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.

Seattle, WA
$82,821
Pop. 737,015 · COL 148%
Spokane, WA
$51,483
Pop. 228,989 · COL 92%
Tacoma, WA
$61,556
Pop. 219,346 · COL 110%
Bellevue, WA
$85,059
Pop. 151,854 · COL 152%
Vancouver, WA
$57,079
Pop. 190,915 · COL 102%

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.

Find Journalist Jobs in Washington

Browse open journalist positions in Washington:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Washington

How much does a Journalist make in Washington? ▼
The median journalist salary in Washington is $64,354 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $36,800 (10th percentile) to $126,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Washington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,354, a journalist in Washington earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Washington a good state for journalists? ▼
Washington ranks #7 out of 50 states for journalist pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level journalists earn $40,250, while senior professionals earn $115,000.
How does Washington compare to other states for journalist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for journalists is Hawaii at $95,132. Washington's median of $64,354 ranks #7 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New York ($68,271) and New Jersey ($64,354).
What is the entry-level journalist salary in Washington? ▼
An entry-level journalist in Washington earns approximately $40,250 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $66,700. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $115,000.
What city in Washington pays journalists the most? ▼
Bellevue is the highest paying city in Washington for journalists, with a median salary of $85,059. Other cities include Seattle and Spokane.