Journalist Salary in Kansas City, KS: $49,245 (2026)

Journalist Pay in Kansas City: What to Expect (2026)

Kansas City offers a median journalist salary of $49,245, which is $560 above the Kansas state average of $48,685. Compared to the national median of $55,960, Kansas City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Kansas City'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 Kansas City an attractive option for journalists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for journalists in Kansas City 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 156,607, Kansas City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Journalist Salary in Kansas City by Experience

In Kansas City, 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

Percentile	Kansas City	KS State	National
10th Percentile	$28,160	$27,840	$32,000
25th Percentile	$35,200	$34,800	$40,000
Median (50th)	$49,245	$48,685	$55,960
75th Percentile	$68,640	$67,860	$78,000
90th Percentile	$96,800	$95,700	$110,000

Percentile

Kansas City

10th Percentile

$28,160

25th Percentile

$35,200

Median (50th)

$49,245

75th Percentile

$68,640

90th Percentile

$96,800

How to Become a Journalist in Kansas City

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Kansas City

How much does a Journalist make in Kansas City, KS? ▼

The median journalist salary in Kansas City, Kansas 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 Kansas City? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $49,245, a journalist in Kansas City earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Kansas City compare to the Kansas state average for journalist pay? ▼

Kansas City's median journalist salary of $49,245 is 1.2% above the Kansas state average of $48,685. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Kansas City, KS? ▼

Kansas City has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a journalist salary of $49,245 in Kansas City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Kansas City? ▼

Most journalist positions in Kansas City 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.

Journalist Salary in Kansas City, Kansas