Media & Communications Iowa (IA) Rank #39 of 50

Journalist Salary in Iowa

The median journalist salary in Iowa is $49,804 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $55,960.

Median Salary

$49,804

vs National

$-6,156

State Rank

#39 of 50

Cost of Living

89%

Journalist Salary in Iowa by Experience

In Iowa, an entry-level journalist earns around $31,150, while experienced professionals earn up to $89,000 per year. The cost of living index in Iowa is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$31,150

$-3,850 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$51,620

$-6,380 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$89,000

$-11,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Iowa

Percentile	IA Salary	National	Difference
10th Percentile	$28,480	$32,000	$-3,520
25th Percentile	$35,600	$40,000	$-4,400
Median (50th)	$49,804	$55,960	$-6,156
75th Percentile	$69,420	$78,000	$-8,580
90th Percentile	$97,900	$110,000	$-12,100

Journalist Salary by City in Iowa

The largest employment areas for journalists in Iowa include Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Des Moines, IA

$51,483

Pop. 214,133 · COL 92%

Cedar Rapids, IA

$49,245

Pop. 137,710 · COL 88%

Davenport, IA

$48,126

Pop. 101,724 · COL 86%

Sioux City, IA

$47,006

Pop. 85,797 · COL 84%