Media & Communications Wisconsin (WI) Rank #31 of 50

Journalist Salary in Wisconsin

The median journalist salary in Wisconsin is $51,483 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $55,960.

Median Salary
$51,483
vs National
$-4,477
State Rank
#31 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Journalist Salary in Wisconsin by Experience

In Wisconsin, an entry-level journalist earns around $32,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,000 per year. The cost of living index in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin

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

Journalist Salary by City in Wisconsin

The largest employment areas for journalists in Wisconsin include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Milwaukee, WI
$51,483
Pop. 577,222 · COL 92%
Madison, WI
$55,960
Pop. 269,840 · COL 100%
Green Bay, WI
$49,245
Pop. 107,395 · COL 88%
Kenosha, WI
$50,364
Pop. 99,986 · COL 90%
Racine, WI
$48,126
Pop. 77,816 · COL 86%

How to Become a Journalist in Wisconsin

Education

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

Key Skills

WritingInvestigative ResearchInterviewingAP StyleCMS PlatformsSocial Media

Job Outlook in Wisconsin

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Wisconsin

Browse open journalist positions in Wisconsin:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Wisconsin

How much does a Journalist make in Wisconsin? ▼
The median journalist salary in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,483, a journalist in Wisconsin earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Wisconsin a good state for journalists? ▼
Wisconsin ranks #31 out of 50 states for journalist pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level journalists earn $32,200, while senior professionals earn $92,000.
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for journalist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for journalists is Hawaii at $95,132. Wisconsin's median of $51,483 ranks #31 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Carolina ($51,483) and Texas ($51,483).
What is the entry-level journalist salary in Wisconsin? ▼
An entry-level journalist in Wisconsin earns approximately $32,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $53,360. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $92,000.
What city in Wisconsin pays journalists the most? ▼
Madison is the highest paying city in Wisconsin for journalists, with a median salary of $55,960. Other cities include Milwaukee and Green Bay.