Online Journalists

There are no official salary figures currently available for online journalists. However, as with other Web-related jobs, some online journalists may make slightly higher salaries than their counterparts in traditional journalism, but most earn less. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the median yearly income of traditional reporters was $57,500 in May 2023. The lowest paid 10 percent earned less than $31,550; the highest paid 10 percent earned more than $160,360.

Incomes are also influenced by such factors as the person's experience, company size, and geographic location. Freelance online journalists' hourly fees range from $25 to $125 depending on the project and the writer's experience.

Typical benefits may be available for full-time salaried employees including sick leave, vacation pay, and health, life, and disability insurance. Retirement plans may also be available, and some companies may match employees' contributions. Some companies may also offer stock-option plans.

Freelance journalists do not receive benefits and are responsible for their own medical, disability, and life insurance. They do not receive vacation pay, and when they aren't working, they aren't generating income. Retirement plans must also be self-funded and self-directed.