Media & Communications Minnesota (MN) Rank #20 of 50

Journalist Salary in Minnesota

The median journalist salary in Minnesota is $54,281 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $55,960.

Median Salary
$54,281
vs National
$-1,679
State Rank
#20 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Journalist Salary Overview in Minnesota (2026)

Minnesota ranks #20 out of 50 states for journalist compensation. Minnesota falls in the middle of the pack for journalist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $54,281 per year, journalists in Minnesota earn $1,679 less than the national median of $55,960.

Minnesota's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning journalist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Minnesota is significant: journalists at the 10th percentile earn $31,040, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $106,700 — a $75,660 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Minnesota for this role is Minneapolis, where the median reaches $58,758.

Nationally, journalist employment is projected to grow -3% over the next decade (decline). Despite slower growth nationally, experienced journalists with in-demand specializations continue to command strong salaries.

Journalist Salary in Minnesota by Experience

In Minnesota, an entry-level journalist earns around $33,950, while experienced professionals earn up to $97,000 per year. The cost of living index in Minnesota is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,950
$-1,050 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,260
$-1,740 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$97,000
$-3,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Minnesota

Percentile MN Salary
10th Percentile $31,040
25th Percentile $38,800
Median (50th) $54,281
75th Percentile $75,660
90th Percentile $106,700

Journalist Salary by City in Minnesota

The largest employment areas for journalists in Minnesota include Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Rochester, and Duluth. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Journalist in Minnesota

Education

Most journalist positions require a bachelor's degree. Minnesota has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

WritingInvestigative ResearchInterviewingAP StyleCMS PlatformsSocial Media

Job Outlook in Minnesota

Nationally, journalist employment is projected to grow -3% over the next decade (decline). Minnesota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Minnesota

How much does a Journalist make in Minnesota? ▼
The median journalist salary in Minnesota is $54,281 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $31,040 (10th percentile) to $106,700 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Minnesota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,281, a journalist in Minnesota earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Minnesota a good state for journalists? ▼
Minnesota ranks #20 out of 50 states for journalist pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level journalists earn $33,950, while senior professionals earn $97,000.
How does Minnesota compare to other states for journalist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for journalists is Hawaii at $95,132. Minnesota's median of $54,281 ranks #20 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Maine ($54,841) and Arizona ($54,281).
What is the entry-level journalist salary in Minnesota? ▼
An entry-level journalist in Minnesota earns approximately $33,950 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $56,260. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $97,000.
What city in Minnesota pays journalists the most? ▼
Minneapolis is the highest paying city in Minnesota for journalists, with a median salary of $58,758. Other cities include Saint Paul and Rochester.