MediaOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Journalist Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$122,104/yr
Typical range: $108,942 – $133,148
P90 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $59,308 | $4,942 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $73,262 | $6,105 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $82,565 | $6,880 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $94,194 | $7,850 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $122,104 | $10,175 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $148,618 | $12,385 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $155,246 | $12,937 | +162% |
Current Salary
$122,104
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $59/hr
Next Level Target
$148,618
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 Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Journalists in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $122K 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 Washington DC, DC?
Based on $122K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $59/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Journalist in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Journalist in Washington DC, DC earns $109K–$133K/yr.