As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Staff Writer/Reporter in the United States is $61,833 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, a Staff Writer/Reporter's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Staff Writer/Reporter's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Staff Writer/Reporter's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Staff Writer/Reporter | $60,057 |
| Intermediate Level Staff Writer/Reporter | $61,037 |
| Senior Level Staff Writer/Reporter | $62,926 |
| Specialist Level Staff Writer/Reporter | $65,394 |
| Expert Level Staff Writer/Reporter | $65,609 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Staff Writer/Reporters. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Storytelling | 6.56% |
| News Reporting | 3.78% |
| Public Relations | 1.98% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Media Relations
|
$74,200 |
20%
|
|
Insight
|
$68,016 |
10%
|
|
Public Relations
|
$67,398 |
9%
|
|
Analysis
|
$66,780 |
8%
|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$65,543 |
6%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$64,925 |
5%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Staff Writer/Reporters enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Staff Writer/Reporter with a No Diploma is between $54,364 and $57,607).
Staff Writer/Reporter Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 1.7% |
| Associates | 3.3% |
| Bachelors | 64.8% |
| Masters | 28.2% |
| Doctorate | 1.7% |
Understanding how a Staff Writer/Reporter's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026For a Staff Writer/Reporter, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Senior Digital Content Writer role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $90,150 - a projected growth of 46% over your current level.
Salaries for a Staff Writer/Reporter can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $67,755 in 2023 to around $67,261 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Staff Writer/Reporter salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $67,755 |
| 2024 | $67,552 |
| 2025 | $67,261 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A staff reporter receives assignments and evaluates leads to pitch original news stories. They produce content for broadcast, web, and social media, gathering and verifying information through interviews, observation, and research. The salary for this role typically ranges from $52,133 to $64,783, with a mid-point of $56,793.
As of February 2025, the salary for a Staff Writer at New York Magazine typically ranges from $52,133 to $64,783, with a mid-range salary of $56,793. This reflects the varying responsibilities and experience levels within the role.
While a degree isn't strictly necessary to become a staff writer, many employers prefer candidates with at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. The salary for staff writers typically ranges from $52,133 to $64,783, with a median salary around $56,793, reflecting the value of education and experience in this profession.
Staff writers typically do not receive royalties in the same way that songwriters do. Their income is generally based on a salary, which ranges from $52,133 to $64,783, depending on experience and location. Success in writing often relies on creativity and networking to secure opportunities, rather than earning royalties from their work.
Freelance journalists typically earn between $52,133 and $64,783 annually, with a median salary of around $56,793. This translates to approximately $25.06 to $31.14 per hour, or about $1,007 to $1,247 weekly. Monthly earnings range from $4,344 to $5,615, depending on experience and location.
To become a TV staff writer, take classes and read extensively. Analyze your favorite shows for insights. Seek assistant positions to gain experience and network. Write spec and pilot scripts, then proof and refine them. Finally, craft a query letter to pitch your work and seek representation. Salaries for staff writers typically range from $52,133 to $64,783, with a median of $56,793.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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