Journalist Salary in Raleigh, North Carolina
The median journalist salary in Raleigh, NC is $54,841 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 6.5% above the North Carolina state average.
Journalist Pay in Raleigh: What to Expect (2026)
Raleigh offers a median journalist salary of $54,841, which is $3,358 above the North Carolina state average of $51,483. Compared to the national median of $55,960, Raleigh pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Raleigh's cost of living is 98% 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 Raleigh spans from $31,360 at the 10th percentile to $107,800 at the 90th percentile — a $76,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,300, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $98,000. With a population of 467,665, Raleigh is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Journalist Salary in Raleigh by Experience
In Raleigh, an entry-level journalist earns around $34,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $98,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Raleigh, NC
| Percentile | Raleigh |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $31,360 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,200 |
| Median (50th) | $54,841 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,440 |
| 90th Percentile | $107,800 |
Journalist Salary in Other North Carolina Cities
How to Become a Journalist in Raleigh
Education
Most journalist positions require a bachelor's degree. Raleigh and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, journalist employment is projected to grow -3% over the next decade (decline). Demand in Raleigh may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Journalist Jobs in Raleigh
Browse open journalist positions in Raleigh, NC: