Journalist Salary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The median journalist salary in Pittsburgh, PA is $52,043 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 3.1% below the Pennsylvania state average.
Journalist Pay in Pittsburgh: What to Expect (2026)
Pittsburgh offers a median journalist salary of $52,043, which is $1,679 below the Pennsylvania state average of $53,722. Compared to the national median of $55,960, Pittsburgh pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Pittsburgh's cost of living is 93% 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 Pittsburgh spans from $29,760 at the 10th percentile to $102,300 at the 90th percentile — a $72,540 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,550, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $93,000. With a population of 302,971, Pittsburgh is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Journalist Salary in Pittsburgh by Experience
In Pittsburgh, an entry-level journalist earns around $32,550, while experienced professionals earn up to $93,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Pittsburgh, PA
| Percentile | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $29,760 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,200 |
| Median (50th) | $52,043 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,540 |
| 90th Percentile | $102,300 |
Journalist Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities
How to Become a Journalist in Pittsburgh
Education
Most journalist positions require a bachelor's degree. Pittsburgh and the surrounding Pennsylvania area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, journalist employment is projected to grow -3% over the next decade (decline). Demand in Pittsburgh may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Journalist Jobs in Pittsburgh
Browse open journalist positions in Pittsburgh, PA: