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

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%
Springfield, IL
$47,566
Pop. 114,394 · COL 85%

How to Become a Journalist in Illinois

Education

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

Key Skills

WritingInvestigative ResearchInterviewingAP StyleCMS PlatformsSocial Media

Job Outlook in Illinois

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Illinois

Browse open journalist positions in Illinois:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Illinois

How much does a Journalist make in Illinois? ▼
The median journalist salary in Illinois 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 Illinois? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,162, a journalist in Illinois earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Illinois a good state for journalists? ▼
Illinois ranks #24 out of 50 states for journalist pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level journalists earn $33,250, while senior professionals earn $95,000.
How does Illinois compare to other states for journalist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for journalists is Hawaii at $95,132. Illinois's median of $53,162 ranks #24 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Utah ($54,281) and Pennsylvania ($53,722).
What is the entry-level journalist salary in Illinois? ▼
An entry-level journalist in Illinois earns approximately $33,250 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $55,100. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $95,000.
What city in Illinois pays journalists the most? ▼
Naperville is the highest paying city in Illinois for journalists, with a median salary of $60,437. Other cities include Chicago and Aurora.