RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists salary in San Francisco, California

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the San Francisco metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$102,240
Mean annual$131,310
Range (10th to 90th)$51,920 to $207,160
San Francisco, California employment1,180
State vs national+59.4% vs national

Salary distribution

Where San Francisco news analysts, reporters, and journalists fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$51,92025TH$73,720MEDIAN$102,24075TH$150,51090TH$207,160

The middle 50% of workers earn between $73,720 and $150,510, with a median of $102,240.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Bachelor's degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • English Language

    Knowledge

    4.8 / 5
  • Communications and Media

    Knowledge

    4.7 / 5
  • Speech Clarity

    Ability

    4.3 / 5
  • Oral Expression

    Ability

    4.2 / 5
  • Writing

    Basic skill

    4.1 / 5
  • Speaking

    Basic skill

    4.1 / 5
  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    4.1 / 5
  • Reading Comprehension

    Basic skill

    4.1 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Write commentaries, columns, or scripts, using computers.

  2. 02

    Coordinate and serve as an anchor on news broadcast programs.

  3. 03

    Examine news items of local, national, and international significance to determine topics to address, or obtain assignments from editorial staff members.

  4. 04

    Analyze and interpret news and information received from various sources to broadcast the information.

  5. 05

    Receive assignments or evaluate leads or tips to develop story ideas.

  6. 06

    Research a story's background information to provide complete and accurate information.

  7. 07

    Arrange interviews with people who can provide information about a story.

  8. 08

    Gather information and develop perspectives about news subjects through research, interviews, observation, and experience.

Sponsored

Build the skills employers list for News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.

Explore courses

Other metros in California

How the San Francisco metro compares to other major California metro areas for news analysts, reporters, and journalists.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists in San Francisco, California?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists in the San Francisco metropolitan area is $102,240.
Does San Francisco pay more than the California state average for News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists?
The San Francisco metro median is +20.5% versus the California state median of $84,830.
How does San Francisco compare to the national median for News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists?
The San Francisco metro median is +59.4% versus the BLS national figure of $64,125.
What is the salary range for News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists in San Francisco?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $51,920 and the 90th-percentile at $207,160 for the San Francisco metro area.
What education is required for News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Francisco CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.