Media & Communications Tuscaloosa, AL Pop. 101,129

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The median broadcast journalist salary in Tuscaloosa, AL is $45,760 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$45,760
vs State Avg
+$520
vs National
$-6,240
Cost of Living
88%

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

Tuscaloosa offers a median broadcast journalist salary of $45,760, which is $520 above the Alabama state average of $45,240. Compared to the national median of $52,000, Tuscaloosa pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Tuscaloosa's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $45,760 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $52,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Tuscaloosa an attractive option for broadcast journalists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for broadcast journalists in Tuscaloosa spans from $26,400 at the 10th percentile to $88,000 at the 90th percentile — a $61,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,040, while senior broadcast journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,600. With a population of 101,129, Tuscaloosa is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Tuscaloosa by Experience

In Tuscaloosa, an entry-level broadcast journalist earns around $29,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,040
$-3,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,520
$-6,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,600
$-11,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tuscaloosa, AL

Percentile Tuscaloosa
10th Percentile $26,400
25th Percentile $33,440
Median (50th) $45,760
75th Percentile $65,120
90th Percentile $88,000

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Other Alabama Cities

Huntsville, AL
$47,840
Pop. 216,963
Birmingham, AL
$46,800
Pop. 197,575
Montgomery, AL
$44,720
Pop. 200,603
Mobile, AL
$44,200
Pop. 187,041

How to Become a Broadcast Journalist in Tuscaloosa

Education

Most broadcast journalist positions require a bachelor's degree. Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Broadcast Journalist Jobs in Tuscaloosa

Browse open broadcast journalist positions in Tuscaloosa, AL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Broadcast Journalist Salary in Tuscaloosa

How much does a Broadcast Journalist make in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
The median broadcast journalist salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama is $45,760 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $52,000. Salaries range from $26,400 (10th percentile) to $88,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Broadcast Journalist make per hour in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,760, a broadcast journalist in Tuscaloosa earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tuscaloosa compare to the Alabama state average for broadcast journalist pay? ▼
Tuscaloosa's median broadcast journalist salary of $45,760 is 1.1% above the Alabama state average of $45,240. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
Tuscaloosa has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a broadcast journalist salary of $45,760 in Tuscaloosa has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a broadcast journalist in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Most broadcast journalist positions in Tuscaloosa 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.