Journalist Salary in Australia
Media • All 12 Major Cities
Journalists research, write, and report news stories for various media outlets.
Job Market Outlook
Knowledge work with significant AI applicability
More candidates than available positions
Projected employment decline over 5 years
Sources: Microsoft Research 2025, Jobs and Skills Australia 2025 Occupation Shortage List
Journalist Salary by City
Detailed City Comparison
| City | Average | Take-Home |
|---|---|---|
| 1SydneyNSW | $79,200 | $63,068 |
| 2CanberraACT | $77,760 | $62,089 |
| 3MelbourneVIC | $75,600 | $60,620 |
| 4DarwinNT | $75,600 | $60,620 |
| 5PerthWA | $73,440 | $59,152 |
| 6BrisbaneQLD | $68,400 | $55,724 |
| 7Gold CoastQLD | $66,240 | $54,256 |
| 8AdelaideSA | $64,800 | $53,276 |
| 9WollongongNSW | $63,360 | $52,297 |
| 10NewcastleNSW | $63,360 | $52,297 |
| 11GeelongVIC | $62,640 | $51,808 |
| 12HobartTAS | $61,200 | $50,828 |
Cost of Living Index: Sydney = 100. Lower values indicate lower cost of living.
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Hourly Rate
Based on a standard 38-hour work week (Australian full-time hours):
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Journalist earn in Australia?
The average Journalist salary in Australia is $69,300 per year, or approximately $35 per hour. Salaries typically range from $42,500 for entry-level positions to $121,000 for senior roles.
What is the take-home pay for a Journalist?
A Journalist earning the average salary of $69,300 takes home approximately $56,336 per year after income tax and Medicare levy, or $4,695 per month.
Where do Journalists earn the most in Australia?
Sydney offers the highest Journalist salaries at $79,200 on average, followed by Canberra at $77,760.
Is Journalist a good career in Australia?
Journalist is a stable career choice in Australia. The job market is stable, and the average salary of $69,300 is around the national median.
How much do Journalists make per hour?
Journalists earn approximately $35 per hour on average in Australia, based on a 38-hour work week. Hourly rates range from $22 for entry-level positions to $61 for experienced professionals.
About Journalist Salaries in Australia
The average Journalist salary in Australia is $69,300 per year, or approximately $35 per hour. Salaries range from $42,500 for entry-level positions to $121,000 for senior roles with extensive experience.
Sydney offers the highest average Journalist salary at $79,200, while Hobart has the lowest at $61,200.
After tax, a Journalist earning the average salary takes home $56,336 per year, or $4,695 per month.
Key Factors Affecting Journalist Salaries
- Location: Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne typically offer higher salaries but also have higher costs of living.
- Experience Level: Entry-level positions start around $42,500, while senior roles can reach $121,000.
- Industry: Different industries offer varying compensation for Journalist roles.
- Company Size: Larger companies typically offer higher salaries and more benefits.
Salary data is based on industry reports, job postings, and government statistics. Individual salaries may vary based on experience, qualifications, and employer. Tax calculations are estimates for the 2024-25 financial year.