Media & Communications Memphis, TN Pop. 633,104

Journalist Salary in Memphis, Tennessee

The median journalist salary in Memphis, TN is $48,126 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 3.4% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$48,126
vs State Avg
$-1,678
vs National
$-7,834
Cost of Living
86%

Journalist Pay in Memphis: What to Expect (2026)

Memphis offers a median journalist salary of $48,126, which is $1,678 below the Tennessee state average of $49,804. Compared to the national median of $55,960, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Memphis's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $48,126 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Memphis an attractive option for journalists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for journalists in Memphis spans from $27,520 at the 10th percentile to $94,600 at the 90th percentile — a $67,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,100, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $86,000. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Journalist Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, an entry-level journalist earns around $30,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,100
$-4,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,880
$-8,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$86,000
$-14,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Memphis, TN

Percentile Memphis
10th Percentile $27,520
25th Percentile $34,400
Median (50th) $48,126
75th Percentile $67,080
90th Percentile $94,600

Journalist Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$55,960
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$51,483
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$49,245
Pop. 190,740
Chattanooga, TN
$49,245
Pop. 181,099

How to Become a Journalist in Memphis

Education

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Memphis

Browse open journalist positions in Memphis, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Memphis

How much does a Journalist make in Memphis, TN? ▼
The median journalist salary in Memphis, Tennessee is $48,126 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $27,520 (10th percentile) to $94,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Memphis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,126, a journalist in Memphis earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee state average for journalist pay? ▼
Memphis's median journalist salary of $48,126 is 3.4% below the Tennessee state average of $49,804. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Memphis, TN? ▼
Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a journalist salary of $48,126 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Memphis? ▼
Most journalist positions in Memphis 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.