Media & Communications Colorado (CO) Rank #11 of 50

Journalist Salary in Colorado

The median journalist salary in Colorado is $58,758 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $55,960.

Median Salary
$58,758
vs National
+$2,798
State Rank
#11 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Journalist Salary in Colorado by Experience

In Colorado, an entry-level journalist earns around $36,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,000 per year. The cost of living index in Colorado is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,750
+$1,750 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,900
+$2,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,000
+$5,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Colorado

Percentile CO Salary
10th Percentile $33,600
25th Percentile $42,000
Median (50th) $58,758
75th Percentile $81,900
90th Percentile $115,500

Journalist Salary by City in Colorado

The largest employment areas for journalists in Colorado include Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Fort Collins. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Journalist in Colorado

Education

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

Key Skills

WritingInvestigative ResearchInterviewingAP StyleCMS PlatformsSocial Media

Job Outlook in Colorado

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Colorado

Browse open journalist positions in Colorado:

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Colorado

How much does a Journalist make in Colorado?
The median journalist salary in Colorado is $58,758 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $33,600 (10th percentile) to $115,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Colorado?
Based on the median annual salary of $58,758, a journalist in Colorado earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Colorado a good state for journalists?
Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for journalist pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level journalists earn $36,750, while senior professionals earn $105,000.
How does Colorado compare to other states for journalist salary?
The highest paying state for journalists is Hawaii at $95,132. Colorado's median of $58,758 ranks #11 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Maryland ($61,556) and Oregon ($61,556).
What is the entry-level journalist salary in Colorado?
An entry-level journalist in Colorado earns approximately $36,750 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $60,900. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $105,000.
What city in Colorado pays journalists the most?
Boulder is the highest paying city in Colorado for journalists, with a median salary of $71,629. Other cities include Denver and Colorado Springs.