Media & Communications Auburn, ME Pop. 23,926

Journalist Salary in Auburn, Maine

The median journalist salary in Auburn, ME is $49,804 per year, which is 11% below the national median and 9.2% below the Maine state average.

City Median
$49,804
vs State Avg
$-5,037
vs National
$-6,156
Cost of Living
89%

Journalist Pay in Auburn: What to Expect (2026)

Auburn offers a median journalist salary of $49,804, which is $5,037 below the Maine state average of $54,841. Compared to the national median of $55,960, Auburn pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Auburn's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 89% of the national average. This means the $49,804 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Auburn an attractive option for journalists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for journalists in Auburn spans from $28,480 at the 10th percentile to $97,900 at the 90th percentile — a $69,420 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,150, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $89,000. Auburn is a smaller market (pop. 23,926), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Journalist Salary in Auburn by Experience

In Auburn, an entry-level journalist earns around $31,150, while experienced professionals earn up to $89,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,150
$-3,850 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,620
$-6,380 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$89,000
$-11,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Auburn, ME

Percentile Auburn
10th Percentile $28,480
25th Percentile $35,600
Median (50th) $49,804
75th Percentile $69,420
90th Percentile $97,900

Journalist Salary in Other Maine Cities

Portland, ME
$60,437
Pop. 68,408
South Portland, ME
$58,758
Pop. 25,665
Bangor, ME
$51,483
Pop. 32,029
Lewiston, ME
$50,364
Pop. 37,121

How to Become a Journalist in Auburn

Education

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Auburn

Browse open journalist positions in Auburn, ME:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Auburn

How much does a Journalist make in Auburn, ME? ▼
The median journalist salary in Auburn, Maine is $49,804 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $28,480 (10th percentile) to $97,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Auburn? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,804, a journalist in Auburn earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Auburn compare to the Maine state average for journalist pay? ▼
Auburn's median journalist salary of $49,804 is 9.2% below the Maine state average of $54,841. The local cost of living index is 89% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Auburn, ME? ▼
Auburn has a cost of living index of 89% compared to the national average. This means a journalist salary of $49,804 in Auburn has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Auburn? ▼
Most journalist positions in Auburn 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.