Media & Communications Wheeling, WV Pop. 26,711

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Wheeling, West Virginia

The median broadcast journalist salary in Wheeling, WV is $40,560 per year, which is 22% below the national median and 7.1% below the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$40,560
vs State Avg
$-3,120
vs National
$-11,440
Cost of Living
78%

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

Wheeling offers a median broadcast journalist salary of $40,560, which is $3,120 below the West Virginia state average of $43,680. Compared to the national median of $52,000, Wheeling pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Wheeling's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 78% of the national average. This means the $40,560 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $52,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Wheeling an attractive option for broadcast journalists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for broadcast journalists in Wheeling spans from $23,400 at the 10th percentile to $78,000 at the 90th percentile — a $54,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,740, while senior broadcast journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $74,100. Wheeling is a smaller market (pop. 26,711), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Wheeling by Experience

In Wheeling, an entry-level broadcast journalist earns around $25,740, while experienced professionals earn up to $74,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 78% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,740
$-7,260 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,120
$-11,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$74,100
$-20,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wheeling, WV

Percentile Wheeling
10th Percentile $23,400
25th Percentile $29,640
Median (50th) $40,560
75th Percentile $57,720
90th Percentile $78,000

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
Parkersburg, WV
$41,600
Pop. 29,675

How to Become a Broadcast Journalist in Wheeling

Education

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

Find Broadcast Journalist Jobs in Wheeling

Browse open broadcast journalist positions in Wheeling, WV:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Broadcast Journalist Salary in Wheeling

How much does a Broadcast Journalist make in Wheeling, WV? ▼
The median broadcast journalist salary in Wheeling, West Virginia is $40,560 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $52,000. Salaries range from $23,400 (10th percentile) to $78,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Broadcast Journalist make per hour in Wheeling? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $40,560, a broadcast journalist in Wheeling earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wheeling compare to the West Virginia state average for broadcast journalist pay? ▼
Wheeling's median broadcast journalist salary of $40,560 is 7.1% below the West Virginia state average of $43,680. The local cost of living index is 78% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Wheeling, WV? ▼
Wheeling has a cost of living index of 78% compared to the national average. This means a broadcast journalist salary of $40,560 in Wheeling has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a broadcast journalist in Wheeling? ▼
Most broadcast journalist positions in Wheeling 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.