Media & Communications Jonesboro, AR Pop. 78,576

Journalist Salary in Jonesboro, Arkansas

The median journalist salary in Jonesboro, AR is $45,887 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 2.4% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$45,887
vs State Avg
$-1,119
vs National
$-10,073
Cost of Living
82%

Journalist Pay in Jonesboro: What to Expect (2026)

Jonesboro offers a median journalist salary of $45,887, which is $1,119 below the Arkansas state average of $47,006. Compared to the national median of $55,960, Jonesboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Jonesboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $45,887 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Jonesboro an attractive option for journalists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for journalists in Jonesboro spans from $26,240 at the 10th percentile to $90,200 at the 90th percentile — a $63,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,700, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $82,000. Jonesboro is a smaller market (pop. 78,576), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Journalist Salary in Jonesboro by Experience

In Jonesboro, an entry-level journalist earns around $28,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $82,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,700
$-6,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,560
$-10,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$82,000
$-18,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Jonesboro, AR

Percentile Jonesboro
10th Percentile $26,240
25th Percentile $32,800
Median (50th) $45,887
75th Percentile $63,960
90th Percentile $90,200

Journalist Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$49,245
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$48,685
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$47,006
Pop. 80,433
Fort Smith, AR
$44,768
Pop. 89,142

How to Become a Journalist in Jonesboro

Education

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Jonesboro

Browse open journalist positions in Jonesboro, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Jonesboro

How much does a Journalist make in Jonesboro, AR? ▼
The median journalist salary in Jonesboro, Arkansas is $45,887 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $26,240 (10th percentile) to $90,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Jonesboro? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,887, a journalist in Jonesboro earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Jonesboro compare to the Arkansas state average for journalist pay? ▼
Jonesboro's median journalist salary of $45,887 is 2.4% below the Arkansas state average of $47,006. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Jonesboro, AR? ▼
Jonesboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a journalist salary of $45,887 in Jonesboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Jonesboro? ▼
Most journalist positions in Jonesboro 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.