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Journalist Salary in Pekin, IL

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

Median Salary
$45,831
per year in Pekin
Entry Level
$26,582
Starting salary
Senior Level
$68,747
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
78
22% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$26,582$45,831$68,747
Monthly$2,215$3,819$5,729
Biweekly$1,022$1,763$2,644
Weekly$511$881$1,322
Hourly$13$22$33

Pekin vs National Average

How Pekin's journalist salaries compare to national figures.

Pekin Salary
$45,831
COL Index: 78
National Average
$55,960
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$10,129
Lower in Pekin

Cost of Living in Pekin

1-Bedroom Rent
$620
per month
Median Income
$42,234
per year
Population
32,612
residents
Rent % of Income
17.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 78 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Pekin 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
+128%
Los Angeles, CA
$89,620
+96%
Chicago, IL
$60,850
+33%
Houston, TX
$60,350
+32%
Phoenix, AZ
$49,140
+7%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Journalist Salary in Pekin, IL — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a journalist in Pekin, IL is $45,831 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 78. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Pekin's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level journalist professionals in Pekin can expect to earn around $26,582 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level journalists earning approximately $68,747 per year. This represents a 159% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Pekin's cost of living index of 78 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Pekin 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 Pekin typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $620 per month, housing represents about 16.2% 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 Pekin, 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.