Media & Communications Jackson, MS Pop. 153,701

Journalist Salary in Jackson, Mississippi

The median journalist salary in Jackson, MS is $47,566 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 2.4% above the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$47,566
vs State Avg
+$1,119
vs National
$-8,394
Cost of Living
85%

Journalist Pay in Jackson: What to Expect (2026)

Jackson offers a median journalist salary of $47,566, which is $1,119 above the Mississippi state average of $46,447. Compared to the national median of $55,960, Jackson pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Jackson's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $47,566 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Jackson an attractive option for journalists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for journalists in Jackson spans from $27,200 at the 10th percentile to $93,500 at the 90th percentile — a $66,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,750, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $85,000. With a population of 153,701, Jackson is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Journalist Salary in Jackson by Experience

In Jackson, an entry-level journalist earns around $29,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,750
$-5,250 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,300
$-8,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$85,000
$-15,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Jackson, MS

Percentile Jackson
10th Percentile $27,200
25th Percentile $34,000
Median (50th) $47,566
75th Percentile $66,300
90th Percentile $93,500

Journalist Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

Southaven, MS
$47,006
Pop. 55,026
Biloxi, MS
$46,447
Pop. 46,212
Gulfport, MS
$45,887
Pop. 72,926
Hattiesburg, MS
$44,768
Pop. 48,728

How to Become a Journalist in Jackson

Education

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Jackson

Browse open journalist positions in Jackson, MS:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Jackson

How much does a Journalist make in Jackson, MS? ▼
The median journalist salary in Jackson, Mississippi is $47,566 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $27,200 (10th percentile) to $93,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Jackson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,566, a journalist in Jackson earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Jackson compare to the Mississippi state average for journalist pay? ▼
Jackson's median journalist salary of $47,566 is 2.4% above the Mississippi state average of $46,447. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Jackson, MS? ▼
Jackson has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a journalist salary of $47,566 in Jackson has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Jackson? ▼
Most journalist positions in Jackson 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.