MediaOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Journalist Salary in Boston
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$112,805/yr
Typical range: $100,646 – $123,008
P90 · 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 | $54,791 | $4,566 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $67,683 | $5,640 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $76,278 | $6,357 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $87,021 | $7,252 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $112,805 | $9,400 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $137,300 | $11,442 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $143,424 | $11,952 | +162% |
Current Salary
$112,805
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $54/hr
Next Level Target
$137,300
Principal · 14
+$24Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
22/100
High Risk
+-2% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Journalist salary in Boston, MA?
Staff / Lead Journalists in Boston, MA earn approximately $113K 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 Boston, MA?
Based on $113K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $54/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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 $101K–$123K/yr.