Media & Communications Baton Rouge, LA Pop. 227,470

Journalist Salary in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The median journalist salary in Baton Rouge, LA is $51,483 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 1.1% above the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$51,483
vs State Avg
+$559
vs National
$-4,477
Cost of Living
92%

Journalist Salary in Baton Rouge by Experience

In Baton Rouge, an entry-level journalist earns around $32,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,200
$-2,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,360
$-4,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,000
$-8,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Baton Rouge, LA

Percentile Baton Rouge
10th Percentile $29,440
25th Percentile $36,800
Median (50th) $51,483
75th Percentile $71,760
90th Percentile $101,200

Journalist Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$54,841
Pop. 383,997
Lafayette, LA
$49,245
Pop. 121,374
Lake Charles, LA
$48,126
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$47,566
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Journalist in Baton Rouge

Education

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