Salary of Journalists in India 2025: Reporter Average Salary per month, Perks and Allowances

Wondering what salary a career in Journalism can get you? This article will provide you with information on the annual and monthly salaries of Journalists. It also covers the salary of journalists in India as per the organization, specialization, post, etc.
Salary of Journalists in India 2025: Job opportunities in the fields of mass media and journalism have increased exponentially over the last few years. This can be credited to the digital transformation of media and the rise of internet consumption. Journalism was earlier limited mainly to print, film & TV media. Now, it has made its way to digital media as well. New digital platforms have allowed new media channels and brand names in the field of journalism. Big names (media houses, channels, newspapers, brands) that have been around forever have also entered the digital space and have websites, multiple social media handles, and a strong online presence overall.
The opportunities for content creation platforms, news websites, blogs, and independent journalism are only increasing every day. Due to this rise, high school graduates and college graduates are keen on pursuing journalism. However, there are certain questions about the field that pop into their heads. Before committing to it, they need to know what the salary of journalists is, how much a reporter earns in a year, what the job security is like, what the challenges are in jobs for journalists, etc. In this article, we will address some of these questions. Learn more in the article below.
Also Read:
- What is the Salary of a Journalist?
- Salary of a Journalist as per Specialisation
- Salary of a Journalist as per Designation
- Salary of a Journalist as per Qualification
- Salary of a Journalist as per Media Organisation
- Salary of a Journalist as per City
- Salary of the Best Journalists in India
- How to Become a Journalist in India?
- Scope of Journalism in India
- Benefits and Perks for Journalists Beyond Salary
What is the Salary of a Journalist?
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The salary of a journalist is based on various factors. These factors include their education, their experience during internships, former jobs, etc. If the student has qualified from a top mass communication college in India, the chances of getting a good package from the get-go are higher. Where they intern and go on to work also adds value to their work profile. Considering these facts, the starting salary of a journalist can be anywhere between INR 20,000 and 25,000.
It can be said that the starting salary of journalists per annum can be around INR 3 lacs to 5 lacs. The salary of journalists keeps increasing with experience and skills. Some of the most famous journalists in India, like Arnab Goswami, Ravish Kumar, and Sudhir Choudhary, earn crores apart from the various perks they receive such as house accommodation, chauffeured cars, various other facilities like medical benefits and reimbursements.
Salary of a Journalist as per Specialisation
The average salaries of different kinds of journalists are mentioned in the table below.
Specializations |
Average Annual Salary (INR) |
---|---|
Investigative Journalist |
INR 5-6 Lacs |
Broadcast Journalist |
INR 5-6 Lacs |
Print Journalist |
INR 4-5 Lacs |
Crime Journalist |
INR 6-7 Lacs |
Sports Journalist |
INR 6-7 Lacs |
Lifestyle Journalist |
INR 6-7 Lacs |
Photojournalist |
INR 4-5 Lacs |
Political Journalist |
INR 6-7 Lacs |
Salary of a Journalist as per Designation
Salaries of journalists based on their position are provided in the table below.
Designations |
Average Annual Salary (INR) |
---|---|
Editor in Chief |
INR 15-17 Lacs |
Managing Director |
INR 8-9 Lacs |
Assignment Editor |
INR 4-5 Lacs |
News Editors |
INR 6-7 Lacs |
Visual Production Specialist |
INR 6-7 Lacs |
Sub Editors |
INR 4-5 Lacs |
Salary of a Journalist as per Qualification
The salaries of journalists based on their educational qualifications are mentioned below.
Qualifications |
Average Annual Salary (INR) |
---|---|
Postgraduate Courses |
INR 8-9 Lacs |
Certificate Courses |
INR 3-4 Lacs |
Diploma Courses |
INR 4-5 Lacs |
Undergraduate Courses |
INR 6-7 Lacs |
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Salary of a Journalist as per Media Organisation
Different companies and organisations have different reputations and statuses in the industry. The average annual packages offered by some popular names are provided below.
The monthly salary of a journalist depends on various factors such as the experience of the candidate, the organisation where they are working, their skills, etc. The maximum average salary package for a journalist is INR 6-7 Lacs per annum for the initial couple of years. However, it's important to note that this figure is an average and may vary based on factors such as location, experience, and specific job roles.
A career in Journalism can be a high-paying job, depending on the specific role and the publication or the media house one works for.
According to several salary aggregators, the salary/placement data, the maximum average salary package for a Journalism course passed out for the initial 2-3 years is INR 5-6 Lakhs per annum.
However, it's important to note that these figures are based on a limited sample size and may not be representative of the entire Journalism industry. Additionally, salaries can also depend upon other factors such as the job location, experience of the candidate, and the specific publication or media organisation they are working for.
In general, more experienced journalists and those working for major publications or organizations may earn higher salaries, while those just starting out or working for smaller publications may earn lower salaries.
Overall, while Journalism may not be high-paying at the start, it can be a rewarding and fulfilling career for those who are passionate about storytelling and communicating important information to the public. Many experienced and famous journalists in India earn in the figures of crores.
Name of the Company |
Average Annual Salary (INR) |
---|---|
Dainik Jagran |
INR 8-10 Lacs |
India Today Group |
INR 14-15 Lacs |
Times of India |
INR 12-13 Lacs |
ABP News Network |
INR 11-13 Lacs |
Dainik Bhaskar Group |
INR 9-10 Lacs |
Zee Media |
INR 12-13 Lacs |
HT Media |
INR 14-15 Lacs |
Salary of a Journalist as per City
The same goes for different cities. However, the determining factors here are population, the tier of the city, the demand for journalists, etc. The salaries of experienced journalists in some cities are provided in the table below.
Name of the Cities |
Average Annual Salary |
---|---|
Delhi |
INR 15 Lacs |
Bengaluru |
INR 15 Lacs |
Mumbai |
INR 15 Lacs |
Chennai |
INR 10 Lacs |
Kolkata |
INR 8 Lacs |
Pune |
INR 6-7 Lacs |
Noida |
INR 6-7 Lacs |
Salary of the Best Journalists in India
The speculated salaries of some popular journalists in the country are mentioned below.
Top Journalists |
Average Annual Salary (INR) |
---|---|
Ravish Kumar |
4 Crore |
Nidhi Razdan |
3 Crore |
Arnab Goswami |
12 Crore |
Barkha Dutt |
2.64 Crore |
Pranoy Roy |
7.8 Crore |
Rajdeep Sardesai |
5 Crore |
Disclaimer - The numbers mentioned in the above table are estimates gathered by salary aggregators. The actual numbers can vary. This is just to give an idea to candidates about the salary of journalists.
Journalism can be a highly rewarding and fulfilling career for those who are passionate about storytelling, curious about the world, and committed to seeking the truth. Here are some reasons why:
- Variety of roles: Journalism offers a wide range of roles, from reporting and writing to editing, photography, and broadcasting. This means that individuals with different skill sets and interests can find a niche that suits them.
- Opportunities for advancement: With experience and a strong portfolio, journalists can move up the ranks to senior positions.
- Flexibility: Journalism offers flexible work arrangements, including freelance opportunities, part-time or remote work, and the ability to work in a variety of settings, from newsrooms to online publications.
- Opportunities for specialization: Journalists can specialize in specific areas like investigative reporting, sports journalism, entertainment reporting, or political coverage, allowing them to develop deep expertise and build a reputation in their field.
- Potential for impact: Journalism has the power to shape public opinion, influence policy, and bring about change. Journalists can use their platform to highlight important issues, hold those in power accountable, and give voice to marginalized communities.
However, like any career, journalism has its challenges, such as tight deadlines, limited resources, and the potential for high stress and burnout.
To become a journalist, the general qualification required is a bachelor's degree in journalism or a related field, such as communication or English.
In addition to a degree, employers require journalists to have strong writing and communication skills, as well as the ability to work well under deadlines and handle multiple tasks. Some employers may also require a portfolio of writing samples or a demo reel of video work.
It's important to note that the specific qualifications for journalists can vary depending on the employer and the type of journalism being done. For example, a reporter for a local newspaper may have different qualifications than a broadcast journalist for a national television network.
Journalism can be a rewarding and challenging career in India, with a growing demand for skilled journalists in various media outlets. However, the industry is facing challenges due to the shift in consumer behavior and the rise of digital media.
There are opportunities for journalists in India, particularly in areas such as digital media, investigative journalism, and specialised beats like sports, entertainment, and technology. The demand for high-quality content in these areas is increasing, and skilled journalists can find opportunities in both traditional and new-age media outlets. Journalism in India can be a good career option for those who are passionate about storytelling, have a strong desire to learn and adapt, and are willing to work in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
First of all it is important to understand that you have the journalist instinct in yourself. If the answer is Yes, then you have crossed the first step. Now coming to the next step, once you have qualified in the 10+2 exam you must complete your graduation and apply for any of the popular mass communication exams in India such as the FTII JET exam, JMI Entrance exam, IIMC Entrance exam or the XIC OET exam and crack it. During this phase, it is also mandatory to develop skills such as -
- Develop strong writing and communication skills
- Build a strong foundation in history and politics
- Get an internship or work experience
- Network and make connections
There is nothing like a low salary or a high salary for a journalist. However, if you are talking about specific numbers then it can be said that journalism interns earn much less as compared to experienced ones. Interns get a stipend that is below INR 10,000 in many places. However, with minimum wage awareness, and job assurance policies for interns this amount will surely increase in the future and provide better opportunities for the candidates.
How to Become a Journalist in India?
To become a journalist in India after 12th, students first need to pass high school with good marks and complete graduation. The ideal subjects to study to build a good mass communication base are Political Science, History, Arts, etc. Apart from these, students who want to enter into technical aspects of journalism, like video production, video editing, and photography, can pursue short-term diploma and certificate courses designed specifically for these skills. A prior knowledge of basic science also comes in handy for technical jobs. Undergraduate and postgraduate courses in journalism, like BJMC and MJMC, are offered by numerous universities and colleges across the country. Some popular entrance exams through which you can enrol on a journalism course are listed below.
Scope of Journalism in India
There is a great scope of Journalism in India. The possibilities are endless for skilled journalists, as there are a vast number of opportunities for them in India. Journalists can either join print media, digital or TV media. They can work as reporters, anchors, video editors, photographers, writers, columnists, cartoonists, feature writers, editors, investigative journalists, or freelancers in any of these professions. Again, the starting salaries may not be that impressive, but with experience, making connections along the way and some popularity, journalists can earn a handsome amount.
Benefits and Perks for Journalists Beyond Salary
There can be several benefits that journalists can get from the organisations they work for. Since journalism is a mix of desk work and fieldwork, companies often arrange or pay for work-related travel, stays, and even meals. The terms and conditions for these allowances may differ from company to company. Other than that, journalism also opens numerous doors for professionals. There is press and media access for notable events, etc. Networking is another perk of working in this field. This networking is not only limited to media professionals but also the government, public administration, advertisers, law enforcement, celebrities and even citizens. Journalism also provides room for immense personal growth as it enhances research skills, communication skills, people skills, and the technical aspect of journalistic productions (digital content, publications, television and radio shows, podcasts, etc.).
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