Broadcast Journalist Salary in Davenport, IA: $44,720 (2026)

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

Davenport offers a median broadcast journalist salary of $44,720, which is $1,560 below the Iowa state average of $46,280. Compared to the national median of $52,000, Davenport pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Davenport's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $44,720 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $52,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Davenport an attractive option for broadcast journalists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for broadcast journalists in Davenport spans from $25,800 at the 10th percentile to $86,000 at the 90th percentile — a $60,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,380, while senior broadcast journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $81,700. With a population of 101,724, Davenport is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Davenport by Experience

In Davenport, an entry-level broadcast journalist earns around $28,380, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$28,380

$-4,620 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$46,440

$-7,560 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$81,700

$-13,300 vs national

Percentile	Davenport	IA State	National
10th Percentile	$25,800	$26,700	$30,000
25th Percentile	$32,680	$33,820	$38,000
Median (50th)	$44,720	$46,280	$52,000
75th Percentile	$63,640	$65,860	$74,000
90th Percentile	$86,000	$89,000	$100,000

Percentile

Davenport

10th Percentile

$25,800

25th Percentile

$32,680

Median (50th)

$44,720

75th Percentile

$63,640

90th Percentile

$86,000

How to Become a Broadcast Journalist in Davenport

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Broadcast Journalist Salary in Davenport

How much does a Broadcast Journalist make in Davenport, IA? ▼

The median broadcast journalist salary in Davenport, Iowa is $44,720 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $52,000. Salaries range from $25,800 (10th percentile) to $86,000 (90th percentile).

How much does a Broadcast Journalist make per hour in Davenport? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $44,720, a broadcast journalist in Davenport earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Davenport compare to the Iowa state average for broadcast journalist pay? ▼

Davenport's median broadcast journalist salary of $44,720 is 3.4% below the Iowa state average of $46,280. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Davenport, IA? ▼

Davenport has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a broadcast journalist salary of $44,720 in Davenport has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a broadcast journalist in Davenport? ▼

Most broadcast journalist positions in Davenport 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.

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Davenport, Iowa