Media & Communications South Portland, ME Pop. 25,665

Journalist Salary in South Portland, Maine

The median journalist salary in South Portland, ME is $58,758 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 7.1% above the Maine state average.

City Median
$58,758
vs State Avg
+$3,917
vs National
+$2,798
Cost of Living
105%

Journalist Pay in South Portland: What to Expect (2026)

South Portland offers a median journalist salary of $58,758, which is $3,917 above the Maine state average of $54,841. Compared to the national median of $55,960, South Portland pays above average for this role.

South Portland's cost of living is 105% 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 South Portland spans from $33,600 at the 10th percentile to $115,500 at the 90th percentile — a $81,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,750, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,000. South Portland is a smaller market (pop. 25,665), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Journalist Salary in South Portland by Experience

In South Portland, an entry-level journalist earns around $36,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,750
+$1,750 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,900
+$2,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,000
+$5,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in South Portland, ME

Percentile South Portland
10th Percentile $33,600
25th Percentile $42,000
Median (50th) $58,758
75th Percentile $81,900
90th Percentile $115,500

Journalist Salary in Other Maine Cities

Portland, ME
$60,437
Pop. 68,408
Bangor, ME
$51,483
Pop. 32,029
Lewiston, ME
$50,364
Pop. 37,121
Auburn, ME
$49,804
Pop. 23,926

How to Become a Journalist in South Portland

Education

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

Find Journalist Jobs in South Portland

Browse open journalist positions in South Portland, ME:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in South Portland

How much does a Journalist make in South Portland, ME? ▼
The median journalist salary in South Portland, Maine is $58,758 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $33,600 (10th percentile) to $115,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in South Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,758, a journalist in South Portland earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does South Portland compare to the Maine state average for journalist pay? ▼
South Portland's median journalist salary of $58,758 is 7.1% above the Maine state average of $54,841. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in South Portland, ME? ▼
South Portland has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a journalist salary of $58,758 in South Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in South Portland? ▼
Most journalist positions in South Portland 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.