Media & Communications Oklahoma City, OK Pop. 681,054

Journalist Salary in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

The median journalist salary in Oklahoma City, OK is $49,245 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.3% above the Oklahoma state average.

City Median
$49,245
vs State Avg
+$1,119
vs National
$-6,715
Cost of Living
88%

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

Oklahoma City offers a median journalist salary of $49,245, which is $1,119 above the Oklahoma state average of $48,126. Compared to the national median of $55,960, Oklahoma City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Oklahoma City's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $49,245 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Oklahoma City an attractive option for journalists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for journalists in Oklahoma City spans from $28,160 at the 10th percentile to $96,800 at the 90th percentile — a $68,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,800, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $88,000. As a major metro area with a population of 681,054, Oklahoma City typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Journalist Salary in Oklahoma City by Experience

In Oklahoma City, an entry-level journalist earns around $30,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,040
$-6,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,000
$-12,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Oklahoma City, OK

Percentile Oklahoma City
10th Percentile $28,160
25th Percentile $35,200
Median (50th) $49,245
75th Percentile $68,640
90th Percentile $96,800

Journalist Salary in Other Oklahoma Cities

Edmond, OK
$51,483
Pop. 94,054
Norman, OK
$49,245
Pop. 128,026
Broken Arrow, OK
$49,245
Pop. 113,540
Tulsa, OK
$48,126
Pop. 413,066

How to Become a Journalist in Oklahoma City

Education

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Oklahoma City

Browse open journalist positions in Oklahoma City, OK:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Oklahoma City

How much does a Journalist make in Oklahoma City, OK? ▼
The median journalist salary in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma is $49,245 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $28,160 (10th percentile) to $96,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Oklahoma City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,245, a journalist in Oklahoma City earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Oklahoma City compare to the Oklahoma state average for journalist pay? ▼
Oklahoma City's median journalist salary of $49,245 is 2.3% above the Oklahoma state average of $48,126. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Oklahoma City, OK? ▼
Oklahoma City has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a journalist salary of $49,245 in Oklahoma City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Oklahoma City? ▼
Most journalist positions in Oklahoma 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.