Media & Communications Reading, PA Pop. 95,112

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Reading, Pennsylvania

The median broadcast journalist salary in Reading, PA is $45,760 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$45,760
vs State Avg
$-4,160
vs National
$-6,240
Cost of Living
88%

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

Reading offers a median broadcast journalist salary of $45,760, which is $4,160 below the Pennsylvania state average of $49,920. Compared to the national median of $52,000, Reading pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Reading's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $45,760 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $52,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Reading an attractive option for broadcast journalists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for broadcast journalists in Reading spans from $26,400 at the 10th percentile to $88,000 at the 90th percentile — a $61,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,040, while senior broadcast journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,600. Reading is a smaller market (pop. 95,112), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Reading by Experience

In Reading, an entry-level broadcast journalist earns around $29,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,040
$-3,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,520
$-6,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,600
$-11,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Reading, PA

Percentile Reading
10th Percentile $26,400
25th Percentile $33,440
Median (50th) $45,760
75th Percentile $65,120
90th Percentile $88,000

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$53,040
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$48,880
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$48,360
Pop. 302,971
Erie, PA
$43,680
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Broadcast Journalist in Reading

Education

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

Find Broadcast Journalist Jobs in Reading

Browse open broadcast journalist positions in Reading, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Broadcast Journalist Salary in Reading

How much does a Broadcast Journalist make in Reading, PA? ▼
The median broadcast journalist salary in Reading, Pennsylvania is $45,760 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $52,000. Salaries range from $26,400 (10th percentile) to $88,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Broadcast Journalist make per hour in Reading? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,760, a broadcast journalist in Reading earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Reading compare to the Pennsylvania state average for broadcast journalist pay? ▼
Reading's median broadcast journalist salary of $45,760 is 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average of $49,920. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Reading, PA? ▼
Reading has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a broadcast journalist salary of $45,760 in Reading has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a broadcast journalist in Reading? ▼
Most broadcast journalist positions in Reading 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.