Media & Communications Cedar Rapids, IA Pop. 137,710

Journalist Salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

The median journalist salary in Cedar Rapids, IA is $49,245 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$49,245
vs State Avg
$-559
vs National
$-6,715
Cost of Living
88%

Journalist Pay in Cedar Rapids: What to Expect (2026)

Cedar Rapids offers a median journalist salary of $49,245, which is $559 below the Iowa state average of $49,804. Compared to the national median of $55,960, Cedar Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cedar Rapids's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $49,245 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Cedar Rapids an attractive option for journalists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for journalists in Cedar Rapids spans from $28,160 at the 10th percentile to $96,800 at the 90th percentile — a $68,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,800, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $88,000. With a population of 137,710, Cedar Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Journalist Salary in Cedar Rapids by Experience

In Cedar Rapids, an entry-level journalist earns around $30,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,040
$-6,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,000
$-12,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cedar Rapids, IA

Percentile Cedar Rapids
10th Percentile $28,160
25th Percentile $35,200
Median (50th) $49,245
75th Percentile $68,640
90th Percentile $96,800

Journalist Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$53,162
Pop. 74,828
Des Moines, IA
$51,483
Pop. 214,133
Davenport, IA
$48,126
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$47,006
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Journalist in Cedar Rapids

Education

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Cedar Rapids

Browse open journalist positions in Cedar Rapids, IA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Cedar Rapids

How much does a Journalist make in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
The median journalist salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is $49,245 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $28,160 (10th percentile) to $96,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,245, a journalist in Cedar Rapids earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cedar Rapids compare to the Iowa state average for journalist pay? ▼
Cedar Rapids's median journalist salary of $49,245 is 1.1% below the Iowa state average of $49,804. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
Cedar Rapids has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a journalist salary of $49,245 in Cedar Rapids has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Most journalist positions in Cedar Rapids 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.