Media & Communications Salem, OR Pop. 175,535

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Salem, Oregon

The median broadcast journalist salary in Salem, OR is $53,040 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 7.3% below the Oregon state average.

City Median
$53,040
vs State Avg
$-4,160
vs National
+$1,040
Cost of Living
102%

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

Salem offers a median broadcast journalist salary of $53,040, which is $4,160 below the Oregon state average of $57,200. Compared to the national median of $52,000, Salem pays above average for this role.

Salem's cost of living is 102% 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 Salem spans from $30,600 at the 10th percentile to $102,000 at the 90th percentile — a $71,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,660, while senior broadcast journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $96,900. With a population of 175,535, Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Salem by Experience

In Salem, an entry-level broadcast journalist earns around $33,660, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,660
+$660 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,080
+$1,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,900
+$1,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Salem, OR

Percentile Salem
10th Percentile $30,600
25th Percentile $38,760
Median (50th) $53,040
75th Percentile $75,480
90th Percentile $102,000

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Other Oregon Cities

How to Become a Broadcast Journalist in Salem

Education

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

Find Broadcast Journalist Jobs in Salem

Browse open broadcast journalist positions in Salem, OR:

Frequently Asked Questions: Broadcast Journalist Salary in Salem

How much does a Broadcast Journalist make in Salem, OR? ▼
The median broadcast journalist salary in Salem, Oregon is $53,040 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $52,000. Salaries range from $30,600 (10th percentile) to $102,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Broadcast Journalist make per hour in Salem? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,040, a broadcast journalist in Salem earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Salem compare to the Oregon state average for broadcast journalist pay? ▼
Salem's median broadcast journalist salary of $53,040 is 7.3% below the Oregon state average of $57,200. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Salem, OR? ▼
Salem has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a broadcast journalist salary of $53,040 in Salem has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a broadcast journalist in Salem? ▼
Most broadcast journalist positions in Salem 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.