Media & Communications Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Journalist Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median journalist salary in Arlington, VA is $73,867 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median and 26.9% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$73,867
vs State Avg
+$15,669
vs National
+$17,907
Cost of Living
132%

Journalist Pay in Arlington: What to Expect (2026)

Arlington offers a median journalist salary of $73,867, which is $15,669 above the Virginia state average of $58,198. Compared to the national median of $55,960, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $73,867 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $55,960. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for journalists in Arlington spans from $42,240 at the 10th percentile to $145,200 at the 90th percentile — a $102,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,200, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $132,000. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Journalist Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level journalist earns around $46,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $132,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,200
+$11,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$76,560
+$18,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$132,000
+$32,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $42,240
25th Percentile $52,800
Median (50th) $73,867
75th Percentile $102,960
90th Percentile $145,200

Journalist Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA
$57,079
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$55,960
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$54,841
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$53,722
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Journalist in Arlington

Education

Most journalist positions require a bachelor's degree. Arlington and the surrounding Virginia 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 Arlington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Journalist Jobs in Arlington

Browse open journalist positions in Arlington, VA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Arlington

How much does a Journalist make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median journalist salary in Arlington, Virginia is $73,867 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $42,240 (10th percentile) to $145,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,867, a journalist in Arlington earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for journalist pay? ▼
Arlington's median journalist salary of $73,867 is 26.9% above the Virginia state average of $58,198. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a journalist salary of $73,867 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Arlington? ▼
Most journalist positions in Arlington 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.