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Journalist Salary in Atlanta, GA

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

Median Salary
$80,050
per year in Atlanta
Entry Level
$46,429
Starting salary
Senior Level
$120,075
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
111
11% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$46,429$80,050$120,075
Monthly$3,869$6,671$10,006
Biweekly$1,786$3,079$4,618
Weekly$893$1,539$2,309
Hourly$22$38$58

Atlanta vs National Average

How Atlanta's journalist salaries compare to national figures.

Atlanta Salary
$80,050
COL Index: 111
National Average
$55,960
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$24,090
Higher in Atlanta

Cost of Living in Atlanta

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,600
per month
Median Income
$62,348
per year
Population
498,044
residents
Rent % of Income
30.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 111 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Atlanta 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
+30%
Los Angeles, CA
$89,620
+12%
Chicago, IL
$60,850
-24%
Houston, TX
$60,350
-25%
Phoenix, AZ
$49,140
-39%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Journalist Salary in Atlanta, GA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a journalist in Atlanta, GA is $80,050 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 111. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Atlanta's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level journalist professionals in Atlanta can expect to earn around $46,429 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level journalists earning approximately $120,075 per year. This represents a 159% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Atlanta's cost of living index of 111 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Atlanta 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 Atlanta typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,600 per month, housing represents about 24.0% 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 Atlanta, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. 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.