Media & Communications Pennsylvania (PA) Rank #23 of 50

Journalist Salary in Pennsylvania

The median journalist salary in Pennsylvania is $53,722 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $55,960.

Median Salary
$53,722
vs National
$-2,238
State Rank
#23 of 50
Cost of Living
96%

Journalist Salary in Pennsylvania by Experience

In Pennsylvania, an entry-level journalist earns around $33,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,000 per year. The cost of living index in Pennsylvania is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,600
$-1,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,680
$-2,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,000
$-4,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Pennsylvania

Percentile PA Salary
10th Percentile $30,720
25th Percentile $38,400
Median (50th) $53,722
75th Percentile $74,880
90th Percentile $105,600

Journalist Salary by City in Pennsylvania

The largest employment areas for journalists in Pennsylvania include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Reading. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Philadelphia, PA
$57,079
Pop. 1,603,797 · COL 102%
Pittsburgh, PA
$52,043
Pop. 302,971 · COL 93%
Allentown, PA
$52,602
Pop. 126,092 · COL 94%
Reading, PA
$49,245
Pop. 95,112 · COL 88%
Erie, PA
$47,006
Pop. 94,831 · COL 84%

How to Become a Journalist in Pennsylvania

Education

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

Key Skills

WritingInvestigative ResearchInterviewingAP StyleCMS PlatformsSocial Media

Job Outlook in Pennsylvania

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Pennsylvania

Browse open journalist positions in Pennsylvania:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Pennsylvania

How much does a Journalist make in Pennsylvania? ▼
The median journalist salary in Pennsylvania is $53,722 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $30,720 (10th percentile) to $105,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Pennsylvania? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,722, a journalist in Pennsylvania earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for journalists? ▼
Pennsylvania ranks #23 out of 50 states for journalist pay. The cost of living index is 96% of the national average. Entry-level journalists earn $33,600, while senior professionals earn $96,000.
How does Pennsylvania compare to other states for journalist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for journalists is Hawaii at $95,132. Pennsylvania's median of $53,722 ranks #23 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Nevada ($54,281) and Utah ($54,281).
What is the entry-level journalist salary in Pennsylvania? ▼
An entry-level journalist in Pennsylvania earns approximately $33,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $55,680. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $96,000.
What city in Pennsylvania pays journalists the most? ▼
Philadelphia is the highest paying city in Pennsylvania for journalists, with a median salary of $57,079. Other cities include Pittsburgh and Allentown.