Home / City Job Salaries / Journalist in Memphis

Journalist Salary in Memphis, TN

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

Median Salary
$60,540
per year in Memphis
Entry Level
$35,113
Starting salary
Senior Level
$90,810
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
89
11% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$35,113$60,540$90,810
Monthly$2,926$5,045$7,568
Biweekly$1,351$2,328$3,493
Weekly$675$1,164$1,746
Hourly$17$29$44

Memphis vs National Average

How Memphis's journalist salaries compare to national figures.

Memphis Salary
$60,540
COL Index: 89
National Average
$55,960
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$4,580
Higher in Memphis

Cost of Living in Memphis

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,100
per month
Median Income
$46,123
per year
Population
633,104
residents
Rent % of Income
28.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 89 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Memphis 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
+72%
Los Angeles, CA
$89,620
+48%
Chicago, IL
$60,850
+1%
Houston, TX
$60,350
0%
Phoenix, AZ
$49,140
-19%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

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 Memphis.

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 Memphis.

Journalist Salary in Memphis, TN — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a journalist in Memphis, TN is $60,540 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 89. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Memphis's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level journalist professionals in Memphis can expect to earn around $35,113 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level journalists earning approximately $90,810 per year. This represents a 159% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Memphis's cost of living index of 89 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Memphis 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 Memphis typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,100 per month, housing represents about 21.8% 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 Memphis, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. 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.