Media & Communications Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median broadcast journalist salary in Los Angeles, CA is $75,920 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median and 5.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$75,920
vs State Avg
+$4,160
vs National
+$23,920
Cost of Living
146%

Broadcast Journalist Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median broadcast journalist salary of $75,920, which is $4,160 above the California state average of $71,760. Compared to the national median of $52,000, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $75,920 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $52,000. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for broadcast journalists in Los Angeles spans from $43,800 at the 10th percentile to $146,000 at the 90th percentile — a $102,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $48,180, while senior broadcast journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $138,700. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level broadcast journalist earns around $48,180, while experienced professionals earn up to $138,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,180
+$15,180 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$78,840
+$24,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$138,700
+$43,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $43,800
25th Percentile $55,480
Median (50th) $75,920
75th Percentile $108,040
90th Percentile $146,000

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Broadcast Journalist in Los Angeles

Education

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

Find Broadcast Journalist Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open broadcast journalist positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Broadcast Journalist Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Broadcast Journalist make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median broadcast journalist salary in Los Angeles, California is $75,920 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $52,000. Salaries range from $43,800 (10th percentile) to $146,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Broadcast Journalist make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,920, a broadcast journalist in Los Angeles earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for broadcast journalist pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median broadcast journalist salary of $75,920 is 5.8% above the California state average of $71,760. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a broadcast journalist salary of $75,920 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a broadcast journalist in Los Angeles? ▼
Most broadcast journalist positions in Los Angeles 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.