Journalist Salary in Portland, Maine
The median journalist salary in Portland, ME is $60,437 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 10.2% above the Maine state average.
Journalist Pay in Portland: What to Expect (2026)
Portland offers a median journalist salary of $60,437, which is $5,596 above the Maine state average of $54,841. Compared to the national median of $55,960, Portland pays above average for this role.
Portland's cost of living is 108% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.
The salary range for journalists in Portland spans from $34,560 at the 10th percentile to $118,800 at the 90th percentile — a $84,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,800, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $108,000. Portland is a smaller market (pop. 68,408), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Journalist Salary in Portland by Experience
In Portland, an entry-level journalist earns around $37,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $108,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Portland, ME
| Percentile | Portland |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $34,560 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,200 |
| Median (50th) | $60,437 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,240 |
| 90th Percentile | $118,800 |
Journalist Salary in Other Maine Cities
How to Become a Journalist in Portland
Education
Most journalist positions require a bachelor's degree. Portland and the surrounding Maine area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, journalist employment is projected to grow -3% over the next decade (decline). Demand in Portland may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Journalist Jobs in Portland
Browse open journalist positions in Portland, ME: