Media & Communications West Virginia (WV) Rank #49 of 50

Journalist Salary in West Virginia

The median journalist salary in West Virginia is $47,006 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $55,960.

Median Salary
$47,006
vs National
$-8,954
State Rank
#49 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Journalist Salary in West Virginia by Experience

In West Virginia, an entry-level journalist earns around $29,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,000 per year. The cost of living index in West Virginia is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,400
$-5,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,720
$-9,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$84,000
$-16,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in West Virginia

Percentile WV Salary
10th Percentile $26,880
25th Percentile $33,600
Median (50th) $47,006
75th Percentile $65,520
90th Percentile $92,400

Journalist Salary by City in West Virginia

The largest employment areas for journalists in West Virginia include Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, and Parkersburg. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Charleston, WV
$49,245
Pop. 48,006 · COL 88%
Huntington, WV
$45,887
Pop. 46,842 · COL 82%
Morgantown, WV
$50,364
Pop. 30,955 · COL 90%
Parkersburg, WV
$44,768
Pop. 29,675 · COL 80%
Wheeling, WV
$43,649
Pop. 26,711 · COL 78%

How to Become a Journalist in West Virginia

Education

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

Key Skills

WritingInvestigative ResearchInterviewingAP StyleCMS PlatformsSocial Media

Job Outlook in West Virginia

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

Find Journalist Jobs in West Virginia

Browse open journalist positions in West Virginia:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in West Virginia

How much does a Journalist make in West Virginia? ▼
The median journalist salary in West Virginia is $47,006 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $26,880 (10th percentile) to $92,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in West Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,006, a journalist in West Virginia earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is West Virginia a good state for journalists? ▼
West Virginia ranks #49 out of 50 states for journalist pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level journalists earn $29,400, while senior professionals earn $84,000.
How does West Virginia compare to other states for journalist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for journalists is Hawaii at $95,132. West Virginia's median of $47,006 ranks #49 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Oklahoma ($48,126) and Arkansas ($47,006).
What is the entry-level journalist salary in West Virginia? ▼
An entry-level journalist in West Virginia earns approximately $29,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $48,720. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $84,000.
What city in West Virginia pays journalists the most? ▼
Morgantown is the highest paying city in West Virginia for journalists, with a median salary of $50,364. Other cities include Charleston and Huntington.