Media & Communications Scottsdale, AZ Pop. 241,361

Journalist Salary in Scottsdale, Arizona

The median journalist salary in Scottsdale, AZ is $62,675 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 15.5% above the Arizona state average.

City Median
$62,675
vs State Avg
+$8,394
vs National
+$6,715
Cost of Living
112%

Journalist Pay in Scottsdale: What to Expect (2026)

Scottsdale offers a median journalist salary of $62,675, which is $8,394 above the Arizona state average of $54,281. Compared to the national median of $55,960, Scottsdale pays above average for this role.

However, Scottsdale's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $62,675 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $55,960. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Scottsdale should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for journalists in Scottsdale spans from $35,840 at the 10th percentile to $123,200 at the 90th percentile — a $87,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,200, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $112,000. With a population of 241,361, Scottsdale is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Journalist Salary in Scottsdale by Experience

In Scottsdale, an entry-level journalist earns around $39,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $112,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,200
+$4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$64,960
+$6,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$112,000
+$12,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Scottsdale, AZ

Percentile Scottsdale
10th Percentile $35,840
25th Percentile $44,800
Median (50th) $62,675
75th Percentile $87,360
90th Percentile $123,200

Journalist Salary in Other Arizona Cities

Chandler, AZ
$57,079
Pop. 275,987
Phoenix, AZ
$55,960
Pop. 1,608,139
Mesa, AZ
$54,281
Pop. 504,258
Tucson, AZ
$52,043
Pop. 542,629

How to Become a Journalist in Scottsdale

Education

Most journalist positions require a bachelor's degree. Scottsdale and the surrounding Arizona area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

WritingInvestigative ResearchInterviewingAP StyleCMS PlatformsSocial Media

Job Outlook

Nationally, journalist employment is projected to grow -3% over the next decade (decline). Demand in Scottsdale may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Journalist Jobs in Scottsdale

Browse open journalist positions in Scottsdale, AZ:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Scottsdale

How much does a Journalist make in Scottsdale, AZ? ▼
The median journalist salary in Scottsdale, Arizona is $62,675 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $35,840 (10th percentile) to $123,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Scottsdale? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,675, a journalist in Scottsdale earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Scottsdale compare to the Arizona state average for journalist pay? ▼
Scottsdale's median journalist salary of $62,675 is 15.5% above the Arizona state average of $54,281. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Scottsdale, AZ? ▼
Scottsdale has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a journalist salary of $62,675 in Scottsdale has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Scottsdale? ▼
Most journalist positions in Scottsdale require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Writing, Investigative Research, Interviewing, AP Style. The job market is projected to grow -3% nationally over the next decade.