Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists salary by state
Long-term incentive is not shown for this role. Equity awards are only disclosed publicly for the named executive officers of public companies, so no market figure exists for most jobs. See executive pay disclosures.
Typical experience: varies by employer. Entry-level roles usually require little or no prior experience; senior roles typically require 5 or more years in the occupation. See the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for the specific entry path.
What News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalistss do
Write commentaries, columns, or scripts, using computers.
Coordinate and serve as an anchor on news broadcast programs.
Examine news items of local, national, and international significance to determine topics to address, or obtain assignments from editorial staff members.
Analyze and interpret news and information received from various sources to broadcast the information.
Receive assignments or evaluate leads or tips to develop story ideas.
Top skills:SpeakingWritingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningTime ManagementSocial Perceptiveness
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists pay by experience level
Entry level$37,500
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$47,000
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$64,500
Mid-career median pay
Senior$102,000
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$149,000
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
-3.9%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
4,100
projected openings per year
Declining
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists salary by industry
Broadcasting and Content Providers
20,120 workers
$121,000
Publishing Industries
16,020 workers
$68,000
Newspaper, Periodical, Book, and Directory Publishers
15,990 workers
$68,000
Radio and Television Broadcasting Stations
10,390 workers
$99,000
Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, & Other Media Networks & Content Providers
9,730 workers
$144,500
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
730 workers
$107,500
Educational Services
600 workers
$65,000
Educational Services, State Government Owned
310 workers
$60,500
Telecommunications
200 workers
$87,000
Administrative and Support Services
190 workers
$141,500
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
Typical duties and FLSA status
Core duties
Write commentaries, columns, or scripts, using computers.
Coordinate and serve as an anchor on news broadcast programs.
Examine news items of local, national, and international significance to determine topics to address, or obtain assignments from editorial staff members.
Analyze and interpret news and information received from various sources to broadcast the information.
Receive assignments or evaluate leads or tips to develop story ideas.
FLSA classification (typical)
Typically Exempt · Professional, Administrative, or Executive exemption
Occupations in this SOC group are typically classified as Exempt when paid above the salary threshold, provided they satisfy the duties test for one of the FLSA exemption categories. Actual classification depends on the specific job duties, salary basis, and any applicable state or local rules. The current federal salary threshold for exemption is $684 per week ($35,568 per year), per the 2020 Department of Labor rule; the 2024 rule that would have raised the threshold was struck down by federal court in November 2024.
Related occupations from O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists make?
The average base salary for a News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists in the United States is $106,000 per year, or about $50.96 per hour.
What is the typical salary range?
Pay typically falls between $47,000 and $102,000 per year (25th to 75th percentile) depending on experience, location, industry, and organization size.
How does this compare with other Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media roles?
The Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media job family averages $88,500 across 45 roles tracked by WePayFairly.
Need a defensible market price for this role? WePayFairly data is compiled from published survey sources and maintained by compensation professionals.
Need News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists pay benchmarked for your organization, or defensible compensation analysis for a dispute or valuation? Grahall builds it from primary sources, backed by an expert who testifies.
