Media & Communications Jacksonville, FL Pop. 949,611

Journalist Salary in Jacksonville, Florida

The median journalist salary in Jacksonville, FL is $53,162 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.1% below the Florida state average.

City Median
$53,162
vs State Avg
$-1,679
vs National
$-2,798
Cost of Living
95%

Journalist Pay in Jacksonville: What to Expect (2026)

Jacksonville offers a median journalist salary of $53,162, which is $1,679 below the Florida state average of $54,841. Compared to the national median of $55,960, Jacksonville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Jacksonville's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for journalists in Jacksonville spans from $30,400 at the 10th percentile to $104,500 at the 90th percentile — a $74,100 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,250, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $95,000. As a major metro area with a population of 949,611, Jacksonville typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Journalist Salary in Jacksonville by Experience

In Jacksonville, an entry-level journalist earns around $33,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $95,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,250
$-1,750 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,100
$-2,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$95,000
$-5,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Jacksonville, FL

Percentile Jacksonville
10th Percentile $30,400
25th Percentile $38,000
Median (50th) $53,162
75th Percentile $74,100
90th Percentile $104,500

Journalist Salary in Other Florida Cities

Miami, FL
$66,033
Pop. 442,241
Fort Lauderdale, FL
$64,354
Pop. 182,760
Orlando, FL
$57,079
Pop. 307,573
Tampa, FL
$55,960
Pop. 384,959

How to Become a Journalist in Jacksonville

Education

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Jacksonville

Browse open journalist positions in Jacksonville, FL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Jacksonville

How much does a Journalist make in Jacksonville, FL? ▼
The median journalist salary in Jacksonville, Florida is $53,162 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $30,400 (10th percentile) to $104,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Jacksonville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,162, a journalist in Jacksonville earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Jacksonville compare to the Florida state average for journalist pay? ▼
Jacksonville's median journalist salary of $53,162 is 3.1% below the Florida state average of $54,841. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Jacksonville, FL? ▼
Jacksonville has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a journalist salary of $53,162 in Jacksonville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Jacksonville? ▼
Most journalist positions in Jacksonville 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.