Media & Communications Paterson, NJ Pop. 159,732

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Paterson, New Jersey

The median broadcast journalist salary in Paterson, NJ is $54,600 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 8.7% below the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$54,600
vs State Avg
$-5,200
vs National
+$2,600
Cost of Living
105%

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

Paterson offers a median broadcast journalist salary of $54,600, which is $5,200 below the New Jersey state average of $59,800. Compared to the national median of $52,000, Paterson pays above average for this role.

Paterson's cost of living is 105% 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 Paterson spans from $31,500 at the 10th percentile to $105,000 at the 90th percentile — a $73,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,650, while senior broadcast journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $99,750. With a population of 159,732, Paterson is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Paterson by Experience

In Paterson, an entry-level broadcast journalist earns around $34,650, while experienced professionals earn up to $99,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,650
+$1,650 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,700
+$2,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$99,750
+$4,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Paterson, NJ

Percentile Paterson
10th Percentile $31,500
25th Percentile $39,900
Median (50th) $54,600
75th Percentile $77,700
90th Percentile $105,000

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

Jersey City, NJ
$66,560
Pop. 292,449
Edison, NJ
$59,800
Pop. 107,588
Newark, NJ
$58,240
Pop. 311,549
Elizabeth, NJ
$56,160
Pop. 137,298

How to Become a Broadcast Journalist in Paterson

Education

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

Find Broadcast Journalist Jobs in Paterson

Browse open broadcast journalist positions in Paterson, NJ:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Broadcast Journalist Salary in Paterson

How much does a Broadcast Journalist make in Paterson, NJ? ▼
The median broadcast journalist salary in Paterson, New Jersey is $54,600 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $52,000. Salaries range from $31,500 (10th percentile) to $105,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Broadcast Journalist make per hour in Paterson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,600, a broadcast journalist in Paterson earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Paterson compare to the New Jersey state average for broadcast journalist pay? ▼
Paterson's median broadcast journalist salary of $54,600 is 8.7% below the New Jersey state average of $59,800. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Paterson, NJ? ▼
Paterson has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a broadcast journalist salary of $54,600 in Paterson has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a broadcast journalist in Paterson? ▼
Most broadcast journalist positions in Paterson 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.