Media & Communications Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Journalist Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median journalist salary in Philadelphia, PA is $57,079 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 6.2% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$57,079
vs State Avg
+$3,357
vs National
+$1,119
Cost of Living
102%

Journalist Pay in Philadelphia: What to Expect (2026)

Philadelphia offers a median journalist salary of $57,079, which is $3,357 above the Pennsylvania state average of $53,722. Compared to the national median of $55,960, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia's cost of living is 102% 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 Philadelphia spans from $32,640 at the 10th percentile to $112,200 at the 90th percentile — a $79,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,700, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $102,000. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Journalist Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia, PA

Percentile Philadelphia
10th Percentile $32,640
25th Percentile $40,800
Median (50th) $57,079
75th Percentile $79,560
90th Percentile $112,200

Journalist Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Allentown, PA
$52,602
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$52,043
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$49,245
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$47,006
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Journalist in Philadelphia

Education

Most journalist positions require a bachelor's degree. Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Journalist Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open journalist positions in Philadelphia, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Journalist make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median journalist salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,079, a journalist in Philadelphia earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for journalist pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median journalist salary of $57,079 is 6.2% above the Pennsylvania state average of $53,722. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a journalist salary of $57,079 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Philadelphia? ▼
Most journalist positions in Philadelphia 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.