Media & Communications Racine, WI Pop. 77,816

Journalist Salary in Racine, Wisconsin

The median journalist salary in Racine, WI is $48,126 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 6.5% below the Wisconsin state average.

City Median
$48,126
vs State Avg
$-3,357
vs National
$-7,834
Cost of Living
86%

Journalist Pay in Racine: What to Expect (2026)

Racine offers a median journalist salary of $48,126, which is $3,357 below the Wisconsin state average of $51,483. Compared to the national median of $55,960, Racine pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Racine's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $48,126 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Racine an attractive option for journalists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for journalists in Racine spans from $27,520 at the 10th percentile to $94,600 at the 90th percentile — a $67,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,100, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $86,000. Racine is a smaller market (pop. 77,816), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Journalist Salary in Racine by Experience

In Racine, an entry-level journalist earns around $30,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,100
$-4,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,880
$-8,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$86,000
$-14,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Racine, WI

Percentile Racine
10th Percentile $27,520
25th Percentile $34,400
Median (50th) $48,126
75th Percentile $67,080
90th Percentile $94,600

Journalist Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities

Madison, WI
$55,960
Pop. 269,840
Milwaukee, WI
$51,483
Pop. 577,222
Kenosha, WI
$50,364
Pop. 99,986
Green Bay, WI
$49,245
Pop. 107,395

How to Become a Journalist in Racine

Education

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

Find Journalist Jobs in Racine

Browse open journalist positions in Racine, WI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Racine

How much does a Journalist make in Racine, WI? ▼
The median journalist salary in Racine, Wisconsin is $48,126 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $27,520 (10th percentile) to $94,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Racine? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,126, a journalist in Racine earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Racine compare to the Wisconsin state average for journalist pay? ▼
Racine's median journalist salary of $48,126 is 6.5% below the Wisconsin state average of $51,483. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Racine, WI? ▼
Racine has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a journalist salary of $48,126 in Racine has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Racine? ▼
Most journalist positions in Racine 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.