Media & Communications Washington (WA) Rank #7 of 50

Journalist Salary in Washington

The median journalist salary in Washington is $64,354 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $55,960.

Median Salary
$64,354
vs National
+$8,394
State Rank
#7 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Journalist Salary in Washington by Experience

In Washington, an entry-level journalist earns around $40,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $115,000 per year. The cost of living index in Washington is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,250
+$5,250 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,700
+$8,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$115,000
+$15,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Washington

Percentile WA Salary
10th Percentile $36,800
25th Percentile $46,000
Median (50th) $64,354
75th Percentile $89,700
90th Percentile $126,500

Journalist Salary by City in Washington

The largest employment areas for journalists in Washington include Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Bellevue. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Journalist in Washington

Education

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

Key Skills

WritingInvestigative ResearchInterviewingAP StyleCMS PlatformsSocial Media

Job Outlook in Washington

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