Media & Communications Erie, PA Pop. 94,831

Journalist Salary in Erie, Pennsylvania

The median journalist salary in Erie, PA is $47,006 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$47,006
vs State Avg
$-6,716
vs National
$-8,954
Cost of Living
84%

Journalist Pay in Erie: What to Expect (2026)

Erie offers a median journalist salary of $47,006, which is $6,716 below the Pennsylvania state average of $53,722. Compared to the national median of $55,960, Erie pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Erie's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $47,006 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Erie an attractive option for journalists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for journalists in Erie spans from $26,880 at the 10th percentile to $92,400 at the 90th percentile — a $65,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,400, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $84,000. Erie is a smaller market (pop. 94,831), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Journalist Salary in Erie by Experience

In Erie, an entry-level journalist earns around $29,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,400
$-5,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,720
$-9,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$84,000
$-16,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Erie, PA

Percentile Erie
10th Percentile $26,880
25th Percentile $33,600
Median (50th) $47,006
75th Percentile $65,520
90th Percentile $92,400

Journalist Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$57,079
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$52,602
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$52,043
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$49,245
Pop. 95,112

How to Become a Journalist in Erie

Education

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Erie

Browse open journalist positions in Erie, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Erie

How much does a Journalist make in Erie, PA? ▼
The median journalist salary in Erie, Pennsylvania is $47,006 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $26,880 (10th percentile) to $92,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Erie? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,006, a journalist in Erie earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Erie compare to the Pennsylvania state average for journalist pay? ▼
Erie's median journalist salary of $47,006 is 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average of $53,722. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Erie, PA? ▼
Erie has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a journalist salary of $47,006 in Erie has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Erie? ▼
Most journalist positions in Erie 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.