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Journalist Salary in Great Falls, MT

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

Median Salary
$51,013
per year in Great Falls
Entry Level
$29,588
Starting salary
Senior Level
$76,520
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
106
6% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$29,588$51,013$76,520
Monthly$2,466$4,251$6,377
Biweekly$1,138$1,962$2,943
Weekly$569$981$1,472
Hourly$14$25$37

Great Falls vs National Average

How Great Falls's journalist salaries compare to national figures.

Great Falls Salary
$51,013
COL Index: 106
National Average
$55,960
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$4,947
Lower in Great Falls

Cost of Living in Great Falls

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,500
per month
Median Income
$54,234
per year
Population
58,505
residents
Rent % of Income
33.2%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 106 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Great Falls 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
+104%
Los Angeles, CA
$89,620
+76%
Chicago, IL
$60,850
+19%
Houston, TX
$60,350
+18%
Phoenix, AZ
$49,140
-4%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Journalist Salary in Great Falls, MT — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a journalist in Great Falls, MT is $51,013 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 106. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Great Falls's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level journalist professionals in Great Falls can expect to earn around $29,588 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level journalists earning approximately $76,520 per year. This represents a 159% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Great Falls's cost of living index of 106 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Great Falls 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 Great Falls typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,500 per month, housing represents about 35.3% 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 Great Falls, 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.