Salaries in broadcast journalism vary significantly by market size, experience level, role, and the type of station. A news director at a major-market network affiliate will earn many times what the same title pays at a small-market independent. Salary data for this industry changes every year — the only reliable figures are those from the current year’s survey.

RTDNA Annual Newsroom Salary Survey

The Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) publishes the most widely cited annual salary survey for U.S. TV and radio newsrooms, covering positions from news director and anchor to producer, reporter, and photographer. Updated every year.

View current RTDNA salary data

Bureau of Labor Statistics — Broadcast Journalists

The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook covers broadcast news analysts and reporters, including national median wages, employment outlook, and state-level breakdowns. Updated annually.

View BLS broadcast journalist data

What Affects Pay in Broadcast Journalism

  • Market size: The biggest driver of salary. A TV market 1 (New York) pays many times more than a market 150 for the same role. RTDNA data is segmented by market size.
  • Role: News directors, anchors, and executive producers typically earn more than reporters and producers. On-air talent in large markets can earn significantly above average.
  • Experience: Entry-level reporters may start near minimum wage in small markets; experienced anchors in large markets can earn six figures.
  • Medium: TV generally pays more than radio for equivalent roles. Digital-first roles vary widely by organization.
  • Union status: Some newsrooms are unionized (NABET, SAG-AFTRA); collective bargaining agreements set floors on pay and working conditions.

Job searching tip: When evaluating a job posting, research the market size (DMA rank) to calibrate salary expectations. What a News Anchor earns in Los Angeles is very different from what the same title pays in market 150. Use the RTDNA data segmented by market size — not national averages — for the most useful comparison.