Media & Communications Little Rock, AR Pop. 202,591

Journalist Salary in Little Rock, Arkansas

The median journalist salary in Little Rock, AR is $48,685 per year, which is 13% below the national median and 3.6% above the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$48,685
vs State Avg
+$1,679
vs National
$-7,275
Cost of Living
87%

Journalist Pay in Little Rock: What to Expect (2026)

Little Rock offers a median journalist salary of $48,685, which is $1,679 above the Arkansas state average of $47,006. Compared to the national median of $55,960, Little Rock pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Little Rock's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 87% of the national average. This means the $48,685 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Little Rock an attractive option for journalists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for journalists in Little Rock spans from $27,840 at the 10th percentile to $95,700 at the 90th percentile — a $67,860 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,450, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $87,000. With a population of 202,591, Little Rock is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Journalist Salary in Little Rock by Experience

In Little Rock, an entry-level journalist earns around $30,450, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,000 per year. The local cost of living index 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 Little Rock, AR

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

Journalist Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$49,245
Pop. 93,949
Springdale, AR
$47,006
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$45,887
Pop. 78,576
Fort Smith, AR
$44,768
Pop. 89,142

How to Become a Journalist in Little Rock

Education

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Little Rock

Browse open journalist positions in Little Rock, AR:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Little Rock

How much does a Journalist make in Little Rock, AR? ▼
The median journalist salary in Little Rock, Arkansas 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 Little Rock? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,685, a journalist in Little Rock earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Little Rock compare to the Arkansas state average for journalist pay? ▼
Little Rock's median journalist salary of $48,685 is 3.6% above the Arkansas state average of $47,006. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Little Rock, AR? ▼
Little Rock has a cost of living index of 87% compared to the national average. This means a journalist salary of $48,685 in Little Rock has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Little Rock? ▼
Most journalist positions in Little Rock 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.