Broadcast Journalist Salary in Sioux City, IA: $43,680 (2026)

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

Sioux City offers a median broadcast journalist salary of $43,680, which is $2,600 below the Iowa state average of $46,280. Compared to the national median of $52,000, Sioux City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Sioux City's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $43,680 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $52,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Sioux City an attractive option for broadcast journalists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for broadcast journalists in Sioux City spans from $25,200 at the 10th percentile to $84,000 at the 90th percentile — a $58,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,720, while senior broadcast journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,800. Sioux City is a smaller market (pop. 85,797), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Sioux City by Experience

In Sioux City, an entry-level broadcast journalist earns around $27,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$27,720

$-5,280 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$45,360

$-8,640 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$79,800

$-15,200 vs national

Percentile	Sioux City	IA State	National
10th Percentile	$25,200	$26,700	$30,000
25th Percentile	$31,920	$33,820	$38,000
Median (50th)	$43,680	$46,280	$52,000
75th Percentile	$62,160	$65,860	$74,000
90th Percentile	$84,000	$89,000	$100,000

Percentile

Sioux City

10th Percentile

$25,200

25th Percentile

$31,920

Median (50th)

$43,680

75th Percentile

$62,160

90th Percentile

$84,000

How to Become a Broadcast Journalist in Sioux City

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Broadcast Journalist Salary in Sioux City

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

The median broadcast journalist salary in Sioux City, Iowa is $43,680 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $52,000. Salaries range from $25,200 (10th percentile) to $84,000 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $43,680, a broadcast journalist in Sioux City earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Sioux City's median broadcast journalist salary of $43,680 is 5.6% below the Iowa state average of $46,280. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

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

Sioux City has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a broadcast journalist salary of $43,680 in Sioux 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 Sioux City? ▼

Most broadcast journalist positions in Sioux 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 Sioux City, Iowa