Media & Communications Portland, OR Pop. 652,503

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Portland, Oregon

The median broadcast journalist salary in Portland, OR is $61,360 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 7.3% above the Oregon state average.

City Median
$61,360
vs State Avg
+$4,160
vs National
+$9,360
Cost of Living
118%

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

Portland offers a median broadcast journalist salary of $61,360, which is $4,160 above the Oregon state average of $57,200. Compared to the national median of $52,000, Portland pays above average for this role.

However, Portland's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $61,360 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $52,000. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Portland should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for broadcast journalists in Portland spans from $35,400 at the 10th percentile to $118,000 at the 90th percentile — a $82,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,940, while senior broadcast journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $112,100. As a major metro area with a population of 652,503, Portland typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level broadcast journalist earns around $38,940, while experienced professionals earn up to $112,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,940
+$5,940 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$63,720
+$9,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$112,100
+$17,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, OR

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $35,400
25th Percentile $44,840
Median (50th) $61,360
75th Percentile $87,320
90th Percentile $118,000

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Other Oregon Cities

How to Become a Broadcast Journalist in Portland

Education

Most broadcast journalist positions require a bachelor's degree. Portland and the surrounding Oregon 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, OR:

Frequently Asked Questions: Broadcast Journalist Salary in Portland

How much does a Broadcast Journalist make in Portland, OR? ▼
The median broadcast journalist salary in Portland, Oregon is $61,360 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $52,000. Salaries range from $35,400 (10th percentile) to $118,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Broadcast Journalist make per hour in Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $61,360, a broadcast journalist in Portland earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Oregon state average for broadcast journalist pay? ▼
Portland's median broadcast journalist salary of $61,360 is 7.3% above the Oregon state average of $57,200. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Portland, OR? ▼
Portland has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a broadcast journalist salary of $61,360 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.