Home / City Job Salaries / Journalist in La Crosse

Journalist Salary in La Crosse, WI

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

Median Salary
$44,320
per year in La Crosse
Entry Level
$25,706
Starting salary
Senior Level
$66,480
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
88
12% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$25,706$44,320$66,480
Monthly$2,142$3,693$5,540
Biweekly$989$1,705$2,557
Weekly$494$852$1,278
Hourly$12$21$32

La Crosse vs National Average

How La Crosse's journalist salaries compare to national figures.

La Crosse Salary
$44,320
COL Index: 88
National Average
$55,960
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$11,640
Lower in La Crosse

Cost of Living in La Crosse

1-Bedroom Rent
$850
per month
Median Income
$44,820
per year
Population
52,680
residents
Rent % of Income
22.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 88 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in La Crosse 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
+135%
Los Angeles, CA
$89,620
+102%
Chicago, IL
$60,850
+37%
Houston, TX
$60,350
+36%
Phoenix, AZ
$49,140
+11%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in La Crosse.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in La Crosse.

Journalist Salary in La Crosse, WI — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a journalist in La Crosse, WI is $44,320 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 88. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering La Crosse's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level journalist professionals in La Crosse can expect to earn around $25,706 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level journalists earning approximately $66,480 per year. This represents a 159% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

La Crosse's cost of living index of 88 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in La Crosse 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 La Crosse typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $850 per month, housing represents about 23.0% 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 La Crosse, 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.