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Journalist Salary in Alpena, MI

How much does a journalist make in Alpena? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Alpena's cost of living.

Median Salary
$41,187
per year in Alpena
Entry Level
$23,888
Starting salary
Senior Level
$61,780
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
80
20% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how journalist salaries break down across different pay periods in Alpena.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$23,888$41,187$61,780
Monthly$1,991$3,432$5,148
Biweekly$919$1,584$2,376
Weekly$459$792$1,188
Hourly$11$20$30

Alpena vs National Average

How Alpena's journalist salaries compare to national figures.

Alpena Salary
$41,187
COL Index: 80
National Average
$55,960
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$14,773
Lower in Alpena

Cost of Living in Alpena

1-Bedroom Rent
$660
per month
Median Income
$36,821
per year
Population
10,190
residents
Rent % of Income
21.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 80 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Alpena have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Journalist

Overview

Research and write news stories for publications.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Journalism or related field

Key Skills

WritingResearchInterviewingCritical Thinking

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +14% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Journalist Salary

See Journalist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$104,270
+153%
Los Angeles, CA
$89,620
+118%
Chicago, IL
$60,850
+48%
Houston, TX
$60,350
+47%
Phoenix, AZ
$49,140
+19%

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Journalist Salary in Alpena, MI — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a journalist in Alpena, MI is $41,187 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 80. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Alpena's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level journalist professionals in Alpena can expect to earn around $23,888 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level journalists earning approximately $61,780 per year. This represents a 159% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Alpena's cost of living index of 80 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Alpena are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $55,960, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a journalist's salary in Alpena typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $660 per month, housing represents about 19.2% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Journalists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 14% over the next decade. In Alpena, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.