Media & Communications Birmingham, AL Pop. 197,575

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Birmingham, Alabama

The median broadcast journalist salary in Birmingham, AL is $46,800 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 3.4% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$46,800
vs State Avg
+$1,560
vs National
$-5,200
Cost of Living
90%

Broadcast Journalist Pay in Birmingham: What to Expect (2026)

Birmingham offers a median broadcast journalist salary of $46,800, which is $1,560 above the Alabama state average of $45,240. Compared to the national median of $52,000, Birmingham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Birmingham's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for broadcast journalists in Birmingham spans from $27,000 at the 10th percentile to $90,000 at the 90th percentile — a $63,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,700, while senior broadcast journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $85,500. With a population of 197,575, Birmingham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Birmingham by Experience

In Birmingham, an entry-level broadcast journalist earns around $29,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,700
$-3,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,600
$-5,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$85,500
$-9,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Birmingham, AL

Percentile Birmingham
10th Percentile $27,000
25th Percentile $34,200
Median (50th) $46,800
75th Percentile $66,600
90th Percentile $90,000

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Other Alabama Cities

Huntsville, AL
$47,840
Pop. 216,963
Tuscaloosa, AL
$45,760
Pop. 101,129
Montgomery, AL
$44,720
Pop. 200,603
Mobile, AL
$44,200
Pop. 187,041

How to Become a Broadcast Journalist in Birmingham

Education

Most broadcast journalist positions require a bachelor's degree. Birmingham and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

On-Air PresentationInterviewingScript WritingVideo EditingResearchTeleprompter

Job Outlook

Nationally, broadcast journalist employment is projected to grow -4% over the next decade (decline). Demand in Birmingham may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Broadcast Journalist Jobs in Birmingham

Browse open broadcast journalist positions in Birmingham, AL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Broadcast Journalist Salary in Birmingham

How much does a Broadcast Journalist make in Birmingham, AL? ▼
The median broadcast journalist salary in Birmingham, Alabama is $46,800 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $52,000. Salaries range from $27,000 (10th percentile) to $90,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Broadcast Journalist make per hour in Birmingham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,800, a broadcast journalist in Birmingham earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Birmingham compare to the Alabama state average for broadcast journalist pay? ▼
Birmingham's median broadcast journalist salary of $46,800 is 3.4% above the Alabama state average of $45,240. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Birmingham, AL? ▼
Birmingham has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a broadcast journalist salary of $46,800 in Birmingham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a broadcast journalist in Birmingham? ▼
Most broadcast journalist positions in Birmingham require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include On-Air Presentation, Interviewing, Script Writing, Video Editing. The job market is projected to grow -4% nationally over the next decade.