Media & Communications Spokane, WA Pop. 228,989

Journalist Salary in Spokane, Washington

The median journalist salary in Spokane, WA is $51,483 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 20% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$51,483
vs State Avg
$-12,871
vs National
$-4,477
Cost of Living
92%

Journalist Pay in Spokane: What to Expect (2026)

Spokane offers a median journalist salary of $51,483, which is $12,871 below the Washington state average of $64,354. Compared to the national median of $55,960, Spokane pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Spokane's cost of living is 92% 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 Spokane spans from $29,440 at the 10th percentile to $101,200 at the 90th percentile — a $71,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,200, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $92,000. With a population of 228,989, Spokane is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Journalist Salary in Spokane by Experience

In Spokane, an entry-level journalist earns around $32,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,200
$-2,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,360
$-4,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,000
$-8,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Spokane, WA

Percentile Spokane
10th Percentile $29,440
25th Percentile $36,800
Median (50th) $51,483
75th Percentile $71,760
90th Percentile $101,200

Journalist Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$85,059
Pop. 151,854
Seattle, WA
$82,821
Pop. 737,015
Tacoma, WA
$61,556
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$57,079
Pop. 190,915

How to Become a Journalist in Spokane

Education

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Spokane

Browse open journalist positions in Spokane, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Spokane

How much does a Journalist make in Spokane, WA? ▼
The median journalist salary in Spokane, Washington is $51,483 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $29,440 (10th percentile) to $101,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Spokane? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,483, a journalist in Spokane earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Spokane compare to the Washington state average for journalist pay? ▼
Spokane's median journalist salary of $51,483 is 20% below the Washington state average of $64,354. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Spokane, WA? ▼
Spokane has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a journalist salary of $51,483 in Spokane has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Spokane? ▼
Most journalist positions in Spokane 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.