Media & Communications Missouri (MO) Rank #42 of 50

Journalist Salary in Missouri

The median journalist salary in Missouri is $49,245 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $55,960.

Median Salary
$49,245
vs National
$-6,715
State Rank
#42 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Journalist Salary in Missouri by Experience

In Missouri, an entry-level journalist earns around $30,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,000 per year. The cost of living index in Missouri is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,040
$-6,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,000
$-12,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Missouri

Percentile MO Salary
10th Percentile $28,160
25th Percentile $35,200
Median (50th) $49,245
75th Percentile $68,640
90th Percentile $96,800

Journalist Salary by City in Missouri

The largest employment areas for journalists in Missouri include Kansas City, Saint Louis, Springfield, and Columbia. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Kansas City, MO
$51,483
Pop. 508,090 · COL 92%
Saint Louis, MO
$50,364
Pop. 301,578 · COL 90%
Springfield, MO
$45,887
Pop. 169,176 · COL 82%
Columbia, MO
$49,245
Pop. 126,254 · COL 88%
Independence, MO
$47,566
Pop. 123,011 · COL 85%

How to Become a Journalist in Missouri

Education

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

Key Skills

WritingInvestigative ResearchInterviewingAP StyleCMS PlatformsSocial Media

Job Outlook in Missouri

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Missouri

Browse open journalist positions in Missouri:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Missouri

How much does a Journalist make in Missouri? ▼
The median journalist salary in Missouri is $49,245 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $28,160 (10th percentile) to $96,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Missouri? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,245, a journalist in Missouri earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Missouri a good state for journalists? ▼
Missouri ranks #42 out of 50 states for journalist pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level journalists earn $30,800, while senior professionals earn $88,000.
How does Missouri compare to other states for journalist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for journalists is Hawaii at $95,132. Missouri's median of $49,245 ranks #42 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Carolina ($49,804) and Tennessee ($49,804).
What is the entry-level journalist salary in Missouri? ▼
An entry-level journalist in Missouri earns approximately $30,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $51,040. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $88,000.
What city in Missouri pays journalists the most? ▼
Kansas City is the highest paying city in Missouri for journalists, with a median salary of $51,483. Other cities include Saint Louis and Springfield.