Media & Communications Illinois (IL) Rank #24 of 50

Journalist Salary in Illinois

The median journalist salary in Illinois is $53,162 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $55,960.

Median Salary

$53,162

vs National

$-2,798

State Rank

#24 of 50

Cost of Living

95%

Journalist Salary in Illinois by Experience

In Illinois, an entry-level journalist earns around $33,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $95,000 per year. The cost of living index in Illinois 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 Illinois

Percentile	IL Salary	National	Difference
10th Percentile	$30,400	$32,000	$-1,600
25th Percentile	$38,000	$40,000	$-2,000
Median (50th)	$53,162	$55,960	$-2,798
75th Percentile	$74,100	$78,000	$-3,900
90th Percentile	$104,500	$110,000	$-5,500

Journalist Salary by City in Illinois

The largest employment areas for journalists in Illinois include Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, and Rockford. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Chicago, IL

$59,877

Pop. 2,693,976 · COL 107%

Aurora, IL

$53,162

Pop. 197,757 · COL 95%

Naperville, IL

$60,437

Pop. 149,540 · COL 108%

Rockford, IL

$45,887

Pop. 148,655 · COL 82%