Media & Communications Athens, GA Pop. 127,064

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Athens, Georgia

The median broadcast journalist salary in Athens, GA is $46,800 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 3.2% below the Georgia state average.

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

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

Athens offers a median broadcast journalist salary of $46,800, which is $1,560 below the Georgia state average of $48,360. Compared to the national median of $52,000, Athens pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Athens'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 Athens 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 127,064, Athens is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Athens by Experience

In Athens, 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 Athens, GA

Percentile Athens
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 Georgia Cities

How to Become a Broadcast Journalist in Athens

Education

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

Find Broadcast Journalist Jobs in Athens

Browse open broadcast journalist positions in Athens, GA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Broadcast Journalist Salary in Athens

How much does a Broadcast Journalist make in Athens, GA? ▼
The median broadcast journalist salary in Athens, Georgia 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 Athens? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,800, a broadcast journalist in Athens earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Athens compare to the Georgia state average for broadcast journalist pay? ▼
Athens's median broadcast journalist salary of $46,800 is 3.2% below the Georgia state average of $48,360. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Athens, GA? ▼
Athens has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a broadcast journalist salary of $46,800 in Athens has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a broadcast journalist in Athens? ▼
Most broadcast journalist positions in Athens 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.