Media & Communications Virginia (VA) Rank #14 of 50

Journalist Salary in Virginia

The median journalist salary in Virginia is $58,198 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $55,960.

Median Salary
$58,198
vs National
+$2,238
State Rank
#14 of 50
Cost of Living
104%

Journalist Salary in Virginia by Experience

In Virginia, an entry-level journalist earns around $36,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $104,000 per year. The cost of living index in Virginia is 104% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,400
+$1,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,320
+$2,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$104,000
+$4,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Virginia

Percentile VA Salary
10th Percentile $33,280
25th Percentile $41,600
Median (50th) $58,198
75th Percentile $81,120
90th Percentile $114,400

Journalist Salary by City in Virginia

The largest employment areas for journalists in Virginia include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, and Arlington. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Virginia Beach, VA
$57,079
Pop. 449,974 · COL 102%
Norfolk, VA
$53,722
Pop. 238,005 · COL 96%
Richmond, VA
$55,960
Pop. 226,610 · COL 100%
Arlington, VA
$73,867
Pop. 238,643 · COL 132%
Chesapeake, VA
$54,841
Pop. 249,422 · COL 98%

How to Become a Journalist in Virginia

Education

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

Key Skills

WritingInvestigative ResearchInterviewingAP StyleCMS PlatformsSocial Media

Job Outlook in Virginia

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Virginia

Browse open journalist positions in Virginia:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Virginia

How much does a Journalist make in Virginia? ▼
The median journalist salary in Virginia is $58,198 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $33,280 (10th percentile) to $114,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,198, a journalist in Virginia earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Virginia a good state for journalists? ▼
Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for journalist pay. The cost of living index is 104% of the national average. Entry-level journalists earn $36,400, while senior professionals earn $104,000.
How does Virginia compare to other states for journalist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for journalists is Hawaii at $95,132. Virginia's median of $58,198 ranks #14 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Hampshire ($58,758) and Rhode Island ($58,758).
What is the entry-level journalist salary in Virginia? ▼
An entry-level journalist in Virginia earns approximately $36,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $60,320. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $104,000.
What city in Virginia pays journalists the most? ▼
Arlington is the highest paying city in Virginia for journalists, with a median salary of $73,867. Other cities include Virginia Beach and Norfolk.