Home / City Job Salaries / Journalist in Riverside

Journalist Salary in Riverside, CA

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

Median Salary
$62,610
per year in Riverside
Entry Level
$36,314
Starting salary
Senior Level
$93,915
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
135
35% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$36,314$62,610$93,915
Monthly$3,026$5,218$7,826
Biweekly$1,397$2,408$3,612
Weekly$698$1,204$1,806
Hourly$17$30$45

Riverside vs National Average

How Riverside's journalist salaries compare to national figures.

Riverside Salary
$62,610
COL Index: 135
National Average
$55,960
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$6,650
Higher in Riverside

Cost of Living in Riverside

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,900
per month
Median Income
$57,234
per year
Population
314,998
residents
Rent % of Income
39.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 135 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Riverside 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
+67%
Los Angeles, CA
$89,620
+43%
Chicago, IL
$60,850
-3%
Houston, TX
$60,350
-4%
Phoenix, AZ
$49,140
-22%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

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 Riverside.

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 Riverside.

Journalist Salary in Riverside, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a journalist in Riverside, CA is $62,610 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 135. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Riverside's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level journalist professionals in Riverside can expect to earn around $36,314 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level journalists earning approximately $93,915 per year. This represents a 159% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Riverside's cost of living index of 135 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Riverside 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 Riverside typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,900 per month, housing represents about 36.4% 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 Riverside, 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.