Media & Communications Kansas City, MO Pop. 508,090

Journalist Salary in Kansas City, Missouri

The median journalist salary in Kansas City, MO is $51,483 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 4.5% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$51,483
vs State Avg
+$2,238
vs National
$-4,477
Cost of Living
92%

Journalist Pay in Kansas City: What to Expect (2026)

Kansas City offers a median journalist salary of $51,483, which is $2,238 above the Missouri state average of $49,245. Compared to the national median of $55,960, Kansas City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Kansas City's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for journalists in Kansas City spans from $29,440 at the 10th percentile to $101,200 at the 90th percentile — a $71,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,200, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $92,000. As a major metro area with a population of 508,090, Kansas City typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Journalist Salary in Kansas City by Experience

In Kansas City, an entry-level journalist earns around $32,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,200
$-2,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,360
$-4,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,000
$-8,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kansas City, MO

Percentile Kansas City
10th Percentile $29,440
25th Percentile $36,800
Median (50th) $51,483
75th Percentile $71,760
90th Percentile $101,200

Journalist Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Saint Louis, MO
$50,364
Pop. 301,578
Columbia, MO
$49,245
Pop. 126,254
Independence, MO
$47,566
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$45,887
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Journalist in Kansas City

Education

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Kansas City

Browse open journalist positions in Kansas City, MO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Kansas City

How much does a Journalist make in Kansas City, MO? ▼
The median journalist salary in Kansas City, Missouri is $51,483 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $29,440 (10th percentile) to $101,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Kansas City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,483, a journalist in Kansas City earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kansas City compare to the Missouri state average for journalist pay? ▼
Kansas City's median journalist salary of $51,483 is 4.5% above the Missouri state average of $49,245. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Kansas City, MO? ▼
Kansas City has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a journalist salary of $51,483 in Kansas City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Kansas City? ▼
Most journalist positions in Kansas City 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.