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Communications Officer

Marketing & Communications · Public Relations & Communication Partly official

Tell an organisation's story to the public. Government communications officers write press releases, research and produce health messages, manage social media, and support public education campaigns for ministries such as Health & Wellness.

Salary Breakdown

$3,501,526 JMD – $3,501,526 JMD
2 - 3 years

Communication Officer / Research Writer (MCG/IE 3) - advertised at $3,501,526 per annum (MOH&W, September 2026).

Estimated Take-Home Pay

Based on the midpoint of the Entry salary range ($3,501,526 JMD), after NIS, NHT, Education Tax, and PAYE.

Est. Net / Month$239,708 JMD
Est. Net / Year$2,876,498 JMD
Show deduction breakdown
Gross (annual)
$3,501,526 JMD
NIS (3%)
−$105,045 JMD
NHT (2%)
−$70,030 JMD
Education Tax
−$76,420 JMD
PAYE Income Tax
−$373,530 JMD
Net (annual)
$2,876,498 JMD

Estimate only — illustrative rates and thresholds, not tax advice. Confirm current figures with Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

Career Path Roadmap

  1. 1

    High School & CXC Subjects

    Pass CSEC English A, English B, Social Studies and Information Technology. CAPE Communication Studies and Literatures in English help.

    5 years (Forms 1-5)
  2. 2

    Bachelor's in Mass Communication, Communications or Marketing

    Study at CARIMAC (UWI), NCU or UTech. Build a portfolio of writing, video and social media work.

    3 years
  3. 3

    Communications / PR Assistant

    Gain two to three years in communications, PR, content development, media or health promotion.

    2 - 3 years
  4. 4

    Communication Officer / Research Writer (MCG/IE 3)

    Write releases, speeches and public education content.

    2 - 3 years
  5. 5

    Social Media Specialist / Senior Communications Officer

    Manage digital channels and campaigns, and lead the communications team.

    3+ years
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Required Education

  • CSEC/CXC English A, English B, Social Studies, Information Technology
  • Bachelor's degree in Mass Communications, Communications, Integrated Marketing Communication, Social Sciences or Health Promotion

Common Local Certifications

  • Digital marketing / social media certification
  • Public relations training (PRSJ)

Where to Train

University of Technology, Jamaica

Kingston & St. Andrew · Public University
Accredited 17 accredited programmes

A recommended place to train as a Communications Officer

Northern Caribbean University

Manchester · Private University
Accredited 13 accredited programmes

A recommended place to train as a Communications Officer

University of the West Indies, Mona

Kingston & St. Andrew · Public University
Accredited 12 accredited programmes

A recommended place to train as a Communications Officer

Local Institutions Offering Programs

  • University of the West Indies, Mona (UWI) - Caribbean School of Media and Communication (CARIMAC)
  • Northern Caribbean University (NCU) - Communication Studies
  • University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech)