Media & Communications Bozeman, MT Pop. 53,293

Journalist Salary in Bozeman, Montana

The median journalist salary in Bozeman, MT is $64,354 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median and 21.1% above the Montana state average.

City Median
$64,354
vs State Avg
+$11,192
vs National
+$8,394
Cost of Living
115%

Journalist Pay in Bozeman: What to Expect (2026)

Bozeman offers a median journalist salary of $64,354, which is $11,192 above the Montana state average of $53,162. Compared to the national median of $55,960, Bozeman pays above average for this role.

However, Bozeman's cost of living index is 115%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $64,354 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $55,960. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Bozeman should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for journalists in Bozeman spans from $36,800 at the 10th percentile to $126,500 at the 90th percentile — a $89,700 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,250, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $115,000. Bozeman is a smaller market (pop. 53,293), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Journalist Salary in Bozeman by Experience

In Bozeman, an entry-level journalist earns around $40,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $115,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,250
+$5,250 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,700
+$8,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$115,000
+$15,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Bozeman, MT

Percentile Bozeman
10th Percentile $36,800
25th Percentile $46,000
Median (50th) $64,354
75th Percentile $89,700
90th Percentile $126,500

Journalist Salary in Other Montana Cities

Missoula, MT
$57,079
Pop. 75,516
Billings, MT
$53,722
Pop. 117,116
Helena, MT
$52,602
Pop. 32,315
Great Falls, MT
$49,245
Pop. 60,442

How to Become a Journalist in Bozeman

Education

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Bozeman

Browse open journalist positions in Bozeman, MT:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Bozeman

How much does a Journalist make in Bozeman, MT? ▼
The median journalist salary in Bozeman, Montana is $64,354 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $36,800 (10th percentile) to $126,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Bozeman? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,354, a journalist in Bozeman earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Bozeman compare to the Montana state average for journalist pay? ▼
Bozeman's median journalist salary of $64,354 is 21.1% above the Montana state average of $53,162. The local cost of living index is 115% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Bozeman, MT? ▼
Bozeman has a cost of living index of 115% compared to the national average. This means a journalist salary of $64,354 in Bozeman has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Bozeman? ▼
Most journalist positions in Bozeman 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.