Media & Communications Jersey City, NJ Pop. 292,449

Journalist Salary in Jersey City, New Jersey

The median journalist salary in Jersey City, NJ is $71,629 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median and 11.3% above the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$71,629
vs State Avg
+$7,275
vs National
+$15,669
Cost of Living
128%

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

Jersey City offers a median journalist salary of $71,629, which is $7,275 above the New Jersey state average of $64,354. Compared to the national median of $55,960, Jersey City pays above average for this role.

However, Jersey City's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $71,629 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $55,960. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Jersey City should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for journalists in Jersey City spans from $40,960 at the 10th percentile to $140,800 at the 90th percentile — a $99,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,800, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $128,000. With a population of 292,449, Jersey City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Journalist Salary in Jersey City by Experience

In Jersey City, an entry-level journalist earns around $44,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $128,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,800
+$9,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,240
+$16,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$128,000
+$28,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Jersey City, NJ

Percentile Jersey City
10th Percentile $40,960
25th Percentile $51,200
Median (50th) $71,629
75th Percentile $99,840
90th Percentile $140,800

Journalist Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

Edison, NJ
$64,354
Pop. 107,588
Newark, NJ
$62,675
Pop. 311,549
Elizabeth, NJ
$60,437
Pop. 137,298
Paterson, NJ
$58,758
Pop. 159,732

How to Become a Journalist in Jersey City

Education

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Jersey City

Browse open journalist positions in Jersey City, NJ:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Jersey City

How much does a Journalist make in Jersey City, NJ? ▼
The median journalist salary in Jersey City, New Jersey is $71,629 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $40,960 (10th percentile) to $140,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Jersey City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,629, a journalist in Jersey City earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Jersey City compare to the New Jersey state average for journalist pay? ▼
Jersey City's median journalist salary of $71,629 is 11.3% above the New Jersey state average of $64,354. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Jersey City, NJ? ▼
Jersey City has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a journalist salary of $71,629 in Jersey City has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Jersey City? ▼
Most journalist positions in Jersey 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.