The Media Salary Index is a planning tool. In this launch edition it is illustrative: the bands on this page were written by our desk to show how a salary index will look, and they are not drawn from a survey or from any employer. Use this page to learn how to read pay information, not to benchmark a real offer.
How to read a pay range
Most job listings show a range, and a range tells you more than a single number. The low end often applies to someone who just meets the requirements. The high end usually reflects strong experience, a specialised skill or a high cost of living. Where in the range an offer falls depends on the evidence you can show.
What affects pay in media
- Seniority and the scope of the role, including how many people you manage.
- Location, working mode and the cost of living where the employer is based.
- Whether the role is staff, contract or freelance, since contract rates must cover costs that staff do not carry.
- Union coverage or collective agreements, which may set pay floors.
- The employer's size, funding model and stage of growth.
- Specialist skills such as data analysis, audio production or language fluency.
Questions to ask about any range
- Is the range for this exact role, or for a family of roles?
- Does it include bonuses, overtime or allowances, and are those guaranteed?
- How often is pay reviewed, and on what basis?
- What benefits come on top, such as leave, health cover or training?
- For contract work, who pays for equipment, software and insurance?
About the bands on this page
The table below lists six role families and illustrative annual ranges in US dollars. They are deliberately broad. They are not averages, they do not describe any real employer, and they should not be used for negotiating. Real salary data will need a clear method, enough responses and careful treatment of outliers, and we will explain that method when we publish any.
Currency and tax
Pay is shown before tax. Tax rules and social contributions vary by country and personal circumstances, and we do not give tax advice. A figure that looks high may be lower after costs and tax, particularly for freelancers.
Where to learn more
The Career Wire includes guides on reading job listings and on negotiating a first offer. They explain the questions worth asking and how to ask them politely.
Last updated 2026-10-04
Illustrative planning bands (annual, USD)
Written by our desk for this launch edition to show how a salary index will look. They are not survey data, are not attributed to any employer, and should not be used to negotiate.
| Investigative Reporter | $78k – $115k |
|---|---|
| Senior Audio Producer | $95k – $140k |
| Data Journalist | $80k – $120k |
| Segment Producer (Broadcast) | $60k – $85k |
| Newsletter / Audience Editor | $65k – $95k |
| Bureau Chief / Managing Editor | $135k – $210k |