Media & Communications Aurora, IL Pop. 197,757

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Aurora, Illinois

The median broadcast journalist salary in Aurora, IL is $49,400 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 0.0% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$49,400
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-2,600
Cost of Living
95%

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

Aurora offers a median broadcast journalist salary of $49,400, which is $0 above the Illinois state average of $49,400. Compared to the national median of $52,000, Aurora pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Aurora's cost of living is 95% 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 Aurora spans from $28,500 at the 10th percentile to $95,000 at the 90th percentile — a $66,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,350, while senior broadcast journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $90,250. With a population of 197,757, Aurora is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Aurora by Experience

In Aurora, an entry-level broadcast journalist earns around $31,350, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,350
$-1,650 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,300
$-2,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$90,250
$-4,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aurora, IL

Percentile Aurora
10th Percentile $28,500
25th Percentile $36,100
Median (50th) $49,400
75th Percentile $70,300
90th Percentile $95,000

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$56,160
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$55,640
Pop. 2,693,976
Springfield, IL
$44,200
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$42,640
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Broadcast Journalist in Aurora

Education

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

Find Broadcast Journalist Jobs in Aurora

Browse open broadcast journalist positions in Aurora, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Broadcast Journalist Salary in Aurora

How much does a Broadcast Journalist make in Aurora, IL? ▼
The median broadcast journalist salary in Aurora, Illinois is $49,400 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $52,000. Salaries range from $28,500 (10th percentile) to $95,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Broadcast Journalist make per hour in Aurora? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,400, a broadcast journalist in Aurora earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aurora compare to the Illinois state average for broadcast journalist pay? ▼
Aurora's median broadcast journalist salary of $49,400 is 0.0% above the Illinois state average of $49,400. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Aurora, IL? ▼
Aurora has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a broadcast journalist salary of $49,400 in Aurora has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a broadcast journalist in Aurora? ▼
Most broadcast journalist positions in Aurora 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.