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Journalist Salary in Billings, MT

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

Median Salary
$51,976
per year in Billings
Entry Level
$30,146
Starting salary
Senior Level
$77,963
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
108
8% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$30,146$51,976$77,963
Monthly$2,512$4,331$6,497
Biweekly$1,159$1,999$2,999
Weekly$580$1,000$1,499
Hourly$14$25$37

Billings vs National Average

How Billings's journalist salaries compare to national figures.

Billings Salary
$51,976
COL Index: 108
National Average
$55,960
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$3,984
Lower in Billings

Cost of Living in Billings

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,500
per month
Median Income
$57,234
per year
Population
130,851
residents
Rent % of Income
31.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 108 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Billings 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
+101%
Los Angeles, CA
$89,620
+72%
Chicago, IL
$60,850
+17%
Houston, TX
$60,350
+16%
Phoenix, AZ
$49,140
-5%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Journalist Salary in Billings, MT — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a journalist in Billings, MT is $51,976 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 108. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Billings's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level journalist professionals in Billings can expect to earn around $30,146 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level journalists earning approximately $77,963 per year. This represents a 159% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Billings's cost of living index of 108 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Billings 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 Billings typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,500 per month, housing represents about 34.6% 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 Billings, 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.