MediaOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Journalist Salary in New York
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$123,379/yr
Typical range: $110,080 – $134,538
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Journalist salary by experience level in New York
Journalist Salary Progression in New York
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 | $59,927 | $4,994 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $74,028 | $6,169 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $83,428 | $6,952 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $95,178 | $7,932 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $123,379 | $10,282 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $150,170 | $12,514 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $156,868 | $13,072 | +162% |
Current Salary
$123,379
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $59/hr
Next Level Target
$150,170
Principal · 14
+$27Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
22/100
High Risk
+-2% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Journalist salary in New York, NY?
Staff / Lead Journalists in New York, NY earn approximately $123K 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 New York, NY?
Based on $123K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $59/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Journalist in New York, NY?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Journalist in New York, NY earns $110K–$135K/yr.