Media & Communications Memphis, TN Pop. 633,104

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Memphis, Tennessee

The median broadcast journalist salary in Memphis, TN is $44,720 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 3.4% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$44,720
vs State Avg
$-1,560
vs National
$-7,280
Cost of Living
86%

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

Memphis offers a median broadcast journalist salary of $44,720, which is $1,560 below the Tennessee state average of $46,280. Compared to the national median of $52,000, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Memphis's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $44,720 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $52,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Memphis an attractive option for broadcast journalists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for broadcast journalists in Memphis spans from $25,800 at the 10th percentile to $86,000 at the 90th percentile — a $60,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,380, while senior broadcast journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $81,700. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, an entry-level broadcast journalist earns around $28,380, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,380
$-4,620 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,440
$-7,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$81,700
$-13,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Memphis, TN

Percentile Memphis
10th Percentile $25,800
25th Percentile $32,680
Median (50th) $44,720
75th Percentile $63,640
90th Percentile $86,000

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

How to Become a Broadcast Journalist in Memphis

Education

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

Find Broadcast Journalist Jobs in Memphis

Browse open broadcast journalist positions in Memphis, TN:

Frequently Asked Questions: Broadcast Journalist Salary in Memphis

How much does a Broadcast Journalist make in Memphis, TN? ▼
The median broadcast journalist salary in Memphis, Tennessee is $44,720 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $52,000. Salaries range from $25,800 (10th percentile) to $86,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Broadcast Journalist make per hour in Memphis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,720, a broadcast journalist in Memphis earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee state average for broadcast journalist pay? ▼
Memphis's median broadcast journalist salary of $44,720 is 3.4% below the Tennessee state average of $46,280. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Memphis, TN? ▼
Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a broadcast journalist salary of $44,720 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a broadcast journalist in Memphis? ▼
Most broadcast journalist positions in Memphis 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.