Media & Communications Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Journalist Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median journalist salary in Los Angeles, CA is $81,702 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median and 5.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$81,702
vs State Avg
+$4,477
vs National
+$25,742
Cost of Living
146%

Journalist Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median journalist salary of $81,702, which is $4,477 above the California state average of $77,225. Compared to the national median of $55,960, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $81,702 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $55,960. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for journalists in Los Angeles spans from $46,720 at the 10th percentile to $160,600 at the 90th percentile — a $113,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,100, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $146,000. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Journalist Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level journalist earns around $51,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $146,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,100
+$16,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$84,680
+$26,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$146,000
+$46,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $46,720
25th Percentile $58,400
Median (50th) $81,702
75th Percentile $113,880
90th Percentile $160,600

Journalist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$101,847
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$94,013
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$79,463
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$66,033
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Journalist in Los Angeles

Education

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open journalist positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Journalist make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median journalist salary in Los Angeles, California is $81,702 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $46,720 (10th percentile) to $160,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $81,702, a journalist in Los Angeles earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for journalist pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median journalist salary of $81,702 is 5.8% above the California state average of $77,225. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a journalist salary of $81,702 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Los Angeles? ▼
Most journalist positions in Los Angeles 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.