MediaOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Journalist Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$121,064/yr
Typical range: $108,014 – $132,013
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Journalist salary by experience level in Seattle
Journalist Salary Progression in Seattle
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 | $58,802 | $4,900 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $72,638 | $6,053 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $81,862 | $6,822 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $93,392 | $7,783 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $121,064 | $10,089 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $147,352 | $12,279 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $153,924 | $12,827 | +162% |
Current Salary
$121,064
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $58/hr
Next Level Target
$147,352
Principal · 14
+$26Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
22/100
High Risk
+-2% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Journalist salary in Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Journalists in Seattle, WA earn approximately $121K 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 Seattle, WA?
Based on $121K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $58/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Journalist in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Journalist in Seattle, WA earns $108K–$132K/yr.