News Anchor Salary
by City (2026)
Present news broadcasts live on television or online streaming platforms. National median: $58K/year. See how your city compares.
News Anchor salary by city
Sorted by median salaryCOL-adjusted: where does your salary go furthest?
A $58K News Anchor salary in Houston (COL 91, no tax) has significantly more purchasing power than the same salary in San Francisco (COL 224, 9.3% state tax). Use our calculator to see the real numbers.
Try COL Calculator βNews Anchor Salary Guide (2026)
The national median salary for a News Anchor is $58,000 per year. Entry-level positions typically start at $38,000, while experienced professionals in the top 25% earn $98,000 or more. The highest-paid 10% of News Anchors nationally earn $185,000+.
Education and requirements
Bachelor's in Journalism or Broadcasting; on-camera experience. This role is 5% remote-eligible nationally, which significantly expands the geographic job market for workers in lower cost-of-living cities.
Salary growth outlook
News Anchor compensation is growing at -1.5% annually, near the national average wage growth rate.
News Anchor salary FAQ
How much does a News Anchor make?
The median News Anchor salary in the US is $58,000 per year β about $28/hour. Most earn between $38,000 (25th percentile) and $98,000 (75th percentile).
What is the starting salary for a News Anchor?
Entry-level News Anchor positions typically start around $38,000 per year. Pay rises with experience, specialization, and location.
How much do the highest-paid News Anchors earn?
The top 10% of News Anchors earn $185,000 or more per year β usually senior, lead, or specialized professionals in high-cost or high-demand markets.
Which city pays News Anchors the most?
San Francisco has the highest median News Anchor salary at $87K among the cities we track. But high-cost metros like San Francisco and New York often have lower real purchasing power once cost of living and taxes are factored in.
Are News Anchor salaries going up?
Yes β News Anchor pay is growing about -1.5% year over year, near the US average wage-growth rate.