Journalist Salaries in United Kingdom

The average salary for a Journalist is £38,923 per year in United Kingdom. Salaries estimates are based on 849 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Journalist employees in United Kingdom.

The highest salary for a Journalist in United Kingdom is £52,637 per year.

The lowest salary for a Journalist in United Kingdom is £29,145 per year.

A career in journalism allows candidates to remain immersed in action, meet new people, and travel. Salary ranges vary depending on experience, with experienced journalists sometimes earning over the national average. However, entry-level journalists sometimes earn under the average, with many taking on additional freelance work in order to supplement their income. As the shift from print media to digital subscriptions makes it easier to track readership, some freelance journalists are paid by the number of clicks rather than per article.

If you want to maximise your earning potential in your journalism career, there are several routes you can take. Start by identifying niche areas within journalism that are in high demand, such as investigative journalism, data journalism, business journalism, or technology journalism. Becoming an expert in a specialised field can make you more valuable and potentially open up opportunities for higher-paying roles.

Expand your skill set, because journalism today requires a range of skills beyond writing, such as video production, podcasting, social media management, and data analysis. Invest in developing these skills to stay relevant and competitive in the industry.

Network with industry professional at journalism conferences, media events, and networking functions to connect with other journalists, editors, and industry professionals. Building a strong network can lead to job opportunities and collaborations that can increase your income.

Whether you're interested in earning more at your current job or seeking out new journalist positions, it's helpful to familiarise yourself with other journalist's salaries in your area. Knowing this will help you come to the negotiating table with clear expectations and give you more confidence.

In addition, be prepared to talk through why your experience and skills are especially valuable. Is there a long-term reporting project that you really went the extra mile to deliver? Have you taken on new roles and responsibilities, such as mentoring junior writers and editors? Be specific, straightforward, and confident as you discuss this.

About 55.58% of Journalist professionals feel satisfied with their salary, according to anonymous Glassdoor ratings. An additional £2,133 in potential pay per year, among other factors, can qualify the annual pay of a Journalist in United Kingdom as a good salary.

Journalist professionals in United Kingdom have a wide total pay range, between £22,626 and £70,169 depending on experience, with an estimated total pay of £38,923 following the average career path of a Journalist.