The Average Starting Salaries for Being a Broadcast Journalist
While the life of a broadcast journalist may look glamorous, the pay is often not that great, particularly in smaller markets. Demand for these positions can be tough as well, making the career path for those interested in this field somewhat challenging. Those with internships and paid work experience, in addition to college degrees, do best -- as do the lucky and talented few who are fortunate enough to rise to the upper echelon of major network anchor positions.
Other People Are Reading
-
Demand
-
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for broadcast journalists is low, with competition high based on many more job seekers than jobs available. In fact, the employment of announcers is expected to decline 4 percent from 2008 to 2018 with changes in station ownership, station formats and ratings impacting available opportunities. Syndicated programming and an increase in alternative, online formats available through the Internet, have also contributed to the declining demand for those to fill these roles.
Pay
-
While salaries for broadcast journalists can vary widely, they are generally low. The exception is announcers in major markets or those in top network spots. Those in television make more than those in radio; public broadcasting is at the lowest end of the scale. According to the BLS, median hourly wages of radio and television announcers in 2008 were $12.95, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $7.45. The highest paid reported hourly wages at more than $36.42.
-
The Few at the Top
-
For those who rise to the top spots, however, very lucrative careers can be possible. Meredith Vieira, who recently left her post on NBC's "Today" show left an $11 million salary to stay home to care for her husband. Even this lofty salary is eclipsed by Katie Couric, who earned a reported $15 million salary in 2011. Competition at this level, of course, is fierce and very few can expect to command these top salaries.
About the Job
-
The job of a broadcast journalist can be varied with the on-air component of the job just revealing part of the picture. Reporters perform a variety of both on-air and off-air tasks -- the smaller the station the more varied these tasks may be. Tasks may include writing scripts and on-air promotions as well as participating in local community events to help promote the stations, serving as masters of ceremony at community events and banquets and participating in other not-for-profit activities.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
