Media & Communications Springfield, IL Pop. 114,394

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Springfield, Illinois

The median broadcast journalist salary in Springfield, IL is $44,200 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 10.5% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$44,200
vs State Avg
$-5,200
vs National
$-7,800
Cost of Living
85%

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

Springfield offers a median broadcast journalist salary of $44,200, which is $5,200 below the Illinois state average of $49,400. Compared to the national median of $52,000, Springfield pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Springfield's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $44,200 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $52,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Springfield an attractive option for broadcast journalists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for broadcast journalists in Springfield spans from $25,500 at the 10th percentile to $85,000 at the 90th percentile — a $59,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,050, while senior broadcast journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,750. With a population of 114,394, Springfield is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Springfield by Experience

In Springfield, an entry-level broadcast journalist earns around $28,050, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,050
$-4,950 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,900
$-8,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,750
$-14,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Springfield, IL

Percentile Springfield
10th Percentile $25,500
25th Percentile $32,300
Median (50th) $44,200
75th Percentile $62,900
90th Percentile $85,000

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$56,160
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$55,640
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$49,400
Pop. 197,757
Rockford, IL
$42,640
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Broadcast Journalist in Springfield

Education

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

Find Broadcast Journalist Jobs in Springfield

Browse open broadcast journalist positions in Springfield, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Broadcast Journalist Salary in Springfield

How much does a Broadcast Journalist make in Springfield, IL? ▼
The median broadcast journalist salary in Springfield, Illinois is $44,200 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $52,000. Salaries range from $25,500 (10th percentile) to $85,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Broadcast Journalist make per hour in Springfield? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,200, a broadcast journalist in Springfield earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Springfield compare to the Illinois state average for broadcast journalist pay? ▼
Springfield's median broadcast journalist salary of $44,200 is 10.5% below the Illinois state average of $49,400. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Springfield, IL? ▼
Springfield has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a broadcast journalist salary of $44,200 in Springfield has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a broadcast journalist in Springfield? ▼
Most broadcast journalist positions in Springfield 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.