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Journalist Salary in Rochester, NY

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

Median Salary
$60,770
per year in Rochester
Entry Level
$35,247
Starting salary
Senior Level
$91,155
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
103
3% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$35,247$60,770$91,155
Monthly$2,937$5,064$7,596
Biweekly$1,356$2,337$3,506
Weekly$678$1,169$1,753
Hourly$17$29$44

Rochester vs National Average

How Rochester's journalist salaries compare to national figures.

Rochester Salary
$60,770
COL Index: 103
National Average
$55,960
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$4,810
Higher in Rochester

Cost of Living in Rochester

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,350
per month
Median Income
$52,234
per year
Population
205,362
residents
Rent % of Income
31.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 103 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Rochester 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
+47%
Chicago, IL
$60,850
+0%
Houston, TX
$60,350
-1%
Phoenix, AZ
$49,140
-19%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Journalist Salary in Rochester, NY — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a journalist in Rochester, NY is $60,770 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 103. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Rochester's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level journalist professionals in Rochester can expect to earn around $35,247 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level journalists earning approximately $91,155 per year. This represents a 159% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Rochester's cost of living index of 103 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Rochester 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 Rochester typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,350 per month, housing represents about 26.7% 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 Rochester, 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.