Journal Star Salary

As of May 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Journal Star in the United States is $97,189. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $47. Salaries at Journal Star typically range from $85,459 to $109,977 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Current Job Openings at Journal Star

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Is Journal Star’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Journal Star's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
City Connect $100,870
+3.8%
Influenced by prevailing union wage agreements specific to City Connect's sector.
VG Reed & Sons Inc $93,128
-4.2%
Normalized for lower cost-of-living zones where VG Reed & Sons Inc primarily operates.
SmartBrief Inc $113,602
+16.9%
Reflects a supply-demand imbalance for the specific talent SmartBrief Inc targets.
SunTimes $105,617
+8.7%
Reflects structural premiums typical of SunTimes's large-cap national operations.
Media Industry $125,523
+29.2%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

Employee Reviews: Working at Journal Star

Considering a career at Journal Star? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.
Management trusts us to explore bold ideas and take calculated risks, which is why our work stands out. Leaders are accessible and open, fostering a culture of trust where you feel empowered to take ownership of your work without being micromanaged. Career growth is clearly supported. It’s an environment where fresh voices really thrive.
Communication between departments is formal and sometimes inefficient. Every project feels meaningful and collaborative. Creative input varies by team. They are invested in my development, provide constructive feedback, and advocate for my growth within the company. Managers are supportive, though the culture could be more engaging.
There’s potential for growth, depending on your team. I appreciate the trust I’m given with significant responsibilities. Workload can vary greatly depending on the project. Feedback is occasionally delayed. Mostly execution-focused tasks. It’s a benefit that directly nurtures our creativity and passion for media. The pace is moderate. This diversity makes our creative work richer, more authentic,...
Training is available but often generic. This strong sense of purpose adds a significant layer of satisfaction and fulfillment to our daily creative efforts and team collaborations. The opportunities for professional growth are outstanding.
Training is provided but may lack customization and frequency. The team is professional and organized, but the culture lacks vibrancy. While deadlines are often tight, the company understands the importance of employee well-being and offers flexible arrangements where possible. I’ve had a positive and enriching experience working here. This media firm stands out for its employee-centric approach.

Journal Star Overview

Website
www.pjstar.com
Founded In
1855
Employees
100 - 200 employees
Industry
Media
Headquarter Address
1 News Plz Peoria Illinois IL 61643
Revenue
$10 Million - $50 Million
Phone Number
+1 3096863000
Social Media
About Journal Star
Journal Star Media provides the most innovative print and digital marketing solutions in the marketplace.

What Benefits Does Journal Star Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Journal Star offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:
Social Security
401(K)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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What Is the Cost of Living Near Peoria?

Understanding the cost of living near Peoria is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Journal Star.
Peoria's Cost of Living Index is approximately 78.2 (21.8% less expensive than US average; 16.6% less than IL average). Central IL city, very affordable housing. CityLink. When planning your budget based on a salary from Journal Star, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $750 - $1,150+ A significant portion of Journal Star salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $160 - $250 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $40 (CityLink monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $360 - $540 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $300 - $580+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $350 - $650+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $1,960 - $3,170+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Journal Star

1. What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at Journal Star?

The typical annual salary range for most roles at Journal Star is approximately from $85,459 to $109,977. It's important to remember that these are overall averages, actual salaries vary significantly based on specific job titles, years of experience, skills, and location.

2. How much does Journal Star pay compared to City Connect?

The average annual salary at Journal Star is $97,189, or an hourly wage of $47, in comparison to City Connect which pays $100,870 per year or $48 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at Journal Star?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at Journal Star due to varying market demand for specific skill sets and the nature of the roles. For example, technical roles in Engineering or IT may command different salary ranges compared to roles in Marketing or Human Resources.

4. How does experience level affect salary at Journal Star?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at Journal Star, as it is with most employers. Generally, employees with more years of relevant experience and a proven track record can command higher salaries. For example, a senior-level role will typically have a higher pay band than an entry-level or mid-career position within the same job family.

5. How can I determine if a salary offer from Journal Star in Peoria is fair given the local cost of living?

To determine if a salary offer from Journal Star in Peoria is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at Journal Star and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Peoria" to understand its purchasing power.

6. Are the salaries listed for Journal Star on Salary.com pre-tax or after-tax?

All salary figures displayed for Journal Star, including average base salary and estimated total compensation, are pre-tax amounts. They do not account for federal, state, or local income taxes, nor deductions for benefits like health insurance or 401(k) contributions.