MediaOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Journalist Salary in Austin
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$47,210/yr
Typical range: $45,477 – $55,582
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Journalist salary by experience level in Austin
Journalist Salary Progression in Austin
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $47,210 | $3,934 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $58,319 | $4,860 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $65,724 | $5,477 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $74,981 | $6,248 | +59% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $97,198 | $8,100 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $118,304 | $9,859 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $123,580 | $10,298 | +162% |
Current Salary
$47,210
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $23/hr
Next Level Target
$58,319
Junior · 2
+$11Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
22/100
High Risk
+-2% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Journalist salary in Austin, TX?
Entry Level Journalists in Austin, TX earn approximately $47K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Journalist make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $47K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $23/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Journalist in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Journalist in Austin, TX earns $87K–$106K/yr.