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Journalist Salary in Durango, CO

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

Median Salary
$67,353
per year in Durango
Entry Level
$39,065
Starting salary
Senior Level
$101,030
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
118
18% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$39,065$67,353$101,030
Monthly$3,255$5,613$8,419
Biweekly$1,503$2,591$3,886
Weekly$751$1,295$1,943
Hourly$19$32$49

Durango vs National Average

How Durango's journalist salaries compare to national figures.

Durango Salary
$67,353
COL Index: 118
National Average
$55,960
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$11,393
Higher in Durango

Cost of Living in Durango

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,450
per month
Median Income
$48,821
per year
Population
19,440
residents
Rent % of Income
35.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 118 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Durango 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
+55%
Los Angeles, CA
$89,620
+33%
Chicago, IL
$60,850
-10%
Houston, TX
$60,350
-10%
Phoenix, AZ
$49,140
-27%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

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Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Durango.

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Journalist Salary in Durango, CO — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a journalist in Durango, CO is $67,353 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 118. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Durango's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level journalist professionals in Durango can expect to earn around $39,065 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level journalists earning approximately $101,030 per year. This represents a 159% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Durango's cost of living index of 118 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Durango 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 Durango typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,450 per month, housing represents about 25.8% 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 Durango, 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.