News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
In Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV, news analysts, reporters, and journalists earn $99,730 at the median — $47.95 an hour. The range runs from $53K at the entry level to $208K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $91,596 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,246/month — about 35.9% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $100K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About news analysts, reporters, and journalists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level news analysts, reporters, and journalists (10th percentile) start around $53K. Mid-career wages sit at $100K.Top earners bring in $208K or more - a $156K spread from bottom to top.
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $104K | +72% | 5,220 |
| District of Columbia | $103K | +71% | 2,060 |
| California | $85K | +41% | 4,530 |
| Georgia | $76K | +27% | 1,370 |
| Virginia | $63K | +5% | 1,380 |
| Delaware | $62K | +2% | 40 |
| Connecticut | $62K | +2% | 310 |
| Nevada | $61K | +1% | 310 |
| Maryland | $61K | +1% | 730 |
| New Jersey | $60K | +0% | 660 |
| Texas | $60K | +0% | 2,460 |
| Hawaii | $60K | -0% | 170 |
| Rhode Island | $60K | -1% | 140 |
| Tennessee | $59K | -2% | 650 |
| Massachusetts | $59K | -2% | 1,180 |
Track news analysts, reporters, and journalists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Washington-Arlington-Alexandria numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do news analysts, reporters, and journalists make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $99,730 a year - that works out to about $47.95 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $52,700, and experienced news analysts, reporters, and journalists can clear $208,380. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $100K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,076/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 37% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a news analysts, reporters, and journalists salary go in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has a Regional Price Parity of 108.88 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median news analysts, reporters, and journalists salary is worth about $91,596 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do news analysts, reporters, and journalists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.