Media & Communications Tacoma, WA Pop. 219,346

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Tacoma, Washington

The median broadcast journalist salary in Tacoma, WA is $57,200 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 4.3% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$57,200
vs State Avg
$-2,600
vs National
+$5,200
Cost of Living
110%

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

Tacoma offers a median broadcast journalist salary of $57,200, which is $2,600 below the Washington state average of $59,800. Compared to the national median of $52,000, Tacoma pays above average for this role.

Tacoma's cost of living is 110% 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 Tacoma spans from $33,000 at the 10th percentile to $110,000 at the 90th percentile — a $77,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,300, while senior broadcast journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $104,500. With a population of 219,346, Tacoma is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Tacoma by Experience

In Tacoma, an entry-level broadcast journalist earns around $36,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $104,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,300
+$3,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,400
+$5,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$104,500
+$9,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tacoma, WA

Percentile Tacoma
10th Percentile $33,000
25th Percentile $41,800
Median (50th) $57,200
75th Percentile $81,400
90th Percentile $110,000

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$79,040
Pop. 151,854
Seattle, WA
$76,960
Pop. 737,015
Vancouver, WA
$53,040
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$47,840
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Broadcast Journalist in Tacoma

Education

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

Find Broadcast Journalist Jobs in Tacoma

Browse open broadcast journalist positions in Tacoma, WA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Broadcast Journalist Salary in Tacoma

How much does a Broadcast Journalist make in Tacoma, WA? ▼
The median broadcast journalist salary in Tacoma, Washington is $57,200 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $52,000. Salaries range from $33,000 (10th percentile) to $110,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Broadcast Journalist make per hour in Tacoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,200, a broadcast journalist in Tacoma earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tacoma compare to the Washington state average for broadcast journalist pay? ▼
Tacoma's median broadcast journalist salary of $57,200 is 4.3% below the Washington state average of $59,800. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tacoma, WA? ▼
Tacoma has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a broadcast journalist salary of $57,200 in Tacoma has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a broadcast journalist in Tacoma? ▼
Most broadcast journalist positions in Tacoma 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.