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Journalist Salary in Oak Harbor, WA

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

Median Salary
$63,929
per year in Oak Harbor
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 Oak Harbor.

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

Oak Harbor vs National Average

How Oak Harbor's journalist salaries compare to national figures.

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

Cost of Living in Oak Harbor

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,150
per month
Median Income
$52,821
per year
Population
24,810
residents
Rent % of Income
26.1%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 102 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Oak Harbor 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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Journalist Salary in Oak Harbor, WA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a journalist in Oak Harbor, 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 Oak Harbor's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level journalist professionals in Oak Harbor 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

Oak Harbor's cost of living index of 102 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Oak Harbor 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 Oak Harbor typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,150 per month, housing represents about 21.6% 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 Oak Harbor, 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.