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
10th Percentile $28,480
25th Percentile $35,600
Median (50th) $49,804
75th Percentile $69,420
90th Percentile $97,900

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%
Iowa City, IA
$53,162
Pop. 74,828 · COL 95%

How to Become a Journalist in Iowa

Education

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

Key Skills

WritingInvestigative ResearchInterviewingAP StyleCMS PlatformsSocial Media

Job Outlook in Iowa

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Iowa

Browse open journalist positions in Iowa:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Iowa

How much does a Journalist make in Iowa? ▼
The median journalist salary in Iowa is $49,804 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $28,480 (10th percentile) to $97,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Iowa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,804, a journalist in Iowa earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Iowa a good state for journalists? ▼
Iowa ranks #39 out of 50 states for journalist pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level journalists earn $31,150, while senior professionals earn $89,000.
How does Iowa compare to other states for journalist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for journalists is Hawaii at $95,132. Iowa's median of $49,804 ranks #39 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Dakota ($50,364) and Ohio ($50,364).
What is the entry-level journalist salary in Iowa? ▼
An entry-level journalist in Iowa earns approximately $31,150 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $51,620. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $89,000.
What city in Iowa pays journalists the most? ▼
Iowa City is the highest paying city in Iowa for journalists, with a median salary of $53,162. Other cities include Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.