Media & Communications Parkersburg, WV Pop. 29,675

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Parkersburg, West Virginia

The median broadcast journalist salary in Parkersburg, WV is $41,600 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$41,600
vs State Avg
$-2,080
vs National
$-10,400
Cost of Living
80%

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

Parkersburg offers a median broadcast journalist salary of $41,600, which is $2,080 below the West Virginia state average of $43,680. Compared to the national median of $52,000, Parkersburg pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Parkersburg's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $41,600 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $52,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Parkersburg an attractive option for broadcast journalists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for broadcast journalists in Parkersburg spans from $24,000 at the 10th percentile to $80,000 at the 90th percentile — a $56,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,400, while senior broadcast journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $76,000. Parkersburg is a smaller market (pop. 29,675), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Parkersburg by Experience

In Parkersburg, an entry-level broadcast journalist earns around $26,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,400
$-6,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,200
$-10,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$76,000
$-19,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Parkersburg, WV

Percentile Parkersburg
10th Percentile $24,000
25th Percentile $30,400
Median (50th) $41,600
75th Percentile $59,200
90th Percentile $80,000

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Other West Virginia Cities

Morgantown, WV
$46,800
Pop. 30,955
Charleston, WV
$45,760
Pop. 48,006
Huntington, WV
$42,640
Pop. 46,842
Wheeling, WV
$40,560
Pop. 26,711

How to Become a Broadcast Journalist in Parkersburg

Education

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

Find Broadcast Journalist Jobs in Parkersburg

Browse open broadcast journalist positions in Parkersburg, WV:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Broadcast Journalist Salary in Parkersburg

How much does a Broadcast Journalist make in Parkersburg, WV? ▼
The median broadcast journalist salary in Parkersburg, West Virginia is $41,600 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $52,000. Salaries range from $24,000 (10th percentile) to $80,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Broadcast Journalist make per hour in Parkersburg? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $41,600, a broadcast journalist in Parkersburg earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Parkersburg compare to the West Virginia state average for broadcast journalist pay? ▼
Parkersburg's median broadcast journalist salary of $41,600 is 4.8% below the West Virginia state average of $43,680. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Parkersburg, WV? ▼
Parkersburg has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a broadcast journalist salary of $41,600 in Parkersburg has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a broadcast journalist in Parkersburg? ▼
Most broadcast journalist positions in Parkersburg 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.