MediaOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Journalist Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$72,005/yr
Typical range: $69,361 – $84,773
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Journalist salary by experience level in San Francisco
Journalist Salary Progression in San Francisco
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 | $72,005 | $6,000 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $88,947 | $7,412 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $100,242 | $8,354 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $114,360 | $9,530 | +59% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $148,245 | $12,354 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $180,435 | $15,036 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $188,482 | $15,707 | +162% |
Current Salary
$72,005
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $35/hr
Next Level Target
$88,947
Junior · 2
+$17Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
22/100
High Risk
+-2% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Journalist salary in San Francisco, CA?
Entry Level Journalists in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $72K 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 San Francisco, CA?
Based on $72K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $35/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Journalist in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Journalist in San Francisco, CA earns $132K–$162K/yr.