Media & Communications Springfield, MO Pop. 169,176

Journalist Salary in Springfield, Missouri

The median journalist salary in Springfield, MO is $45,887 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 6.8% below the Missouri state average.

City Median
$45,887
vs State Avg
$-3,358
vs National
$-10,073
Cost of Living
82%

Journalist Pay in Springfield: What to Expect (2026)

Springfield offers a median journalist salary of $45,887, which is $3,358 below the Missouri state average of $49,245. Compared to the national median of $55,960, Springfield pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Springfield's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $45,887 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Springfield an attractive option for journalists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for journalists in Springfield spans from $26,240 at the 10th percentile to $90,200 at the 90th percentile — a $63,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,700, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $82,000. With a population of 169,176, Springfield is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Journalist Salary in Springfield by Experience

In Springfield, an entry-level journalist earns around $28,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $82,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,700
$-6,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,560
$-10,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$82,000
$-18,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Springfield, MO

Percentile Springfield
10th Percentile $26,240
25th Percentile $32,800
Median (50th) $45,887
75th Percentile $63,960
90th Percentile $90,200

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
Independence, MO
$47,566
Pop. 123,011

How to Become a Journalist in Springfield

Education

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Springfield

Browse open journalist positions in Springfield, MO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Springfield

How much does a Journalist make in Springfield, MO? ▼
The median journalist salary in Springfield, Missouri is $45,887 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $26,240 (10th percentile) to $90,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Springfield? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,887, a journalist in Springfield earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Springfield compare to the Missouri state average for journalist pay? ▼
Springfield's median journalist salary of $45,887 is 6.8% below the Missouri state average of $49,245. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Springfield, MO? ▼
Springfield has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a journalist salary of $45,887 in Springfield has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Springfield? ▼
Most journalist positions in Springfield 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.