Media & Communications Seattle, WA Pop. 737,015

Journalist Salary in Seattle, Washington

The median journalist salary in Seattle, WA is $82,821 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median and 28.7% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$82,821
vs State Avg
+$18,467
vs National
+$26,861
Cost of Living
148%

Journalist Salary in Seattle by Experience

In Seattle, an entry-level journalist earns around $51,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $148,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,800
+$16,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$85,840
+$27,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$148,000
+$48,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Seattle, WA

Percentile Seattle
10th Percentile $47,360
25th Percentile $59,200
Median (50th) $82,821
75th Percentile $115,440
90th Percentile $162,800

Journalist Salary in Other Washington Cities

How to Become a Journalist in Seattle

Education

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