News anchor earnings by seniority

90th percentile

Top-level news anchor earnings begin at:

$96.24 per hour

$200,180 per year

75th percentile

Senior-level news anchor earnings begin at:

$53.66 per hour

$111,610 per year

50th percentile

Mid-level news anchor earnings begin at:

$32.15 per hour

$66,880 per year

25th percentile

Junior-level news anchor earnings begin at:

$18.25 per hour

$37,970 per year

10th percentile

Starting level news anchor earnings begin at:

$13.16 per hour

$27,370 per year

Approximate values based on highest and lowest earning segments.

News anchor salary by state

State Name Average Salary
District of Columbia $93,890
Kentucky $93,630
Washington $92,220
New York $78,960
Wisconsin $77,310
Alabama $76,723
Illinois $75,671
Arizona $74,830
Maryland $73,550
Florida $73,200
Idaho $72,420
North Carolina $71,760
Colorado $71,190
Arkansas $68,760
Virginia $68,220
Indiana $68,000
California $67,230
North Dakota $66,840
Texas $64,050
Missouri $62,280
Utah $60,490
Ohio $57,770
Nevada $55,590
Pennsylvania $54,390
Mississippi $54,090
Georgia $51,500
South Carolina $49,450
Tennessee $45,680
Louisiana $45,670
Minnesota $43,020
New Jersey $30,510

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 about the same as related careers in the United States. On average, they make more than producers.

Career Median Salary
News anchor salary $67K
Talent agent salary $66K
Talent director salary $72K
Filmmaker salary $73K
Producer salary $72K

Source: CareerExplorer (Aggregated)