Media & Communications Richmond, VA Pop. 226,610

Journalist Salary in Richmond, Virginia

The median journalist salary in Richmond, VA is $55,960 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 3.8% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$55,960
vs State Avg
$-2,238
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

Journalist Pay in Richmond: What to Expect (2026)

Richmond offers a median journalist salary of $55,960, which is $2,238 below the Virginia state average of $58,198. Compared to the national median of $55,960, Richmond pays above average for this role.

Richmond's cost of living is 100% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for journalists in Richmond spans from $32,000 at the 10th percentile to $110,000 at the 90th percentile — a $78,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,000, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $100,000. With a population of 226,610, Richmond is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Journalist Salary in Richmond by Experience

In Richmond, an entry-level journalist earns around $35,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $100,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$100,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Richmond, VA

Percentile Richmond
10th Percentile $32,000
25th Percentile $40,000
Median (50th) $55,960
75th Percentile $78,000
90th Percentile $110,000

Journalist Salary in Other Virginia Cities

How to Become a Journalist in Richmond

Education

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Richmond

Browse open journalist positions in Richmond, VA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Richmond

How much does a Journalist make in Richmond, VA? ▼
The median journalist salary in Richmond, Virginia is $55,960 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $32,000 (10th percentile) to $110,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Richmond? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,960, a journalist in Richmond earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Richmond compare to the Virginia state average for journalist pay? ▼
Richmond's median journalist salary of $55,960 is 3.8% below the Virginia state average of $58,198. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Richmond, VA? ▼
Richmond has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a journalist salary of $55,960 in Richmond has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Richmond? ▼
Most journalist positions in Richmond 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.