Media & Communications Chesapeake, VA Pop. 249,422

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Chesapeake, Virginia

The median broadcast journalist salary in Chesapeake, VA is $50,960 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 5.8% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$50,960
vs State Avg
$-3,120
vs National
$-1,040
Cost of Living
98%

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

Chesapeake offers a median broadcast journalist salary of $50,960, which is $3,120 below the Virginia state average of $54,080. Compared to the national median of $52,000, Chesapeake pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Chesapeake's cost of living is 98% 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 Chesapeake spans from $29,400 at the 10th percentile to $98,000 at the 90th percentile — a $68,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,340, while senior broadcast journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $93,100. With a population of 249,422, Chesapeake is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Chesapeake by Experience

In Chesapeake, an entry-level broadcast journalist earns around $32,340, while experienced professionals earn up to $93,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,340
$-660 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,920
$-1,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$93,100
$-1,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chesapeake, VA

Percentile Chesapeake
10th Percentile $29,400
25th Percentile $37,240
Median (50th) $50,960
75th Percentile $72,520
90th Percentile $98,000

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$68,640
Pop. 238,643
Virginia Beach, VA
$53,040
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$52,000
Pop. 226,610
Norfolk, VA
$49,920
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Broadcast Journalist in Chesapeake

Education

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

Find Broadcast Journalist Jobs in Chesapeake

Browse open broadcast journalist positions in Chesapeake, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Broadcast Journalist Salary in Chesapeake

How much does a Broadcast Journalist make in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
The median broadcast journalist salary in Chesapeake, Virginia is $50,960 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $52,000. Salaries range from $29,400 (10th percentile) to $98,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Broadcast Journalist make per hour in Chesapeake? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,960, a broadcast journalist in Chesapeake earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chesapeake compare to the Virginia state average for broadcast journalist pay? ▼
Chesapeake's median broadcast journalist salary of $50,960 is 5.8% below the Virginia state average of $54,080. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
Chesapeake has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a broadcast journalist salary of $50,960 in Chesapeake has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a broadcast journalist in Chesapeake? ▼
Most broadcast journalist positions in Chesapeake 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.