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Journalist Salary in Dayton, OH

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

Median Salary
$40,381
per year in Dayton
Entry Level
$23,421
Starting salary
Senior Level
$60,571
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
82
18% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$23,421$40,381$60,571
Monthly$1,952$3,365$5,048
Biweekly$901$1,553$2,330
Weekly$450$777$1,165
Hourly$11$19$29

Dayton vs National Average

How Dayton's journalist salaries compare to national figures.

Dayton Salary
$40,381
COL Index: 82
National Average
$55,960
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$15,579
Lower in Dayton

Cost of Living in Dayton

1-Bedroom Rent
$800
per month
Median Income
$34,560
per year
Population
137,644
residents
Rent % of Income
27.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 82 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Dayton 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
+158%
Los Angeles, CA
$89,620
+122%
Chicago, IL
$60,850
+51%
Houston, TX
$60,350
+49%
Phoenix, AZ
$49,140
+22%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Journalist Salary in Dayton, OH — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a journalist in Dayton, OH is $40,381 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 82. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Dayton's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level journalist professionals in Dayton can expect to earn around $23,421 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level journalists earning approximately $60,571 per year. This represents a 159% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Dayton's cost of living index of 82 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Dayton 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 Dayton typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $800 per month, housing represents about 23.8% 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 Dayton, 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.