Media & Communications Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

Journalist Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median journalist salary in Denver, CO is $62,675 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 6.7% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$62,675
vs State Avg
+$3,917
vs National
+$6,715
Cost of Living
112%

Journalist Pay in Denver: What to Expect (2026)

Denver offers a median journalist salary of $62,675, which is $3,917 above the Colorado state average of $58,758. Compared to the national median of $55,960, Denver pays above average for this role.

However, Denver's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $62,675 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $55,960. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for journalists in Denver spans from $35,840 at the 10th percentile to $123,200 at the 90th percentile — a $87,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,200, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $112,000. As a major metro area with a population of 715,522, Denver typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Journalist Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level journalist earns around $39,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $112,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,200
+$4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$64,960
+$6,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$112,000
+$12,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $35,840
25th Percentile $44,800
Median (50th) $62,675
75th Percentile $87,360
90th Percentile $123,200

Journalist Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$71,629
Pop. 105,673
Fort Collins, CO
$59,318
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$58,758
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$55,960
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Journalist in Denver

Education

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Denver

Browse open journalist positions in Denver, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Denver

How much does a Journalist make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median journalist salary in Denver, Colorado is $62,675 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $35,840 (10th percentile) to $123,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,675, a journalist in Denver earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for journalist pay? ▼
Denver's median journalist salary of $62,675 is 6.7% above the Colorado state average of $58,758. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO? ▼
Denver has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a journalist salary of $62,675 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Denver? ▼
Most journalist positions in Denver 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.