News anchor earnings by seniority

90th percentile

Top-level news anchor earnings begin at:

$34.27 per hour

$71,280 per year

75th percentile

Senior-level news anchor earnings begin at:

$21.75 per hour

$45,250 per year

50th percentile

Mid-level news anchor earnings begin at:

$16.96 per hour

$35,280 per year

25th percentile

Junior-level news anchor earnings begin at:

$14.59 per hour

$30,340 per year

10th percentile

Starting level news anchor earnings begin at:

$11.18 per hour

$23,260 per year

Approximate values based on highest and lowest earning segments.

News anchor salary by state

State Name Average Salary
Georgia $81,910
Nevada $78,550
Rhode Island $74,570
California $67,230
Maryland $63,680
Michigan $62,760
Tennessee $62,390
Virginia $62,140
Utah $61,880
Connecticut $61,620
Colorado $60,770
Illinois $60,590
New Jersey $59,830
Florida $58,730
North Carolina $58,670
Wisconsin $57,530
Hawaii $56,730
Delaware $55,600
Washington $54,760
New Mexico $54,610
Pennsylvania $54,390
Idaho $51,190
Louisiana $50,750
Maine $50,090
Oregon $49,200
Texas $48,470
New Hampshire $48,450
Oklahoma $48,210
Montana $47,960
South Carolina $47,940
Ohio $47,880
Indiana $47,610
Kentucky $47,530
Vermont $46,970
Missouri $46,920
Minnesota $46,490
Kansas $45,870
Mississippi $45,240
Alaska $43,820
Iowa $43,540
South Dakota $43,520
Alabama $43,440
North Dakota $43,420
Arizona $43,100
Nebraska $40,420
Arkansas $37,450
Wyoming $36,040
West Virginia $35,280
District of Columbia $105,390
New York $100,770

How much does a News Anchor earn?

A news anchor salary depends upon the size of the market in which you're employed, the amount of education you've completed, and the employer for whom you work. According to PayScale.com, news anchors earned between $30,773 and $129,253 a year in January 2016.

In order to get the highest salary possible, it is wise to consider pursuing an bachelor's degree and possibly a master's degree in journalism, English, communications or a related field. Experience, which can also include internships, is also very important.

Working for large national news markets will earn you a higher salary, which are typically found in major cities and metropolitan areas. Entry-level news anchors usually start out in a small market that may not pay as much but may serve as a stepping stone for advancement.

How do news anchor salaries compare to similar careers?

News anchors earn 9% less than similar careers in West Virginia. On average, they make less than talent directors but more than sports writers.

Career Median Salary
Talent director salary $47K
Editor salary $57K
Court reporter salary $57K
Film and video editor salary $48K
Camera operator salary $43K
Journalist salary $35K
News anchor salary $35K
Proofreader salary $37K
Announcer salary $35K
Sports writer salary $20K

Source: CareerExplorer (Aggregated)