Media & Communications Delaware (DE) Rank #15 of 50

Journalist Salary in Delaware

The median journalist salary in Delaware is $56,520 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $55,960.

Median Salary
$56,520
vs National
+$560
State Rank
#15 of 50
Cost of Living
101%

Journalist Salary Overview in Delaware (2026)

Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for journalist compensation. Delaware falls in the middle of the pack for journalist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $56,520 per year, journalists in Delaware earn $560 more than the national median of $55,960.

Delaware's cost of living is near the national average at 101%, meaning journalist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Delaware is significant: journalists at the 10th percentile earn $32,320, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $111,100 — a $78,780 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Delaware for this role is Wilmington, where the median reaches $58,758.

Nationally, journalist employment is projected to grow -3% over the next decade (decline). Despite slower growth nationally, experienced journalists with in-demand specializations continue to command strong salaries.

Journalist Salary in Delaware by Experience

In Delaware, an entry-level journalist earns around $35,350, while experienced professionals earn up to $101,000 per year. The cost of living index in Delaware is 101% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,350
+$350 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,580
+$580 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$101,000
+$1,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Delaware

Percentile DE Salary
10th Percentile $32,320
25th Percentile $40,400
Median (50th) $56,520
75th Percentile $78,780
90th Percentile $111,100

Journalist Salary by City in Delaware

The largest employment areas for journalists in Delaware include Wilmington, Dover, Newark, and Middletown. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Journalist in Delaware

Education

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

Key Skills

WritingInvestigative ResearchInterviewingAP StyleCMS PlatformsSocial Media

Job Outlook in Delaware

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Delaware

How much does a Journalist make in Delaware? ▼
The median journalist salary in Delaware is $56,520 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $32,320 (10th percentile) to $111,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Delaware? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,520, a journalist in Delaware earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Delaware a good state for journalists? ▼
Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for journalist pay. The cost of living index is 101% of the national average. Entry-level journalists earn $35,350, while senior professionals earn $101,000.
How does Delaware compare to other states for journalist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for journalists is Hawaii at $95,132. Delaware's median of $56,520 ranks #15 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Rhode Island ($58,758) and Virginia ($58,198).
What is the entry-level journalist salary in Delaware? ▼
An entry-level journalist in Delaware earns approximately $35,350 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $58,580. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $101,000.
What city in Delaware pays journalists the most? ▼
Wilmington is the highest paying city in Delaware for journalists, with a median salary of $58,758. Other cities include Dover and Newark.