MediaOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Journalist Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$116,915/yr
Typical range: $104,313 – $127,490
P90 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 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% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$116,915
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $56/hr
Next Level Target
$142,303
Principal · 14
+$25Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
22/100
High Risk
+-2% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Journalist salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Journalists in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $117K 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 Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $117K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $56/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Journalist in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Journalist in Los Angeles, CA earns $104K–$127K/yr.