MediaUpdated Q1 2026

Broadcast Journalist Salary
in Lakewood, CO

Report news for television and radio broadcasts including live field reporting. Median salary in Lakewood: $56K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$56K
per year
Take-home: $37K

Salary range in Lakewood

Entry level (25th)$39,000
Median (50th)$56,000
Senior (75th)$84,000
Top earner (90th)$131,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Lakewood, Colorado. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial Β· How we calculate this β†’

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What the numbers say for Lakewood

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above β€” specific to this role and city.

2% premium vs national median

Broadcast Journalists in Lakewood earn approximately 2% higher than the US national median for this role β€” a $1,000 premium on annual base salary. This reflects Lakewood's position as a higher-cost labor market where employers must match local wage norms.

Cost-of-living adjusted picture

Adjusted for Lakewood's cost-of-living index (115), the median Broadcast Journalist salary buys the equivalent of $48,696 in a US-average-cost city. That's $6,304 less purchasing power than the national median β€” the higher nominal salary doesn't fully offset local costs.

Rent eats 55% of take-home

Average 1-bedroom rent in Lakewood ($1,700/mo) consumes approximately 55% of an after-tax median Broadcast Journalist salary. Financial planners typically recommend keeping housing under 30% of take-home β€” a salary at the 75th percentile ($84K) brings that ratio into a more comfortable range here.

Key facts for Lakewood

Median salary
$56K
annual
Take-home pay
$37K
after fed/state tax
COL index
115
100 = US avg
State income tax
4.55%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$1,700
per month
YoY growth
+-1%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Lakewood Broadcast Journalist to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $56K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Lakewood

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Broadcast Journalist salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$47K$51K$55K$59K$63K201920212023202520272029
2026
$57K
projected
2027
$59K
projected
2028
$60K
projected
2029
$62K
projected
2030
$63K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$56,000+$0
2028 projected$56,000+$0
2029 projected$56,000+$0
2030 projected$56,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Broadcast Journalist Salary in Lakewood, Colorado: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Broadcast Journalist salary in Lakewood, CO is $56,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Lakewood–CO metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Broadcast Journalist in Lakewood

Entry-level Broadcast Journalists in Lakewood with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $39,000 and $56,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $56,000 to $84,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $84,000 to $131,000 or more.

Cost of living in Lakewood for Broadcast Journalists

Lakewood has a cost of living index of 115 compared to the US national average of 100. Lakewood's cost of living is above the US average, so the salary figures above reflect local market rates. Colorado has a 4.55% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Broadcast Journalist

Bachelor's in Journalism or Broadcasting; on-air experience. 20% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Broadcast Journalist salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Lakewood (current)$56K115
Denver$61K118
Colorado Springs$51K102
Aurora$56K112
Fort Collins$56K112
Thornton$55K108