▼24%
$20.23
Avg. Base Hourly Rate (USD)
/ hour
Avg. Base Hourly Rate (USD)
10%
$14.11
MEDIAN
$20.23
90%
$32.66
The average hourly pay for a Journalist is $20.23 in 2026
Hourly Rate
$14 - $33
Bonus
$55 - $6k
Total Pay
$28k - $68k
Is Average Early-Career Journalist with Online Research Skills Hourly Pay your job title? Find out what you should be paid
Use our tool to get a personalized report on your market worth.What's this?
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Journalists?
What Do Journalists Do?
Find your market worth – how it works:
Common Health Benefits for a Journalist
Medical
33%
Dental
33%
Vision
22%
None
67%
Gender Breakdown for Journalists
Female
73.7%
Male
21.1%
Prefer to self-define
5.3%
This data is based on 19 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Journalists
What is the highest pay for Journalists?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Journalist is $32.66 / hour
What is the lowest pay for Journalists?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Journalist is $14.11 / hour
How can Journalists increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a Journalist is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a Journalist that oversees more junior Journalists, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.