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Journalist Salary in Saint Louis, MO

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

Median Salary
$44,712
per year in Saint Louis
Entry Level
$25,933
Starting salary
Senior Level
$67,068
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
94
6% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$25,933$44,712$67,068
Monthly$2,161$3,726$5,589
Biweekly$997$1,720$2,580
Weekly$499$860$1,290
Hourly$12$21$32

Saint Louis vs National Average

How Saint Louis's journalist salaries compare to national figures.

Saint Louis Salary
$44,712
COL Index: 94
National Average
$55,960
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$11,248
Lower in Saint Louis

Cost of Living in Saint Louis

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,200
per month
Median Income
$50,234
per year
Population
301,578
residents
Rent % of Income
28.7%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 94 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Saint Louis 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
+133%
Los Angeles, CA
$89,620
+100%
Chicago, IL
$60,850
+36%
Houston, TX
$60,350
+35%
Phoenix, AZ
$49,140
+10%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Journalist Salary in Saint Louis, MO — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a journalist in Saint Louis, MO is $44,712 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 94. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Saint Louis's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level journalist professionals in Saint Louis can expect to earn around $25,933 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level journalists earning approximately $67,068 per year. This represents a 159% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Saint Louis's cost of living index of 94 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,200 per month, housing represents about 32.2% 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 Saint Louis, 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.