Media & Communications Helena, MT Pop. 32,315

Journalist Salary in Helena, Montana

The median journalist salary in Helena, MT is $52,602 per year, which is 6% below the national median and 1.1% below the Montana state average.

City Median
$52,602
vs State Avg
$-560
vs National
$-3,358
Cost of Living
94%

Journalist Salary in Helena by Experience

In Helena, an entry-level journalist earns around $32,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $94,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,900
$-2,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,520
$-3,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$94,000
$-6,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Helena, MT

Percentile Helena
10th Percentile $30,080
25th Percentile $37,600
Median (50th) $52,602
75th Percentile $73,320
90th Percentile $103,400

Journalist Salary in Other Montana Cities

How to Become a Journalist in Helena

Education

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Helena

Browse open journalist positions in Helena, MT:

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Helena

How much does a Journalist make in Helena, MT?
The median journalist salary in Helena, Montana is $52,602 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $30,080 (10th percentile) to $103,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Helena?
Based on the median annual salary of $52,602, a journalist in Helena earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Helena compare to the Montana state average for journalist pay?
Helena's median journalist salary of $52,602 is 1.1% below the Montana state average of $53,162. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Helena, MT?
Helena has a cost of living index of 94% compared to the national average. This means a journalist salary of $52,602 in Helena has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Helena?
Most journalist positions in Helena 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.