📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

News Reporter Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Low Demand

Average
$81,338
per year
Median
$68,558
per year
Hourly
$39.1
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$45,199
25th Percentile — Junior$65,363
50th Percentile — Median$68,558
75th Percentile — Senior$110,732
90th Percentile — Top Earners$129,700
💡 Top-earning News Reporters in California make up to $129,700 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$75.5k
2021
$76.6k
2022
$77.8k
2023
$79.0k
2024
$80.1k
2025
$81.3k
2026
📈 News Reporter salaries in California have followed the national trend with 1.5% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
News Reporter Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $126,074 +55.0% Low
San Diego $120,380 +48.0% Low
San Jose $139,901 +72.0% Low
San Francisco $150,475 +85.0% Low
Fresno $87,845 +8.0% Low
Sacramento $99,232 +22.0% Low
Long Beach $117,940 +45.0% Low
Bakersfield $87,845 +8.0% Low
Anaheim $115,500 +42.0% Low
Santa Ana $113,873 +40.0% Low
Riverside $104,113 +28.0% Low
Stockton $95,979 +18.0% Low
Irvine $126,074 +55.0% Low
San Bernardino $95,979 +18.0% Low
Modesto $91,099 +12.0% Low
Fontana $99,232 +22.0% Low
Moreno Valley $93,539 +15.0% Low
Glendale $120,380 +48.0% Low
Fremont $130,141 +60.0% Low
🔍
News Reporter Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for News Reporters. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $81,338 per year, California's News Reporter salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $45,199–$65,363, while experienced News Reporters can command $110,732–$129,700.

Looking ahead, the News Reporter profession in California is projected to grow at 1.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average News Reporter salary in California is $81,338 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $57,280.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay News Reporters the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for News Reporter employment.
  • At $81,338/year, California News Reporter salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $57,280/year.