Media & Communications New Orleans, LA Pop. 383,997

Broadcast Journalist Salary in New Orleans, Louisiana

The median broadcast journalist salary in New Orleans, LA is $50,960 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 7.7% above the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$50,960
vs State Avg
+$3,640
vs National
$-1,040
Cost of Living
98%

Broadcast Journalist Pay in New Orleans: What to Expect (2026)

New Orleans offers a median broadcast journalist salary of $50,960, which is $3,640 above the Louisiana state average of $47,320. Compared to the national median of $52,000, New Orleans pays below the national benchmark for this role.

New Orleans's cost of living is 98% 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 New Orleans spans from $29,400 at the 10th percentile to $98,000 at the 90th percentile — a $68,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,340, while senior broadcast journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $93,100. With a population of 383,997, New Orleans is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Broadcast Journalist Salary in New Orleans by Experience

In New Orleans, an entry-level broadcast journalist earns around $32,340, while experienced professionals earn up to $93,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,340
$-660 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,920
$-1,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$93,100
$-1,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in New Orleans, LA

Percentile New Orleans
10th Percentile $29,400
25th Percentile $37,240
Median (50th) $50,960
75th Percentile $72,520
90th Percentile $98,000

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

Baton Rouge, LA
$47,840
Pop. 227,470
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 New Orleans

Education

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

Find Broadcast Journalist Jobs in New Orleans

Browse open broadcast journalist positions in New Orleans, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Broadcast Journalist Salary in New Orleans

How much does a Broadcast Journalist make in New Orleans, LA? ▼
The median broadcast journalist salary in New Orleans, Louisiana is $50,960 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $52,000. Salaries range from $29,400 (10th percentile) to $98,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Broadcast Journalist make per hour in New Orleans? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,960, a broadcast journalist in New Orleans earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does New Orleans compare to the Louisiana state average for broadcast journalist pay? ▼
New Orleans's median broadcast journalist salary of $50,960 is 7.7% above the Louisiana state average of $47,320. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in New Orleans, LA? ▼
New Orleans has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a broadcast journalist salary of $50,960 in New Orleans has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a broadcast journalist in New Orleans? ▼
Most broadcast journalist positions in New Orleans 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.