Media & Communications Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Journalist Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median journalist salary in Lafayette, LA is $49,245 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$49,245
vs State Avg
$-1,679
vs National
$-6,715
Cost of Living
88%

Journalist Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, 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 Lafayette, LA

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

Journalist Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$54,841
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$51,483
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$48,126
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$47,566
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Journalist in Lafayette

Education

Most journalist positions require a bachelor's degree. Lafayette 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 Lafayette may vary based on local industry and population growth.