Media & Communications Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Journalist Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median journalist salary in Chicago, IL is $59,877 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$59,877
vs State Avg
+$6,715
vs National
+$3,917
Cost of Living
107%

Journalist Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level journalist earns around $37,450, while experienced professionals earn up to $107,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,450
+$2,450 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,060
+$4,060 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$107,000
+$7,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $34,240
25th Percentile $42,800
Median (50th) $59,877
75th Percentile $83,460
90th Percentile $117,700

Journalist Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$60,437
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$53,162
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$47,566
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$45,887
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Journalist in Chicago

Education

Most journalist positions require a bachelor's degree. Chicago 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 Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Journalist Jobs in Chicago

Browse open journalist positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Chicago

How much does a Journalist make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median journalist salary in Chicago, Illinois is $59,877 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $34,240 (10th percentile) to $117,700 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,877, a journalist in Chicago earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for journalist pay? ▼
Chicago's median journalist salary of $59,877 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $53,162. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a journalist salary of $59,877 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Chicago? ▼
Most journalist positions in Chicago 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.