Media & Communications Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

Journalist Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median journalist salary in Boston, MA is $85,059 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$85,059
vs State Avg
+$9,513
vs National
+$29,099
Cost of Living
152%

Journalist Pay in Boston: What to Expect (2026)

Boston offers a median journalist salary of $85,059, which is $9,513 above the Massachusetts state average of $75,546. Compared to the national median of $55,960, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $85,059 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $55,960. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for journalists in Boston spans from $48,640 at the 10th percentile to $167,200 at the 90th percentile — a $118,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,200, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $152,000. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Journalist Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level journalist earns around $53,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $152,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,200
+$18,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$88,160
+$30,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$152,000
+$52,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $48,640
25th Percentile $60,800
Median (50th) $85,059
75th Percentile $118,560
90th Percentile $167,200

Journalist Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$89,536
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$61,556
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$58,758
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$54,841
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Journalist in Boston

Education

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Boston

Browse open journalist positions in Boston, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Boston

How much does a Journalist make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median journalist salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $85,059 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $48,640 (10th percentile) to $167,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $85,059, a journalist in Boston earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for journalist pay? ▼
Boston's median journalist salary of $85,059 is 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average of $75,546. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a journalist salary of $85,059 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Boston? ▼
Most journalist positions in Boston 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.