Media & Communications Aurora, IL Pop. 197,757

Journalist Salary in Aurora, Illinois

The median journalist salary in Aurora, IL is $53,162 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 0.0% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$53,162
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-2,798
Cost of Living
95%

Journalist Salary in Aurora by Experience

In Aurora, 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 Aurora, IL

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

Journalist Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$60,437
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$59,877
Pop. 2,693,976
Springfield, IL
$47,566
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$45,887
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Journalist in Aurora

Education

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