Media & Communications Pocatello, ID Pop. 56,548

Journalist Salary in Pocatello, Idaho

The median journalist salary in Pocatello, ID is $48,126 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 8.5% below the Idaho state average.

City Median
$48,126
vs State Avg
$-4,476
vs National
$-7,834
Cost of Living
86%

Journalist Pay in Pocatello: What to Expect (2026)

Pocatello offers a median journalist salary of $48,126, which is $4,476 below the Idaho state average of $52,602. Compared to the national median of $55,960, Pocatello pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Pocatello's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $48,126 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Pocatello an attractive option for journalists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for journalists in Pocatello spans from $27,520 at the 10th percentile to $94,600 at the 90th percentile — a $67,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,100, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $86,000. Pocatello is a smaller market (pop. 56,548), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Journalist Salary in Pocatello by Experience

In Pocatello, an entry-level journalist earns around $30,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,100
$-4,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,880
$-8,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$86,000
$-14,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Pocatello, ID

Percentile Pocatello
10th Percentile $27,520
25th Percentile $34,400
Median (50th) $48,126
75th Percentile $67,080
90th Percentile $94,600

Journalist Salary in Other Idaho Cities

Boise, ID
$55,960
Pop. 235,684
Meridian, ID
$54,841
Pop. 117,635
Nampa, ID
$50,364
Pop. 100,200
Idaho Falls, ID
$49,245
Pop. 64,609

How to Become a Journalist in Pocatello

Education

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Pocatello

Browse open journalist positions in Pocatello, ID:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Pocatello

How much does a Journalist make in Pocatello, ID? ▼
The median journalist salary in Pocatello, Idaho is $48,126 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $27,520 (10th percentile) to $94,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Pocatello? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,126, a journalist in Pocatello earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Pocatello compare to the Idaho state average for journalist pay? ▼
Pocatello's median journalist salary of $48,126 is 8.5% below the Idaho state average of $52,602. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Pocatello, ID? ▼
Pocatello has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a journalist salary of $48,126 in Pocatello has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Pocatello? ▼
Most journalist positions in Pocatello 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.