Media & Communications Jonesboro, AR Pop. 78,576

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Jonesboro, Arkansas

The median broadcast journalist salary in Jonesboro, AR is $42,640 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 2.4% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$42,640
vs State Avg
$-1,040
vs National
$-9,360
Cost of Living
82%

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

Jonesboro offers a median broadcast journalist salary of $42,640, which is $1,040 below the Arkansas state average of $43,680. Compared to the national median of $52,000, Jonesboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Jonesboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $42,640 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $52,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Jonesboro an attractive option for broadcast journalists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for broadcast journalists in Jonesboro spans from $24,600 at the 10th percentile to $82,000 at the 90th percentile — a $57,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,060, while senior broadcast journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,900. Jonesboro is a smaller market (pop. 78,576), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Jonesboro by Experience

In Jonesboro, an entry-level broadcast journalist earns around $27,060, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,060
$-5,940 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,280
$-9,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,900
$-17,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Jonesboro, AR

Percentile Jonesboro
10th Percentile $24,600
25th Percentile $31,160
Median (50th) $42,640
75th Percentile $60,680
90th Percentile $82,000

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$45,760
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$45,240
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$43,680
Pop. 80,433
Fort Smith, AR
$41,600
Pop. 89,142

How to Become a Broadcast Journalist in Jonesboro

Education

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

Find Broadcast Journalist Jobs in Jonesboro

Browse open broadcast journalist positions in Jonesboro, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Broadcast Journalist Salary in Jonesboro

How much does a Broadcast Journalist make in Jonesboro, AR? ▼
The median broadcast journalist salary in Jonesboro, Arkansas is $42,640 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $52,000. Salaries range from $24,600 (10th percentile) to $82,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Broadcast Journalist make per hour in Jonesboro? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,640, a broadcast journalist in Jonesboro earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Jonesboro compare to the Arkansas state average for broadcast journalist pay? ▼
Jonesboro's median broadcast journalist salary of $42,640 is 2.4% below the Arkansas state average of $43,680. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Jonesboro, AR? ▼
Jonesboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a broadcast journalist salary of $42,640 in Jonesboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a broadcast journalist in Jonesboro? ▼
Most broadcast journalist positions in Jonesboro 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.