Media & Communications California (CA) Rank #2 of 50

Journalist Salary in California

The median journalist salary in California is $77,225 per year, which is 38.0% above the national median of $55,960.

Median Salary
$77,225
vs National
+$21,265
State Rank
#2 of 50
Cost of Living
138%

Journalist Salary in California by Experience

In California, an entry-level journalist earns around $48,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $138,000 per year. The cost of living index in California is 138% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,300
+$13,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,040
+$22,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$138,000
+$38,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in California

Percentile CA Salary
10th Percentile $44,160
25th Percentile $55,200
Median (50th) $77,225
75th Percentile $107,640
90th Percentile $151,800

Journalist Salary by City in California

The largest employment areas for journalists in California include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Los Angeles, CA
$81,702
Pop. 3,898,747 · COL 146%
San Francisco, CA
$101,847
Pop. 873,965 · COL 182%
San Diego, CA
$79,463
Pop. 1,386,932 · COL 142%
San Jose, CA
$94,013
Pop. 1,013,240 · COL 168%
Sacramento, CA
$66,033
Pop. 524,943 · COL 118%

How to Become a Journalist in California

Education

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

Key Skills

WritingInvestigative ResearchInterviewingAP StyleCMS PlatformsSocial Media

Job Outlook in California

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

Find Journalist Jobs in California

Browse open journalist positions in California:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in California

How much does a Journalist make in California? ▼
The median journalist salary in California is $77,225 per year, which is 38.0% above the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $44,160 (10th percentile) to $151,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in California? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $77,225, a journalist in California earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is California a good state for journalists? ▼
California ranks #2 out of 50 states for journalist pay. The cost of living index is 138% of the national average. Entry-level journalists earn $48,300, while senior professionals earn $138,000.
How does California compare to other states for journalist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for journalists is Hawaii at $95,132. California's median of $77,225 ranks #2 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($95,132) and Massachusetts ($75,546).
What is the entry-level journalist salary in California? ▼
An entry-level journalist in California earns approximately $48,300 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $80,040. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $138,000.
What city in California pays journalists the most? ▼
San Francisco is the highest paying city in California for journalists, with a median salary of $101,847. Other cities include Los Angeles and San Diego.