Media & Communications Alabama (AL) Rank #44 of 50

Journalist Salary in Alabama

The median journalist salary in Alabama is $48,685 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $55,960.

Median Salary
$48,685
vs National
$-7,275
State Rank
#44 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Journalist Salary in Alabama by Experience

In Alabama, an entry-level journalist earns around $30,450, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,000 per year. The cost of living index in Alabama is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,450
$-4,550 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$50,460
$-7,540 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$87,000
$-13,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Alabama

Percentile AL Salary
10th Percentile $27,840
25th Percentile $34,800
Median (50th) $48,685
75th Percentile $67,860
90th Percentile $95,700

Journalist Salary by City in Alabama

The largest employment areas for journalists in Alabama include Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, and Mobile. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Birmingham, AL
$50,364
Pop. 197,575 · COL 90%
Huntsville, AL
$51,483
Pop. 216,963 · COL 92%
Montgomery, AL
$48,126
Pop. 200,603 · COL 86%
Mobile, AL
$47,566
Pop. 187,041 · COL 85%
Tuscaloosa, AL
$49,245
Pop. 101,129 · COL 88%

How to Become a Journalist in Alabama

Education

Most journalist positions require a bachelor's degree. Alabama has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

WritingInvestigative ResearchInterviewingAP StyleCMS PlatformsSocial Media

Job Outlook in Alabama

Nationally, journalist employment is projected to grow -3% over the next decade (decline). Alabama's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Journalist Jobs in Alabama

Browse open journalist positions in Alabama:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Alabama

How much does a Journalist make in Alabama? ▼
The median journalist salary in Alabama is $48,685 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $27,840 (10th percentile) to $95,700 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Alabama? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,685, a journalist in Alabama earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alabama a good state for journalists? ▼
Alabama ranks #44 out of 50 states for journalist pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level journalists earn $30,450, while senior professionals earn $87,000.
How does Alabama compare to other states for journalist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for journalists is Hawaii at $95,132. Alabama's median of $48,685 ranks #44 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Missouri ($49,245) and South Dakota ($49,245).
What is the entry-level journalist salary in Alabama? ▼
An entry-level journalist in Alabama earns approximately $30,450 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $50,460. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $87,000.
What city in Alabama pays journalists the most? ▼
Huntsville is the highest paying city in Alabama for journalists, with a median salary of $51,483. Other cities include Birmingham and Montgomery.