Media & Communications North Carolina (NC) Rank #29 of 50

Journalist Salary in North Carolina

The median journalist salary in North Carolina is $51,483 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $55,960.

Median Salary
$51,483
vs National
$-4,477
State Rank
#29 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Journalist Salary in North Carolina by Experience

In North Carolina, an entry-level journalist earns around $32,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,000 per year. The cost of living index in North Carolina is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,200
$-2,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,360
$-4,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,000
$-8,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in North Carolina

Percentile NC Salary
10th Percentile $29,440
25th Percentile $36,800
Median (50th) $51,483
75th Percentile $71,760
90th Percentile $101,200

Journalist Salary by City in North Carolina

The largest employment areas for journalists in North Carolina include Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and Greensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Charlotte, NC
$54,841
Pop. 874,579 · COL 98%
Raleigh, NC
$54,841
Pop. 467,665 · COL 98%
Durham, NC
$53,162
Pop. 283,506 · COL 95%
Greensboro, NC
$49,245
Pop. 299,035 · COL 88%
Winston-Salem, NC
$48,126
Pop. 249,545 · COL 86%

How to Become a Journalist in North Carolina

Education

Most journalist positions require a bachelor's degree. North Carolina has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

WritingInvestigative ResearchInterviewingAP StyleCMS PlatformsSocial Media

Job Outlook in North Carolina

Nationally, journalist employment is projected to grow -3% over the next decade (decline). North Carolina's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Journalist Jobs in North Carolina

Browse open journalist positions in North Carolina:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in North Carolina

How much does a Journalist make in North Carolina? ▼
The median journalist salary in North Carolina is $51,483 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $29,440 (10th percentile) to $101,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in North Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,483, a journalist in North Carolina earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Carolina a good state for journalists? ▼
North Carolina ranks #29 out of 50 states for journalist pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level journalists earn $32,200, while senior professionals earn $92,000.
How does North Carolina compare to other states for journalist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for journalists is Hawaii at $95,132. North Carolina's median of $51,483 ranks #29 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Georgia ($52,043) and New Mexico ($52,043).
What is the entry-level journalist salary in North Carolina? ▼
An entry-level journalist in North Carolina earns approximately $32,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $53,360. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $92,000.
What city in North Carolina pays journalists the most? ▼
Charlotte is the highest paying city in North Carolina for journalists, with a median salary of $54,841. Other cities include Raleigh and Durham.