MediaOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Journalist Salary in Dallas
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$89,748/yr
Typical range: $80,075 – $97,866
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Journalist salary by experience level in Dallas
Journalist Salary Progression in Dallas
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 | $43,592 | $3,633 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $53,849 | $4,487 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $60,687 | $5,057 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $69,234 | $5,770 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $89,748 | $7,479 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $109,237 | $9,103 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $114,109 | $9,509 | +162% |
Current Salary
$89,748
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $43/hr
Next Level Target
$109,237
Principal · 14
+$19Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
22/100
High Risk
+-2% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Journalist salary in Dallas, TX?
Staff / Lead Journalists in Dallas, TX earn approximately $90K 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 Dallas, TX?
Based on $90K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $43/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Journalist in Dallas, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Journalist in Dallas, TX earns $80K–$98K/yr.