Media & Communications Baton Rouge, LA Pop. 227,470

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The median broadcast journalist salary in Baton Rouge, LA is $47,840 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 1.1% above the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$47,840
vs State Avg
+$520
vs National
$-4,160
Cost of Living
92%

Broadcast Journalist Pay in Baton Rouge: What to Expect (2026)

Baton Rouge offers a median broadcast journalist salary of $47,840, which is $520 above the Louisiana state average of $47,320. Compared to the national median of $52,000, Baton Rouge pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Baton Rouge'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 Baton Rouge 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. With a population of 227,470, Baton Rouge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Baton Rouge by Experience

In Baton Rouge, 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 Baton Rouge, LA

Percentile Baton Rouge
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 Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$50,960
Pop. 383,997
Lafayette, LA
$45,760
Pop. 121,374
Lake Charles, LA
$44,720
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$44,200
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Broadcast Journalist in Baton Rouge

Education

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

Find Broadcast Journalist Jobs in Baton Rouge

Browse open broadcast journalist positions in Baton Rouge, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Broadcast Journalist Salary in Baton Rouge

How much does a Broadcast Journalist make in Baton Rouge, LA? ▼
The median broadcast journalist salary in Baton Rouge, Louisiana 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 Baton Rouge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,840, a broadcast journalist in Baton Rouge earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Baton Rouge compare to the Louisiana state average for broadcast journalist pay? ▼
Baton Rouge's median broadcast journalist salary of $47,840 is 1.1% above the Louisiana state average of $47,320. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Baton Rouge, LA? ▼
Baton Rouge has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a broadcast journalist salary of $47,840 in Baton Rouge has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a broadcast journalist in Baton Rouge? ▼
Most broadcast journalist positions in Baton Rouge 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.