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Journalist Salary in Lakewood, WA

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

Median Salary
$63,929
per year in Lakewood
Entry Level
$37,079
Starting salary
Senior Level
$95,893
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
102
2% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$37,079$63,929$95,893
Monthly$3,090$5,327$7,991
Biweekly$1,426$2,459$3,688
Weekly$713$1,229$1,844
Hourly$18$31$46

Lakewood vs National Average

How Lakewood's journalist salaries compare to national figures.

Lakewood Salary
$63,929
COL Index: 102
National Average
$55,960
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$7,969
Higher in Lakewood

Cost of Living in Lakewood

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,200
per month
Median Income
$48,920
per year
Population
65,540
residents
Rent % of Income
29.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 102 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Lakewood 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
+63%
Los Angeles, CA
$89,620
+40%
Chicago, IL
$60,850
-5%
Houston, TX
$60,350
-6%
Phoenix, AZ
$49,140
-23%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Journalist Salary in Lakewood, WA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a journalist in Lakewood, WA is $63,929 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 102. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Lakewood's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level journalist professionals in Lakewood can expect to earn around $37,079 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level journalists earning approximately $95,893 per year. This represents a 159% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Lakewood's cost of living index of 102 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Lakewood 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 Lakewood typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,200 per month, housing represents about 22.5% 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 Lakewood, 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.