Media & Communications Salem, OR
Pop. 175,535
Journalist Salary in Salem, Oregon
The median journalist salary in Salem, OR is $57,079 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 7.3% below the Oregon state average.
City Median
$57,079
vs State Avg
$-4,477
vs National
+$1,119
Cost of Living
102%
Journalist Salary in Salem by Experience
In Salem, an entry-level journalist earns around $35,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $102,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,700
+$700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,160
+$1,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$102,000
+$2,000 vs national
Salary Percentiles in Salem, OR
| Percentile | Salem |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $32,640 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,800 |
| Median (50th) | $57,079 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,560 |
| 90th Percentile | $112,200 |
Journalist Salary in Other Oregon Cities
How to Become a Journalist in Salem
Education
Most journalist positions require a bachelor's degree. Salem and the surrounding Oregon 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 Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Journalist Jobs in Salem
Browse open journalist positions in Salem, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Salem
How much does a Journalist make in Salem, OR? ▼
The median journalist salary in Salem, Oregon is $57,079 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $32,640 (10th percentile) to $112,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Salem? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,079, a journalist in Salem earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Salem compare to the Oregon state average for journalist pay? ▼
Salem's median journalist salary of $57,079 is 7.3% below the Oregon state average of $61,556. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Salem, OR? ▼
Salem has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a journalist salary of $57,079 in Salem has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Salem? ▼
Most journalist positions in Salem 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.