Media & Communications Chattanooga, TN
Pop. 181,099
Journalist Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee
The median journalist salary in Chattanooga, TN is $49,245 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.
City Median
$49,245
vs State Avg
$-559
vs National
$-6,715
Cost of Living
88%
Journalist Salary in Chattanooga by Experience
In Chattanooga, 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 Chattanooga, TN
| Percentile | Chattanooga |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $28,160 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,200 |
| Median (50th) | $49,245 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,640 |
| 90th Percentile | $96,800 |
Journalist Salary in Other Tennessee Cities
How to Become a Journalist in Chattanooga
Education
Most journalist positions require a bachelor's degree. Chattanooga and the surrounding Tennessee 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 Chattanooga may vary based on local industry and population growth.