Media & Communications Florida (FL) Rank #17 of 50

Journalist Salary in Florida

The median journalist salary in Florida is $54,841 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $55,960.

Median Salary
$54,841
vs National
$-1,119
State Rank
#17 of 50
Cost of Living
98%

Journalist Salary Overview in Florida (2026)

Florida ranks #17 out of 50 states for journalist compensation. Florida falls in the middle of the pack for journalist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $54,841 per year, journalists in Florida earn $1,119 less than the national median of $55,960.

Florida's cost of living is near the national average at 98%, meaning journalist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Florida is significant: journalists at the 10th percentile earn $31,360, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $107,800 — a $76,440 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Florida for this role is Miami, where the median reaches $66,033.

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 Florida by Experience

In Florida, an entry-level journalist earns around $34,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $98,000 per year. The cost of living index in Florida is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,300
$-700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,840
$-1,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$98,000
$-2,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Florida

Percentile FL Salary
10th Percentile $31,360
25th Percentile $39,200
Median (50th) $54,841
75th Percentile $76,440
90th Percentile $107,800

Journalist Salary by City in Florida

The largest employment areas for journalists in Florida include Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Journalist in Florida

Education

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

Key Skills

WritingInvestigative ResearchInterviewingAP StyleCMS PlatformsSocial Media

Job Outlook in Florida

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Florida

How much does a Journalist make in Florida? ▼
The median journalist salary in Florida is $54,841 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $31,360 (10th percentile) to $107,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Florida? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,841, a journalist in Florida earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Florida a good state for journalists? ▼
Florida ranks #17 out of 50 states for journalist pay. The cost of living index is 98% of the national average. Entry-level journalists earn $34,300, while senior professionals earn $98,000.
How does Florida compare to other states for journalist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for journalists is Hawaii at $95,132. Florida's median of $54,841 ranks #17 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Delaware ($56,520) and Vermont ($56,520).
What is the entry-level journalist salary in Florida? ▼
An entry-level journalist in Florida earns approximately $34,300 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $56,840. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $98,000.
What city in Florida pays journalists the most? ▼
Miami is the highest paying city in Florida for journalists, with a median salary of $66,033. Other cities include Orlando and Tampa.