Media & Communications Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median broadcast journalist salary in Lafayette, LA is $45,760 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$45,760
vs State Avg
$-1,560
vs National
$-6,240
Cost of Living
88%

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

Lafayette offers a median broadcast journalist salary of $45,760, which is $1,560 below the Louisiana state average of $47,320. Compared to the national median of $52,000, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $45,760 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $52,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Lafayette an attractive option for broadcast journalists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for broadcast journalists in Lafayette spans from $26,400 at the 10th percentile to $88,000 at the 90th percentile — a $61,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,040, while senior broadcast journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,600. With a population of 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, an entry-level broadcast journalist earns around $29,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,040
$-3,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,520
$-6,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,600
$-11,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
10th Percentile $26,400
25th Percentile $33,440
Median (50th) $45,760
75th Percentile $65,120
90th Percentile $88,000

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$50,960
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$47,840
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$44,720
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$44,200
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Broadcast Journalist in Lafayette

Education

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

Find Broadcast Journalist Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open broadcast journalist positions in Lafayette, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Broadcast Journalist Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Broadcast Journalist make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median broadcast journalist salary in Lafayette, Louisiana is $45,760 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $52,000. Salaries range from $26,400 (10th percentile) to $88,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Broadcast Journalist make per hour in Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,760, a broadcast journalist in Lafayette earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for broadcast journalist pay? ▼
Lafayette's median broadcast journalist salary of $45,760 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $47,320. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a broadcast journalist salary of $45,760 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a broadcast journalist in Lafayette? ▼
Most broadcast journalist positions in Lafayette 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.