Journalist vs Communications Director: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Journalist
Research, write, and report news stories for print, digital, or broadcast media.
Communications Director
Lead internal and external communications strategy for the organisation.
Communications Director earns more on average — the national median is $72,312/year (110%) higher than a Journalist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Journalist vs Communications Director — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Journalist | Communications Director | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $97,658 | $202,752 | Journalist $105,094 |
| New York, NY | $77,882 | $166,949 | Journalist $89,067 |
| Seattle, WA | $91,958 | $193,970 | Journalist $102,012 |
| Austin, TX | $73,633 | $153,702 | Journalist $80,069 |
| Chicago, IL | $71,532 | $149,533 | Journalist $78,001 |
| Boston, MA | $85,685 | $175,360 | Journalist $89,675 |
| London, UK | £50,881 | £108,450 | Journalist $57,569 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$89,056 | CA$181,822 | Journalist $92,766 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Journalist or Communications Director earn more?+
A Communications Director earns more on average. The national median salary for a Journalist is $65,932/year, compared to $138,244/year for a Communications Director — a difference of $72,312 (110%).
Which has better career growth — Journalist or Communications Director?+
Journalist roles are growing at -2% YoY while Communications Director demand is growing at 8% YoY. Communications Director has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Journalist to Communications Director?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Journalist or Communications Director?+
Communications Director has a lower AI automation risk (18% vs 38%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.