Broadcast Journalist Salary in Iowa City, IA: $49,400 (2026)

Broadcast Journalist Pay in Iowa City: What to Expect (2026)

Iowa City offers a median broadcast journalist salary of $49,400, which is $3,120 above the Iowa state average of $46,280. Compared to the national median of $52,000, Iowa City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Iowa City'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 Iowa City 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. Iowa City is a smaller market (pop. 74,828), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Iowa City by Experience

In Iowa City, 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

Percentile	Iowa City	IA State	National
10th Percentile	$28,500	$26,700	$30,000
25th Percentile	$36,100	$33,820	$38,000
Median (50th)	$49,400	$46,280	$52,000
75th Percentile	$70,300	$65,860	$74,000
90th Percentile	$95,000	$89,000	$100,000

Percentile

Iowa City

10th Percentile

$28,500

25th Percentile

$36,100

Median (50th)

$49,400

75th Percentile

$70,300

90th Percentile

$95,000

How to Become a Broadcast Journalist in Iowa City

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Broadcast Journalist Salary in Iowa City

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

The median broadcast journalist salary in Iowa City, Iowa 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 Iowa City? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $49,400, a broadcast journalist in Iowa City earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Iowa City's median broadcast journalist salary of $49,400 is 6.7% above the Iowa state average of $46,280. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Iowa City, IA? ▼

Iowa City has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a broadcast journalist salary of $49,400 in Iowa City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most broadcast journalist positions in Iowa City 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 Iowa City, Iowa