Media & Communications Madison, WI Pop. 269,840

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Madison, Wisconsin

The median broadcast journalist salary in Madison, WI is $52,000 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 8.7% above the Wisconsin state average.

City Median
$52,000
vs State Avg
+$4,160
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

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

Madison offers a median broadcast journalist salary of $52,000, which is $4,160 above the Wisconsin state average of $47,840. Compared to the national median of $52,000, Madison pays above average for this role.

Madison's cost of living is 100% 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 Madison spans from $30,000 at the 10th percentile to $100,000 at the 90th percentile — a $70,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,000, while senior broadcast journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $95,000. With a population of 269,840, Madison is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Madison by Experience

In Madison, an entry-level broadcast journalist earns around $33,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $95,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$95,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Madison, WI

Percentile Madison
10th Percentile $30,000
25th Percentile $38,000
Median (50th) $52,000
75th Percentile $74,000
90th Percentile $100,000

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities

Milwaukee, WI
$47,840
Pop. 577,222
Kenosha, WI
$46,800
Pop. 99,986
Green Bay, WI
$45,760
Pop. 107,395
Racine, WI
$44,720
Pop. 77,816

How to Become a Broadcast Journalist in Madison

Education

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

Find Broadcast Journalist Jobs in Madison

Browse open broadcast journalist positions in Madison, WI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Broadcast Journalist Salary in Madison

How much does a Broadcast Journalist make in Madison, WI? ▼
The median broadcast journalist salary in Madison, Wisconsin is $52,000 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $52,000. Salaries range from $30,000 (10th percentile) to $100,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Broadcast Journalist make per hour in Madison? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,000, a broadcast journalist in Madison earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Madison compare to the Wisconsin state average for broadcast journalist pay? ▼
Madison's median broadcast journalist salary of $52,000 is 8.7% above the Wisconsin state average of $47,840. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Madison, WI? ▼
Madison has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a broadcast journalist salary of $52,000 in Madison has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a broadcast journalist in Madison? ▼
Most broadcast journalist positions in Madison 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.