As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Journalist in the United States is $61,841. According to Salary.com, salaries can range from a low of $48,231 to a high of $75,890, with most professionals earning between $54,717 and $69,195.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $69,195 | $5,766 | $1,331 | $33 |
| Average | $61,841 | $5,153 | $1,189 | $30 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,717 | $4,560 | $1,052 | $26 |
An entry-level Journalist with less than 1 year of experience earns about $59,492. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $60,768. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $62,929. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $65,453, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $65,673.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Journalist | $59,492 |
| Intermediate Level Journalist | $60,768 |
| Senior Level Journalist | $62,929 |
| Specialist Level Journalist | $65,453 |
| Expert Level Journalist | $65,673 |
| Entry Level | 4% |
| Mid Level | 2% |
| Senior Level | 2% |
| Top Level | 6% |
| Experienced | 6% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Journalist compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $67,755 in 2023 to approximately $67,552 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Journalist salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of Journalist information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Journalist job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Journalist and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $61,841 | 71.0% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $4,731 | 5.4% | ||
| 401K/403B | $2,907 | 3.3% | ||
| Disability | $495 | 0.6% | ||
| Healthcare | $6,056 | 7.0% | ||
| Pension | $3,401 | 3.9% | ||
| Time Off | $7,611 | 8.7% | ||
| Total Compensation | $87,041 | 100% | ||
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 1.7% |
| Associates | 3.3% |
| Bachelors | 64.8% |
| Masters | 28.2% |
| Doctorate | 1.7% |
What Am I Worth?
Yes, you can make a living as a journalist. Salaries typically range from a minimum of $52,101 to a maximum of $64,759, with a mid-salary of $56,762. Your earnings may vary based on your role, location, and experience level, whether you work full-time for a news organization or freelance.
CNN's highest-paid anchor is likely to earn a salary significantly above the average journalist's range, which is between $52,101 and $64,759. While specific figures for individual anchors may vary, top anchors can command salaries well into the six-figure range, reflecting their prominence and influence in the industry.
Weaknesses of a journalist may include biases that affect reporting, insufficient coverage of all teams, or lack of preparation for live events. With a salary range of $52,101 to $64,759, recognizing these weaknesses is crucial. By understanding their strengths, journalists can leverage unique perspectives or insider information to craft compelling stories.
To become a journalist, a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field is generally required. Programs cover essential topics like journalistic ethics and research techniques. Salaries for journalists typically range from $52,101 to $64,759, with a median salary around $56,762, reflecting the importance of education and skills in this profession.
Journalism can offer a decent salary, with a minimum of around $52,101, a median of approximately $56,762, and a maximum of about $64,759 annually. While it may not be the highest-paying field, many journalists find fulfillment in their work across various media platforms, often requiring full-time commitment and flexible hours.
CNN reporters in New York City earn salaries that typically range from a minimum of $52,101 to a maximum of $64,759, with a mid-salary of $56,762. This reflects a competitive pay scale within the industry, aligning with the broader salary trends for journalists in the region.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
