Media & Communications Louisville, KY Pop. 633,045

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Louisville, Kentucky

The median broadcast journalist salary in Louisville, KY is $47,840 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 5.7% above the Kentucky state average.

City Median
$47,840
vs State Avg
+$2,600
vs National
$-4,160
Cost of Living
92%

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

Louisville offers a median broadcast journalist salary of $47,840, which is $2,600 above the Kentucky state average of $45,240. Compared to the national median of $52,000, Louisville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Louisville's cost of living is 92% 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 Louisville spans from $27,600 at the 10th percentile to $92,000 at the 90th percentile — a $64,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,360, while senior broadcast journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $87,400. As a major metro area with a population of 633,045, Louisville typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Louisville by Experience

In Louisville, an entry-level broadcast journalist earns around $30,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,360
$-2,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,680
$-4,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$87,400
$-7,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Louisville, KY

Percentile Louisville
10th Percentile $27,600
25th Percentile $34,960
Median (50th) $47,840
75th Percentile $68,080
90th Percentile $92,000

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Other Kentucky Cities

Lexington, KY
$48,360
Pop. 322,570
Covington, KY
$45,760
Pop. 40,961
Bowling Green, KY
$43,680
Pop. 74,735
Owensboro, KY
$42,640
Pop. 60,183

How to Become a Broadcast Journalist in Louisville

Education

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

Find Broadcast Journalist Jobs in Louisville

Browse open broadcast journalist positions in Louisville, KY:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Broadcast Journalist Salary in Louisville

How much does a Broadcast Journalist make in Louisville, KY? ▼
The median broadcast journalist salary in Louisville, Kentucky is $47,840 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $52,000. Salaries range from $27,600 (10th percentile) to $92,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Broadcast Journalist make per hour in Louisville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,840, a broadcast journalist in Louisville earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Louisville compare to the Kentucky state average for broadcast journalist pay? ▼
Louisville's median broadcast journalist salary of $47,840 is 5.7% above the Kentucky state average of $45,240. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Louisville, KY? ▼
Louisville has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a broadcast journalist salary of $47,840 in Louisville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a broadcast journalist in Louisville? ▼
Most broadcast journalist positions in Louisville 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.