Media & Communications Helena, MT Pop. 32,315

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Helena, Montana

The median broadcast journalist salary in Helena, MT is $48,880 per year, which is 6% below the national median and 1.1% below the Montana state average.

City Median
$48,880
vs State Avg
$-520
vs National
$-3,120
Cost of Living
94%

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

Helena offers a median broadcast journalist salary of $48,880, which is $520 below the Montana state average of $49,400. Compared to the national median of $52,000, Helena pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Helena's cost of living is 94% 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 Helena spans from $28,200 at the 10th percentile to $94,000 at the 90th percentile — a $65,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,020, while senior broadcast journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $89,300. Helena is a smaller market (pop. 32,315), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Helena by Experience

In Helena, an entry-level broadcast journalist earns around $31,020, while experienced professionals earn up to $89,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,020
$-1,980 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$50,760
$-3,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$89,300
$-5,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Helena, MT

Percentile Helena
10th Percentile $28,200
25th Percentile $35,720
Median (50th) $48,880
75th Percentile $69,560
90th Percentile $94,000

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Other Montana Cities

Bozeman, MT
$59,800
Pop. 53,293
Missoula, MT
$53,040
Pop. 75,516
Billings, MT
$49,920
Pop. 117,116
Great Falls, MT
$45,760
Pop. 60,442

How to Become a Broadcast Journalist in Helena

Education

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

Find Broadcast Journalist Jobs in Helena

Browse open broadcast journalist positions in Helena, MT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Broadcast Journalist Salary in Helena

How much does a Broadcast Journalist make in Helena, MT? ▼
The median broadcast journalist salary in Helena, Montana is $48,880 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $52,000. Salaries range from $28,200 (10th percentile) to $94,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Broadcast Journalist make per hour in Helena? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,880, a broadcast journalist in Helena earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Helena compare to the Montana state average for broadcast journalist pay? ▼
Helena's median broadcast journalist salary of $48,880 is 1.1% below the Montana state average of $49,400. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Helena, MT? ▼
Helena has a cost of living index of 94% compared to the national average. This means a broadcast journalist salary of $48,880 in Helena has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a broadcast journalist in Helena? ▼
Most broadcast journalist positions in Helena 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.