Media & Communications Columbia, MD Pop. 104,681

Journalist Salary in Columbia, Maryland

The median journalist salary in Columbia, MD is $66,033 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 7.3% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$66,033
vs State Avg
+$4,477
vs National
+$10,073
Cost of Living
118%

Journalist Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level journalist earns around $41,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $118,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,300
+$6,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,440
+$10,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$118,000
+$18,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MD

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $37,760
25th Percentile $47,200
Median (50th) $66,033
75th Percentile $92,040
90th Percentile $129,800

Journalist Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$68,271
Pop. 81,015
Germantown, MD
$64,354
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$60,437
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$58,758
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Journalist in Columbia

Education

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