MediaOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Journalist Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$58,222/yr
Typical range: $56,084 – $68,546
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Journalist salary by experience level in Washington DC
Journalist Salary Progression in Washington DC
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 | $58,222 | $4,852 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $71,921 | $5,993 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $81,054 | $6,755 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $92,470 | $7,706 | +59% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $119,868 | $9,989 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $145,896 | $12,158 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $152,404 | $12,700 | +162% |
Current Salary
$58,222
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $28/hr
Next Level Target
$71,921
Junior · 2
+$14Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
22/100
High Risk
+-2% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Journalist salary in Washington DC, DC?
Entry Level Journalists in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $58K 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 Washington DC, DC?
Based on $58K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $28/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Journalist in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Journalist in Washington DC, DC earns $107K–$131K/yr.