Broadcast Journalist Salary in Topeka, KS: $43,160 (2026)

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

Topeka offers a median broadcast journalist salary of $43,160, which is $2,080 below the Kansas state average of $45,240. Compared to the national median of $52,000, Topeka pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Topeka's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 83% of the national average. This means the $43,160 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $52,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Topeka an attractive option for broadcast journalists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for broadcast journalists in Topeka spans from $24,900 at the 10th percentile to $83,000 at the 90th percentile — a $58,100 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,390, while senior broadcast journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $78,850. With a population of 127,473, Topeka is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Topeka by Experience

In Topeka, an entry-level broadcast journalist earns around $27,390, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,850 per year. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$27,390

$-5,610 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$44,820

$-9,180 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$78,850

$-16,150 vs national

Percentile	Topeka	KS State	National
10th Percentile	$24,900	$26,100	$30,000
25th Percentile	$31,540	$33,060	$38,000
Median (50th)	$43,160	$45,240	$52,000
75th Percentile	$61,420	$64,380	$74,000
90th Percentile	$83,000	$87,000	$100,000

Percentile

Topeka

10th Percentile

$24,900

25th Percentile

$31,540

Median (50th)

$43,160

75th Percentile

$61,420

90th Percentile

$83,000

How to Become a Broadcast Journalist in Topeka

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Broadcast Journalist Salary in Topeka

How much does a Broadcast Journalist make in Topeka, KS? ▼

The median broadcast journalist salary in Topeka, Kansas is $43,160 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $52,000. Salaries range from $24,900 (10th percentile) to $83,000 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $43,160, a broadcast journalist in Topeka earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Topeka compare to the Kansas state average for broadcast journalist pay? ▼

Topeka's median broadcast journalist salary of $43,160 is 4.6% below the Kansas state average of $45,240. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Topeka, KS? ▼

Topeka has a cost of living index of 83% compared to the national average. This means a broadcast journalist salary of $43,160 in Topeka has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most broadcast journalist positions in Topeka 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 Topeka, Kansas