Media & Communications Sacramento, CA Pop. 524,943

Journalist Salary in Sacramento, California

The median journalist salary in Sacramento, CA is $66,033 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 14.5% below the California state average.

City Median
$66,033
vs State Avg
$-11,192
vs National
+$10,073
Cost of Living
118%

Journalist Salary in Sacramento by Experience

In Sacramento, an entry-level journalist earns around $41,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $118,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,300
+$6,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,440
+$10,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$118,000
+$18,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sacramento, CA

Percentile Sacramento
10th Percentile $37,760
25th Percentile $47,200
Median (50th) $66,033
75th Percentile $92,040
90th Percentile $129,800

Journalist Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Journalist in Sacramento

Education

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