Media & Communications Kentucky (KY) Rank #46 of 50

Journalist Salary in Kentucky

The median journalist salary in Kentucky is $48,685 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $55,960.

Median Salary
$48,685
vs National
$-7,275
State Rank
#46 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Journalist Salary in Kentucky by Experience

In Kentucky, an entry-level journalist earns around $30,450, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,000 per year. The cost of living index in Kentucky is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,450
$-4,550 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$50,460
$-7,540 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$87,000
$-13,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kentucky

Percentile KY Salary
10th Percentile $27,840
25th Percentile $34,800
Median (50th) $48,685
75th Percentile $67,860
90th Percentile $95,700

Journalist Salary by City in Kentucky

The largest employment areas for journalists in Kentucky include Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Owensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Louisville, KY
$51,483
Pop. 633,045 · COL 92%
Lexington, KY
$52,043
Pop. 322,570 · COL 93%
Bowling Green, KY
$47,006
Pop. 74,735 · COL 84%
Owensboro, KY
$45,887
Pop. 60,183 · COL 82%
Covington, KY
$49,245
Pop. 40,961 · COL 88%

How to Become a Journalist in Kentucky

Education

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

Key Skills

WritingInvestigative ResearchInterviewingAP StyleCMS PlatformsSocial Media

Job Outlook in Kentucky

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Kentucky

Browse open journalist positions in Kentucky:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Kentucky

How much does a Journalist make in Kentucky? ▼
The median journalist salary in Kentucky is $48,685 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $27,840 (10th percentile) to $95,700 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Kentucky? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,685, a journalist in Kentucky earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Kentucky a good state for journalists? ▼
Kentucky ranks #46 out of 50 states for journalist pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level journalists earn $30,450, while senior professionals earn $87,000.
How does Kentucky compare to other states for journalist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for journalists is Hawaii at $95,132. Kentucky's median of $48,685 ranks #46 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alabama ($48,685) and Kansas ($48,685).
What is the entry-level journalist salary in Kentucky? ▼
An entry-level journalist in Kentucky earns approximately $30,450 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $50,460. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $87,000.
What city in Kentucky pays journalists the most? ▼
Lexington is the highest paying city in Kentucky for journalists, with a median salary of $52,043. Other cities include Louisville and Bowling Green.