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Journalist Salary in Wausau, WI

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

Median Salary
$42,306
per year in Wausau
Entry Level
$24,537
Starting salary
Senior Level
$63,459
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
84
16% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$24,537$42,306$63,459
Monthly$2,045$3,526$5,288
Biweekly$944$1,627$2,441
Weekly$472$814$1,220
Hourly$12$20$31

Wausau vs National Average

How Wausau's journalist salaries compare to national figures.

Wausau Salary
$42,306
COL Index: 84
National Average
$55,960
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$13,654
Lower in Wausau

Cost of Living in Wausau

1-Bedroom Rent
$720
per month
Median Income
$46,821
per year
Population
39,910
residents
Rent % of Income
18.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 84 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Wausau 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
+146%
Los Angeles, CA
$89,620
+112%
Chicago, IL
$60,850
+44%
Houston, TX
$60,350
+43%
Phoenix, AZ
$49,140
+16%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Journalist Salary in Wausau, WI — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a journalist in Wausau, WI is $42,306 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 84. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Wausau's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level journalist professionals in Wausau can expect to earn around $24,537 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level journalists earning approximately $63,459 per year. This represents a 159% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Wausau's cost of living index of 84 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Wausau 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 Wausau typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $720 per month, housing represents about 20.4% 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 Wausau, 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.