Media & Communications Independence, MO Pop. 123,011

Journalist Salary in Independence, Missouri

The median journalist salary in Independence, MO is $47,566 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 3.4% below the Missouri state average.

City Median
$47,566
vs State Avg
$-1,679
vs National
$-8,394
Cost of Living
85%

Journalist Pay in Independence: What to Expect (2026)

Independence offers a median journalist salary of $47,566, which is $1,679 below the Missouri state average of $49,245. Compared to the national median of $55,960, Independence pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Independence'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 Independence an attractive option for journalists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for journalists in Independence 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 123,011, Independence is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Journalist Salary in Independence by Experience

In Independence, 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 Independence, MO

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

Journalist Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$51,483
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$50,364
Pop. 301,578
Columbia, MO
$49,245
Pop. 126,254
Springfield, MO
$45,887
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Journalist in Independence

Education

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Independence

Browse open journalist positions in Independence, MO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Independence

How much does a Journalist make in Independence, MO? ▼
The median journalist salary in Independence, Missouri 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 Independence? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,566, a journalist in Independence earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Independence compare to the Missouri state average for journalist pay? ▼
Independence's median journalist salary of $47,566 is 3.4% below the Missouri state average of $49,245. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Independence, MO? ▼
Independence has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a journalist salary of $47,566 in Independence has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Independence? ▼
Most journalist positions in Independence 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.