Media & Communications Springfield, IL Pop. 114,394

Journalist Salary in Springfield, Illinois

The median journalist salary in Springfield, IL is $47,566 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 10.5% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$47,566
vs State Avg
$-5,596
vs National
$-8,394
Cost of Living
85%

Journalist Salary in Springfield by Experience

In Springfield, an entry-level journalist earns around $29,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,750
$-5,250 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,300
$-8,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$85,000
$-15,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Springfield, IL

Percentile Springfield
10th Percentile $27,200
25th Percentile $34,000
Median (50th) $47,566
75th Percentile $66,300
90th Percentile $93,500

Journalist Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$60,437
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$59,877
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$53,162
Pop. 197,757
Rockford, IL
$45,887
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Journalist in Springfield

Education

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Springfield

Browse open journalist positions in Springfield, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Springfield

How much does a Journalist make in Springfield, IL? ▼
The median journalist salary in Springfield, Illinois is $47,566 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $27,200 (10th percentile) to $93,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Springfield? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,566, a journalist in Springfield earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Springfield compare to the Illinois state average for journalist pay? ▼
Springfield's median journalist salary of $47,566 is 10.5% below the Illinois state average of $53,162. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Springfield, IL? ▼
Springfield has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a journalist salary of $47,566 in Springfield has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Springfield? ▼
Most journalist positions in Springfield 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.