Media & Communications Reading, PA Pop. 95,112

Journalist Salary in Reading, Pennsylvania

The median journalist salary in Reading, PA is $49,245 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$49,245
vs State Avg
$-4,477
vs National
$-6,715
Cost of Living
88%

Journalist Pay in Reading: What to Expect (2026)

Reading offers a median journalist salary of $49,245, which is $4,477 below the Pennsylvania state average of $53,722. Compared to the national median of $55,960, Reading pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Reading's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $49,245 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Reading an attractive option for journalists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for journalists in Reading spans from $28,160 at the 10th percentile to $96,800 at the 90th percentile — a $68,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,800, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $88,000. Reading is a smaller market (pop. 95,112), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Journalist Salary in Reading by Experience

In Reading, an entry-level journalist earns around $30,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,040
$-6,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,000
$-12,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Reading, PA

Percentile Reading
10th Percentile $28,160
25th Percentile $35,200
Median (50th) $49,245
75th Percentile $68,640
90th Percentile $96,800

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
Erie, PA
$47,006
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Journalist in Reading

Education

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Reading

Browse open journalist positions in Reading, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Reading

How much does a Journalist make in Reading, PA? ▼
The median journalist salary in Reading, Pennsylvania is $49,245 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $28,160 (10th percentile) to $96,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Reading? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,245, a journalist in Reading earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Reading compare to the Pennsylvania state average for journalist pay? ▼
Reading's median journalist salary of $49,245 is 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average of $53,722. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Reading, PA? ▼
Reading has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a journalist salary of $49,245 in Reading has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Reading? ▼
Most journalist positions in Reading 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.