Media & Communications Tennessee (TN) Rank #41 of 50

Journalist Salary in Tennessee

The median journalist salary in Tennessee is $49,804 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $55,960.

Median Salary
$49,804
vs National
$-6,156
State Rank
#41 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Journalist Salary in Tennessee by Experience

In Tennessee, an entry-level journalist earns around $31,150, while experienced professionals earn up to $89,000 per year. The cost of living index in Tennessee is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,150
$-3,850 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,620
$-6,380 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$89,000
$-11,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tennessee

Percentile TN Salary
10th Percentile $28,480
25th Percentile $35,600
Median (50th) $49,804
75th Percentile $69,420
90th Percentile $97,900

Journalist Salary by City in Tennessee

The largest employment areas for journalists in Tennessee include Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Nashville, TN
$55,960
Pop. 689,447 · COL 100%
Memphis, TN
$48,126
Pop. 633,104 · COL 86%
Knoxville, TN
$49,245
Pop. 190,740 · COL 88%
Chattanooga, TN
$49,245
Pop. 181,099 · COL 88%
Murfreesboro, TN
$51,483
Pop. 152,769 · COL 92%

How to Become a Journalist in Tennessee

Education

Most journalist positions require a bachelor's degree. Tennessee has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

WritingInvestigative ResearchInterviewingAP StyleCMS PlatformsSocial Media

Job Outlook in Tennessee

Nationally, journalist employment is projected to grow -3% over the next decade (decline). Tennessee's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Journalist Jobs in Tennessee

Browse open journalist positions in Tennessee:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Tennessee

How much does a Journalist make in Tennessee? ▼
The median journalist salary in Tennessee is $49,804 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $28,480 (10th percentile) to $97,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Tennessee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,804, a journalist in Tennessee earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Tennessee a good state for journalists? ▼
Tennessee ranks #41 out of 50 states for journalist pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level journalists earn $31,150, while senior professionals earn $89,000.
How does Tennessee compare to other states for journalist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for journalists is Hawaii at $95,132. Tennessee's median of $49,804 ranks #41 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Iowa ($49,804) and South Carolina ($49,804).
What is the entry-level journalist salary in Tennessee? ▼
An entry-level journalist in Tennessee earns approximately $31,150 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $51,620. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $89,000.
What city in Tennessee pays journalists the most? ▼
Nashville is the highest paying city in Tennessee for journalists, with a median salary of $55,960. Other cities include Memphis and Knoxville.