park, Minnesota. 2024 total compensation came to $179,985. They are classified at grade 00.

Edward Ohnemus

Public Affairs/Department of Education

2024 total comp

$176,570

Sub-department: Office of Communications and Outreach
Base pay: $176,570
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $176,570
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $176,570
Basic Pay (before locality): $132,500
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 33
Occupation Code (OPM): 1035
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Edward Ohnemus is a Public Affairs at Department of Education based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2024 total compensation came to $176,570. They are classified at grade 14.

Stephaan Harris

Public Affairs/Department of Education

2024 total comp

$174,894

Sub-department: National Assessment Governing Board
Base pay: $174,894
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $174,894
Pay grade: 00
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $174,894
Basic Pay (before locality): $174,894
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 16
Occupation Code (OPM): 1035
Pay Plan (OPM): AD

At Department of Education, Stephaan Harris serves as a Public Affairs based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2024 pay totaled $174,894. They are classified at grade 00.

Patrick Kerr

Public Affairs/Department of Education

2024 total comp

$170,317

Sub-department: Office of Communications and Outreach
Base pay: $170,317
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $170,317
Pay grade: 15
Work city: Leawood
Work county: Johnson
Work state: Kansas

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $170,317
Basic Pay (before locality): $143,546
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 203030091
Length of Service (Years): 25
Occupation Code (OPM): 1035
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Patrick Kerr works as a Public Affairs for Department of Education based in Leawood, Kansas. Patrick earned $170,317 in 2024. Their pay grade is 15.

Celeste Rodriguez

Public Affairs/Department of Education

2024 total comp

$159,482

Sub-department: Office of Communications and Outreach
Base pay: $157,982
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,500
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $159,482
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $157,982
Basic Pay (before locality): $118,552
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 13
Occupation Code (OPM): 1035
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Celeste Rodriguez is a Public Affairs at Department of Education based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2024 total compensation came to $159,482. They are classified at grade 14.

Ronald Roach

Public Affairs/Department of Education

2024 total comp

$158,756

Sub-department: Federal Student Aid
Base pay: $158,756
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $158,756
Pay grade: 00
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $158,756
Basic Pay (before locality): $158,756
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 14
Occupation Code (OPM): 1035
Pay Plan (OPM): AD

Ronald Roach is a Public Affairs at Department of Education based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2024 total compensation came to $158,756. They are classified at grade 00.

Patrice Legrand

Public Affairs/Department of Education

2024 total comp

$153,336

Sub-department: Office of Finance and Operations
Base pay: $153,336
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $153,336
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Upper Marlboro
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $153,336
Basic Pay (before locality): $115,065
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241620033
Length of Service (Years): 12
Occupation Code (OPM): 1035
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Patrice Legrand works as a Public Affairs for Department of Education based in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Patrice earned $153,336 in 2024. Their pay grade is 14.

Andrew Palczewski

Public Affairs/Department of Education

2024 total comp

$153,336

Sub-department: Office of Communications and Outreach
Base pay: $153,336
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $153,336
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $153,336
Basic Pay (before locality): $115,065
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 9
Occupation Code (OPM): 1035
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Andrew Palczewski is a Public Affairs at Department of Education based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2024 total compensation came to $153,336. They are classified at grade 14.

Alberto Betancourt

Public Affairs/Department of Education

2024 total comp

$150,657

Sub-department: Office of Communications and Outreach
Base pay: $150,657
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,657
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Columbus
Work county: Muscogee
Work state: Georgia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $150,657
Basic Pay (before locality): $122,039
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 131280215
Length of Service (Years): 12
Occupation Code (OPM): 1035
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Education, Alberto Betancourt serves as a Public Affairs based in Columbus, Georgia. Their 2024 pay totaled $150,657. They are classified at grade 14.

Julie Ewart

Public Affairs/Department of Education

2024 total comp

$146,226

Sub-department: Office of Communications and Outreach
Base pay: $146,226
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $146,226
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Chicago
Work county: Cook
Work state: Illinois

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $146,226
Basic Pay (before locality): $112,128
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 171670031
Length of Service (Years): 30
Occupation Code (OPM): 1035
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Julie Ewart is a Public Affairs at Department of Education based in Chicago, Illinois. 2024 total compensation came to $146,226. They are classified at grade 13.

Meredith Linnehan

Public Affairs/Department of Education

2024 total comp

$138,951

Sub-department: Office of Communications and Outreach
Base pay: $138,951
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $138,951
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Cherry Hill
Work county: Camden
Work state: New Jersey

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $138,951
Basic Pay (before locality): $108,091
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 340598007
Length of Service (Years): 12
Occupation Code (OPM): 1035
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Education, Meredith Linnehan serves as a Public Affairs based in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Their 2024 pay totaled $138,951. They are classified at grade 14.

Melody Cowan

Public Affairs/Department of Education

2024 total comp

$135,190

Sub-department: Federal Student Aid
Base pay: $135,190
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $135,190
Pay grade: 00
Work city: Atlanta
Work county: Fulton
Work state: Georgia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $135,190
Basic Pay (before locality): $135,190
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 130280121
Length of Service (Years): 3
Occupation Code (OPM): 1035
Pay Plan (OPM): AD

Melody Cowan holds the role of Public Affairs at Department of Education based in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2024, their total compensation was $135,190. Their pay grade is 00.

Diego Vaca

Public Affairs/Department of Education

2024 total comp

$125,827

Sub-department: Office of Communications and Outreach
Base pay: $125,827
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $125,827
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $125,827
Basic Pay (before locality): $94,422
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 14
Occupation Code (OPM): 1035
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Diego Vaca is a Public Affairs at Department of Education based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2024 total compensation came to $125,827. They are classified at grade 13.

Francis Agrawal

Public Affairs/Department of Education

2024 total comp

$123,058

Sub-department: Federal Student Aid
Base pay: $123,058
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $123,058
Pay grade: 00
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $123,058
Basic Pay (before locality): $123,058
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 8
Occupation Code (OPM): 1035
Pay Plan (OPM): AD

Francis Agrawal holds the role of Public Affairs at Department of Education based in Washington, District of Columbia. In 2024, their total compensation was $123,058. Their pay grade is 00.

Diana Huffman

Public Affairs/Department of Education

2024 total comp

$119,240

Sub-department: Office of Communications and Outreach
Base pay: $119,240
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $119,240
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Lakewood
Work county: Jefferson
Work state: Colorado

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $119,240
Basic Pay (before locality): $91,808
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 081435059
Length of Service (Years): 20
Occupation Code (OPM): 1035
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Diana Huffman is a Public Affairs at Department of Education based in Lakewood, Colorado. 2024 total compensation came to $119,240. They are classified at grade 12.

Mckenzie Maxson

Public Affairs/Department of Education

2024 total comp

$118,352

Sub-department: Federal Student Aid
Base pay: $118,352
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $118,352
Pay grade: 00
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $118,352
Basic Pay (before locality): $118,352
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 1
Occupation Code (OPM): 1035
Pay Plan (OPM): AD

At Department of Education, Mckenzie Maxson serves as a Public Affairs based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2024 pay totaled $118,352. They are classified at grade 00.

Linda Pauley

Public Affairs/Department of Education

2024 total comp

$116,849

Sub-department: Office of Communications and Outreach
Base pay: $116,849
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $116,849
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Tacoma
Work county: Pierce
Work state: Washington

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $116,849
Basic Pay (before locality): $89,327
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 532230053
Length of Service (Years): 22
Occupation Code (OPM): 1035
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Linda Pauley is a Public Affairs at Department of Education based in Tacoma, Washington. 2024 total compensation came to $116,849. They are classified at grade 12.

Francisco Rendon

Public Affairs/Department of Education

2024 total comp

$112,741

Sub-department: Federal Student Aid
Base pay: $112,741
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $112,741
Pay grade: 00
Work city: Riverview
Work county: Hillsborough
Work state: Florida

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $112,741
Basic Pay (before locality): $112,741
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 122658057
Length of Service (Years): 4
Occupation Code (OPM): 1035
Pay Plan (OPM): AD

Francisco Rendon is a Public Affairs at Department of Education based in Riverview, Florida. 2024 total compensation came to $112,741. They are classified at grade 00.

Assita Briscoe

Public Affairs/Department of Education

2024 total comp

$102,545

Sub-department: Federal Student Aid
Base pay: $102,545
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $102,545
Pay grade: 00
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $102,545
Basic Pay (before locality): $102,545
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 3
Occupation Code (OPM): 1035
Pay Plan (OPM): AD

At Department of Education, Assita Briscoe serves as a Public Affairs based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2024 pay totaled $102,545. They are classified at grade 00.

Susan Megy

Public Affairs/Department of Education

2024 total comp

$93,759

Sub-department: Office of Communications and Outreach
Base pay: $92,759
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,000
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $93,759
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Bloomington
Work county: Mclean
Work state: Illinois

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $92,759
Basic Pay (before locality): $79,403
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 170840113
Length of Service (Years): 2
Occupation Code (OPM): 1035
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Education, Susan Megy serves as a Public Affairs based in Bloomington, Illinois. Their 2024 pay totaled $93,759. They are classified at grade 12.

Ryan Traher

Public Affairs/Department of Education

2024 total comp

$82,764

Sub-department: Office of Inspector General
Base pay: $82,764
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $82,764
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $82,764
Basic Pay (before locality): $62,107
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 2
Occupation Code (OPM): 1035
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Ryan Traher holds the role of Public Affairs at Department of Education based in Washington, District of Columbia. In 2024, their total compensation was $82,764. Their pay grade is 11.