Media & Communications Tacoma, WA Pop. 219,346

Journalist Salary in Tacoma, Washington

The median journalist salary in Tacoma, WA is $61,556 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 4.3% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$61,556
vs State Avg
$-2,798
vs National
+$5,596
Cost of Living
110%

Journalist Salary in Tacoma by Experience

In Tacoma, an entry-level journalist earns around $38,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $110,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,500
+$3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$63,800
+$5,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$110,000
+$10,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tacoma, WA

Percentile Tacoma
10th Percentile $35,200
25th Percentile $44,000
Median (50th) $61,556
75th Percentile $85,800
90th Percentile $121,000

Journalist Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$85,059
Pop. 151,854
Seattle, WA
$82,821
Pop. 737,015
Vancouver, WA
$57,079
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$51,483
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Journalist in Tacoma

Education

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Tacoma

Browse open journalist positions in Tacoma, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Tacoma

How much does a Journalist make in Tacoma, WA? ▼
The median journalist salary in Tacoma, Washington is $61,556 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $35,200 (10th percentile) to $121,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Tacoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $61,556, a journalist in Tacoma earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tacoma compare to the Washington state average for journalist pay? ▼
Tacoma's median journalist salary of $61,556 is 4.3% below the Washington state average of $64,354. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tacoma, WA? ▼
Tacoma has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a journalist salary of $61,556 in Tacoma has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Tacoma? ▼
Most journalist positions in Tacoma 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.