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
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.