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Journalist Salary in Boston, MA

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

Median Salary
$61,140
per year in Boston
Entry Level
$35,461
Starting salary
Senior Level
$91,710
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
158
58% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$35,461$61,140$91,710
Monthly$2,955$5,095$7,643
Biweekly$1,364$2,352$3,527
Weekly$682$1,176$1,764
Hourly$17$29$44

Boston vs National Average

How Boston's journalist salaries compare to national figures.

Boston Salary
$61,140
COL Index: 158
National Average
$55,960
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$5,180
Higher in Boston

Cost of Living in Boston

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,250
per month
Median Income
$76,321
per year
Population
692,600
residents
Rent % of Income
35.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 158 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Boston 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
+71%
Los Angeles, CA
$89,620
+47%
Chicago, IL
$60,850
0%
Houston, TX
$60,350
-1%
Phoenix, AZ
$49,140
-20%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Journalist Salary in Boston, MA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a journalist in Boston, MA is $61,140 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 158. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Boston's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level journalist professionals in Boston can expect to earn around $35,461 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level journalists earning approximately $91,710 per year. This represents a 159% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Boston's cost of living index of 158 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Boston 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 Boston typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,250 per month, housing represents about 44.2% 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 Boston, 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.