Media & Communications Portland, ME Pop. 68,408

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Portland, Maine

The median broadcast journalist salary in Portland, ME is $56,160 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 10.2% above the Maine state average.

City Median
$56,160
vs State Avg
+$5,200
vs National
+$4,160
Cost of Living
108%

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

Portland offers a median broadcast journalist salary of $56,160, which is $5,200 above the Maine state average of $50,960. Compared to the national median of $52,000, Portland pays above average for this role.

Portland's cost of living is 108% 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 Portland spans from $32,400 at the 10th percentile to $108,000 at the 90th percentile — a $75,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,640, while senior broadcast journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $102,600. Portland is a smaller market (pop. 68,408), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level broadcast journalist earns around $35,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $102,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,640
+$2,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,320
+$4,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$102,600
+$7,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, ME

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $32,400
25th Percentile $41,040
Median (50th) $56,160
75th Percentile $79,920
90th Percentile $108,000

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Other Maine Cities

South Portland, ME
$54,600
Pop. 25,665
Bangor, ME
$47,840
Pop. 32,029
Lewiston, ME
$46,800
Pop. 37,121
Auburn, ME
$46,280
Pop. 23,926

How to Become a Broadcast Journalist in Portland

Education

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

Find Broadcast Journalist Jobs in Portland

Browse open broadcast journalist positions in Portland, ME:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Broadcast Journalist Salary in Portland

How much does a Broadcast Journalist make in Portland, ME? ▼
The median broadcast journalist salary in Portland, Maine is $56,160 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $52,000. Salaries range from $32,400 (10th percentile) to $108,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Broadcast Journalist make per hour in Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,160, a broadcast journalist in Portland earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Maine state average for broadcast journalist pay? ▼
Portland's median broadcast journalist salary of $56,160 is 10.2% above the Maine state average of $50,960. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Portland, ME? ▼
Portland has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a broadcast journalist salary of $56,160 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a broadcast journalist in Portland? ▼
Most broadcast journalist positions in Portland 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.