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Journalist Salary in Aurora, IL

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

Median Salary
$66,397
per year in Aurora
Entry Level
$38,510
Starting salary
Senior Level
$99,595
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
113
13% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$38,510$66,397$99,595
Monthly$3,209$5,533$8,300
Biweekly$1,481$2,554$3,831
Weekly$741$1,277$1,915
Hourly$19$32$48

Aurora vs National Average

How Aurora's journalist salaries compare to national figures.

Aurora Salary
$66,397
COL Index: 113
National Average
$55,960
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$10,437
Higher in Aurora

Cost of Living in Aurora

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,650
per month
Median Income
$59,234
per year
Population
197,899
residents
Rent % of Income
33.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 113 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Aurora 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
+57%
Los Angeles, CA
$89,620
+35%
Chicago, IL
$60,850
-8%
Houston, TX
$60,350
-9%
Phoenix, AZ
$49,140
-26%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a journalist salary in Aurora.

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Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Aurora.

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Journalist Salary in Aurora, IL — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a journalist in Aurora, IL is $66,397 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 113. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Aurora's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level journalist professionals in Aurora can expect to earn around $38,510 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level journalists earning approximately $99,595 per year. This represents a 159% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Aurora's cost of living index of 113 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Aurora 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 Aurora typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,650 per month, housing represents about 29.8% 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 Aurora, 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.