MediaOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Journalist Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$96,937/yr
Typical range: $86,489 – $105,705
P90 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $47,084 | $3,924 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $58,162 | $4,847 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $65,548 | $5,462 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $74,780 | $6,232 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $96,937 | $8,078 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $117,987 | $9,832 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $123,249 | $10,271 | +162% |
Current Salary
$96,937
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $47/hr
Next Level Target
$117,987
Principal · 14
+$21Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
22/100
High Risk
+-2% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Journalist salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead Journalists in Austin, TX earn approximately $97K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Journalist make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $97K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $47/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Journalist in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Journalist in Austin, TX earns $86K–$106K/yr.