MediaOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Journalist Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$45,741/yr
Typical range: $44,062 – $53,852
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Journalist salary by experience level in Chicago
Journalist Salary Progression in Chicago
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 | $45,741 | $3,812 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $56,503 | $4,709 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $63,678 | $5,307 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $72,647 | $6,054 | +59% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $94,172 | $7,848 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $114,621 | $9,552 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $119,733 | $9,978 | +162% |
Current Salary
$45,741
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $22/hr
Next Level Target
$56,503
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 Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Journalists in Chicago, IL earn approximately $46K 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 Chicago, IL?
Based on $46K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $22/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Journalist in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Journalist in Chicago, IL earns $84K–$103K/yr.