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Journalist Salary in Amarillo, TX

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

Median Salary
$48,377
per year in Amarillo
Entry Level
$28,059
Starting salary
Senior Level
$72,566
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
91
9% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$28,059$48,377$72,566
Monthly$2,338$4,031$6,047
Biweekly$1,079$1,861$2,791
Weekly$540$930$1,396
Hourly$13$23$35

Amarillo vs National Average

How Amarillo's journalist salaries compare to national figures.

Amarillo Salary
$48,377
COL Index: 91
National Average
$55,960
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$7,583
Lower in Amarillo

Cost of Living in Amarillo

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,100
per month
Median Income
$54,234
per year
Population
199,371
residents
Rent % of Income
24.3%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 91 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Amarillo 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
+116%
Los Angeles, CA
$89,620
+85%
Chicago, IL
$60,850
+26%
Houston, TX
$60,350
+25%
Phoenix, AZ
$49,140
+2%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Journalist Salary in Amarillo, TX — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a journalist in Amarillo, TX is $48,377 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 91. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Amarillo's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level journalist professionals in Amarillo can expect to earn around $28,059 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level journalists earning approximately $72,566 per year. This represents a 159% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Amarillo's cost of living index of 91 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Amarillo 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 Amarillo typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,100 per month, housing represents about 27.3% 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 Amarillo, 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.