MediaOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Journalist Salary in Boston
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$81,706/yr
Typical range: $69,097 – $107,808
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Journalist salary by experience level in Boston
Journalist Salary Progression in Boston
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 | $58,690 | $4,891 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $72,500 | $6,042 | +24% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $81,706 | $6,809 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $93,214 | $7,768 | +59% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $120,833 | $10,069 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $147,071 | $12,256 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $153,630 | $12,803 | +162% |
Current Salary
$81,706
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $39/hr
Next Level Target
$93,214
Senior · 6
+$12Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
22/100
High Risk
+-2% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Journalist salary in Boston, MA?
3–5 Years Experience Journalists in Boston, MA earn approximately $82K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Journalist make per hour in Boston, MA?
Based on $82K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $39/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Journalist in Boston, MA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Journalist in Boston, MA earns $108K–$132K/yr.