Media & Communications Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Journalist Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median journalist salary in Columbia, SC is $50,364 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$50,364
vs State Avg
+$560
vs National
$-5,596
Cost of Living
90%

Journalist Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level journalist earns around $31,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,500
$-3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,200
$-5,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$90,000
$-10,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $28,800
25th Percentile $36,000
Median (50th) $50,364
75th Percentile $70,200
90th Percentile $99,000

Journalist Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$58,758
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$55,960
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$53,162
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$51,483
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a Journalist in Columbia

Education

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Columbia

Browse open journalist positions in Columbia, SC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Columbia

How much does a Journalist make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median journalist salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $50,364 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $28,800 (10th percentile) to $99,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,364, a journalist in Columbia earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for journalist pay? ▼
Columbia's median journalist salary of $50,364 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $49,804. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, SC? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a journalist salary of $50,364 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Columbia? ▼
Most journalist positions in Columbia 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.