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Journalist Salary in Waukee, IA

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

Median Salary
$44,969
per year in Waukee
Entry Level
$26,082
Starting salary
Senior Level
$67,454
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
98
2% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$26,082$44,969$67,454
Monthly$2,174$3,747$5,621
Biweekly$1,003$1,730$2,594
Weekly$502$865$1,297
Hourly$13$22$32

Waukee vs National Average

How Waukee's journalist salaries compare to national figures.

Waukee Salary
$44,969
COL Index: 98
National Average
$55,960
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$10,991
Lower in Waukee

Cost of Living in Waukee

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,050
per month
Median Income
$92,234
per year
Population
24,810
residents
Rent % of Income
13.7%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 98 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Waukee 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
+132%
Los Angeles, CA
$89,620
+99%
Chicago, IL
$60,850
+35%
Houston, TX
$60,350
+34%
Phoenix, AZ
$49,140
+9%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

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Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Waukee.

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Journalist Salary in Waukee, IA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a journalist in Waukee, IA is $44,969 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 98. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Waukee's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level journalist professionals in Waukee can expect to earn around $26,082 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level journalists earning approximately $67,454 per year. This represents a 159% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Waukee's cost of living index of 98 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Waukee 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 Waukee typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,050 per month, housing represents about 28.0% 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 Waukee, 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.