MediaOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Journalist Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$56,787/yr
Typical range: $54,703 – $66,857
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Journalist salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Journalist Salary Progression in Los Angeles
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 | $56,787 | $4,732 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $70,149 | $5,846 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $79,057 | $6,588 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $90,192 | $7,516 | +59% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $116,915 | $9,743 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $142,303 | $11,859 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $148,650 | $12,388 | +162% |
Current Salary
$56,787
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $27/hr
Next Level Target
$70,149
Junior · 2
+$13Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
22/100
High Risk
+-2% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Journalist salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Entry Level Journalists in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $57K 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 Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $57K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $27/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Journalist in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Journalist in Los Angeles, CA earns $104K–$127K/yr.