Media & Communications Southaven, MS Pop. 55,026

Journalist Salary in Southaven, Mississippi

The median journalist salary in Southaven, MS is $47,006 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 1.2% above the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$47,006
vs State Avg
+$559
vs National
$-8,954
Cost of Living
84%

Journalist Pay in Southaven: What to Expect (2026)

Southaven offers a median journalist salary of $47,006, which is $559 above the Mississippi state average of $46,447. Compared to the national median of $55,960, Southaven pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Southaven's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $47,006 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Southaven an attractive option for journalists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for journalists in Southaven spans from $26,880 at the 10th percentile to $92,400 at the 90th percentile — a $65,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,400, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $84,000. Southaven is a smaller market (pop. 55,026), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Journalist Salary in Southaven by Experience

In Southaven, an entry-level journalist earns around $29,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,400
$-5,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,720
$-9,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$84,000
$-16,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Southaven, MS

Percentile Southaven
10th Percentile $26,880
25th Percentile $33,600
Median (50th) $47,006
75th Percentile $65,520
90th Percentile $92,400

Journalist Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

Jackson, MS
$47,566
Pop. 153,701
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 Southaven

Education

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Southaven

Browse open journalist positions in Southaven, MS:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Southaven

How much does a Journalist make in Southaven, MS? ▼
The median journalist salary in Southaven, Mississippi is $47,006 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $26,880 (10th percentile) to $92,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Southaven? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,006, a journalist in Southaven earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Southaven compare to the Mississippi state average for journalist pay? ▼
Southaven's median journalist salary of $47,006 is 1.2% above the Mississippi state average of $46,447. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Southaven, MS? ▼
Southaven has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a journalist salary of $47,006 in Southaven has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Southaven? ▼
Most journalist positions in Southaven 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.