Broadcast Journalist Salary in 2026
Research, write, and present news stories for television, radio, and online audiences.
Median Salary
$62,200
$5,183/mo
Entry Level
$38,300
starting pay
Senior Level
$93,300
experienced
Job Growth
-5%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists (SOC 27-3023, the closest published occupation to Broadcast Journalist) at a national median of $62,200 per year (mean $102,460), or $29.91 per hour, with 39,250 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Broadcast Journalist Overview
Research, write, and present news stories for television, radio, and online audiences.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
2-4 years
Industry
Creative
Total Jobs (US)
39K
5-Year Growth
+5%
Category
Creative
Hourly Rate
$29.91/hr
Monthly Pay
$5,183
Broadcast Journalist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Broadcast Journalist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Broadcast Journalist Salary
$75,000
$6,250/month · $2,885/biweekly · $36.06/hr
Broadcast Journalist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Broadcast Journalist field.
Entry-level Broadcast Journalists earn around $38,300, while the top 10% earn $115,450 or more.
Top Paying States for Broadcast Journalists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $73,000 | +$10,800 |
| New York | $72,000 | +$9,800 |
| Illinois | $65,000 | +$2,800 |
| Texas | $61,000 | $-1,200 |
| Florida | $61,000 | $-1,200 |
Top Paying Cities for Broadcast Journalists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $73,000 | +$10,800 |
| Los Angeles | $70,000 | +$7,800 |
| Chicago | $65,000 | +$2,800 |
| Miami | $63,000 | +$800 |
| Dallas | $62,000 | $-200 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Broadcast Journalist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Broadcast Journalist from entry level to expert.
$38,300
0-2 years
$66,000
3-7 years
$93,300
8-14 years
$137,600
15+ years
Related Creative Jobs
Broadcast Journalist Salary FAQ
How much does a Broadcast Journalist make in 2026?
The median salary for a Broadcast Journalist in the United States is $62,200 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists (SOC 27-3023); the mean is $102,460. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $38,300, senior professionals around $93,300, and top earners at $137,600 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Broadcast Journalist?
A Broadcast Journalist typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 2-4 years of experience. Key skills include Reporting, Video Production, Live Broadcasting. Relevant certifications such as None required can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Broadcast Journalists?
The job market for Broadcast Journalists is projected to grow by -5% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 39K Broadcast Journalist positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 5%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Broadcast Journalists the most?
The highest-paying states for Broadcast Journalists include California, New York, Texas. In California, the median salary is approximately $73,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Broadcast Journalist salary?
To increase your Broadcast Journalist salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Reporting and Video Production. Pursue certifications such as None required. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like New York. With 2-4 years of experience, you can progress from $38,300 to $93,300 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Broadcast Journalist Salary
How we calculate Broadcast Journalist salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists (SOC 27-3023), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $62,200, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists; BLS mean $102,460; BLS hourly median $29.91.
- Entry-level ($38,300) and senior-level ($93,300) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: -5% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 39,250 News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 5% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Creative sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $62,200; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Broadcast Journalist compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Broadcast Journalist job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Creative
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Broadcast Journalist salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Reporting, Video Production, Live Broadcasting), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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