Media & Communications Rhode Island (RI) Rank #13 of 50

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Rhode Island

The median broadcast journalist salary in Rhode Island is $54,600 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $52,000.

Median Salary
$54,600
vs National
+$2,600
State Rank
#13 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Broadcast Journalist Salary Overview in Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for broadcast journalist compensation. Rhode Island falls in the middle of the pack for broadcast journalist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $54,600 per year, broadcast journalists in Rhode Island earn $2,600 more than the national median of $52,000.

Rhode Island's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning broadcast journalist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Rhode Island is significant: broadcast journalists at the 10th percentile earn $31,500, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $105,000 — a $73,500 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Rhode Island for this role is Providence, where the median reaches $56,160.

Nationally, broadcast journalist employment is projected to grow -4% over the next decade (decline). Despite slower growth nationally, experienced broadcast journalists with in-demand specializations continue to command strong salaries.

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Rhode Island by Experience

In Rhode Island, an entry-level broadcast journalist earns around $34,650, while experienced professionals earn up to $99,750 per year. The cost of living index in Rhode Island 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

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Salary Percentiles in Rhode Island

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

Broadcast Journalist Salary by City in Rhode Island

The largest employment areas for broadcast journalists in Rhode Island include Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Broadcast Journalist in Rhode Island

Education

Most broadcast journalist positions require a bachelor's degree. Rhode Island has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

On-Air PresentationInterviewingScript WritingVideo EditingResearchTeleprompter

Job Outlook in Rhode Island

Nationally, broadcast journalist employment is projected to grow -4% over the next decade (decline). Rhode Island's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Broadcast Journalist Salary in Rhode Island

How much does a Broadcast Journalist make in Rhode Island? ▼
The median broadcast journalist salary in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,600, a broadcast journalist in Rhode Island earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Rhode Island a good state for broadcast journalists? ▼
Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for broadcast journalist pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level broadcast journalists earn $34,650, while senior professionals earn $99,750.
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for broadcast journalist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for broadcast journalists is Hawaii at $88,400. Rhode Island's median of $54,600 ranks #13 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Colorado ($54,600) and New Hampshire ($54,600).
What is the entry-level broadcast journalist salary in Rhode Island? ▼
An entry-level broadcast journalist in Rhode Island earns approximately $34,650 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $56,700. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $99,750.
What city in Rhode Island pays broadcast journalists the most? ▼
Providence is the highest paying city in Rhode Island for broadcast journalists, with a median salary of $56,160. Other cities include Warwick and Cranston.