Media & Communications Lincoln, NE Pop. 291,082

Journalist Salary in Lincoln, Nebraska

The median journalist salary in Lincoln, NE is $50,364 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 0.0% above the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$50,364
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-5,596
Cost of Living
90%

Journalist Pay in Lincoln: What to Expect (2026)

Lincoln offers a median journalist salary of $50,364, which is $0 above the Nebraska state average of $50,364. Compared to the national median of $55,960, Lincoln pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Lincoln's cost of living is 90% 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 Lincoln spans from $28,800 at the 10th percentile to $99,000 at the 90th percentile — a $70,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,500, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $90,000. With a population of 291,082, Lincoln is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Journalist Salary in Lincoln by Experience

In Lincoln, an entry-level journalist earns around $31,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,500
$-3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,200
$-5,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$90,000
$-10,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lincoln, NE

Percentile Lincoln
10th Percentile $28,800
25th Percentile $36,000
Median (50th) $50,364
75th Percentile $70,200
90th Percentile $99,000

Journalist Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$52,043
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$51,483
Pop. 64,176
Kearney, NE
$48,126
Pop. 33,464
Grand Island, NE
$47,006
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Journalist in Lincoln

Education

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Lincoln

Browse open journalist positions in Lincoln, NE:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Lincoln

How much does a Journalist make in Lincoln, NE? ▼
The median journalist salary in Lincoln, Nebraska is $50,364 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $28,800 (10th percentile) to $99,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Lincoln? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,364, a journalist in Lincoln earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lincoln compare to the Nebraska state average for journalist pay? ▼
Lincoln's median journalist salary of $50,364 is 0.0% above the Nebraska state average of $50,364. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lincoln, NE? ▼
Lincoln has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a journalist salary of $50,364 in Lincoln has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Lincoln? ▼
Most journalist positions in Lincoln 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.