Salary of Journalists - Journalist Salary in India, Reporter Salary per month, Perks and Allowances

Salary of Journalists - Journalist Salary in India, Reporter Salary per month, Perks and Allowances

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Aayushi
Aayushi Madavi
Associate Senior Executive
Updated on Nov 28, 2024 11:54 IST

Wondering what being a journalist would pay you? We've got that covered. Check out from stipends to fresher packages to the salaries of experienced journalists on this page.

Salary of Journalists

Salary of Journalists

Salary of Journalists - In the last few years, since the digital transformation and the rise of internet consumption, careers in the field of journalism have seen quite an increase. Although journalism was always a trendy profession, it was limited majorly to print, film & TV media. Now journalism has made its way to digital media as well. The sudden rise has helped in the inception of new media channels, and the expansion of large media houses into the digital and mobile realm. The opportunities on content creation platforms, news websites, blogs, and independent journalism are only increasing daily. Due to this rise, high school pass-outs and college graduates are keen on pursuing journalism. However, there are certain questions that pop into their heads about the field. Before committing to it, they need to know what is the salary of journalists, how much a reporter earns in a year, what's the job security like, what are the challenges in jobs for journalists, etc. In this article, we will address some of these questions. Read further and find out how much journalists earn.

Also read:

What is the Salary of a Journalist?

The salary of a journalist depends on various parameters like 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 to 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 on 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.

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Salary of a Journalist as per Specialization

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

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

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

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 Limited

INR 11-13 Lacs

Dainik Bhaskar Group

INR 9-10 Lacs

Zee News

INR 12-13 Lacs

HT Media

INR 14-15 Lacs

Salary of a Journalist as per City

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 Best Journalists in India

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.

Q:   What is the GMCET exam?

A:

The Global Media Common Entrance Test (GMCET) is a national-level entrance test conducted by the Global Media Education Council (GMEC) to short list candidates for undergraduate media courses in its participating colleges/universities. The coursesd offered by GMCET are -  BJMC (Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication), BA-JMC ( Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication), BMS (Bachelor Management studies), BMC (Bachelor of Mass Communication), BMM (Bachelor of Mass Media). This test assesses students for their communication skills and necessary analytics and logical reasoning essential for comprehending various scenarios and possible outcomes for a successful career in BA-JMC & BJMC, BMS, BMC, BMM and other courses.

Q:   What is the ACJ entrance examination?

A:

The Asian College of Journalism (ACJ) is an entrance examination conducted by the Media Development Foundation, a not-for-profit public trust established in 1999 to foster journalism as an independent, investigative, socially responsible, and ethical profession. The exam is conducted in online mode and consists of MCQ based questions as well as essay writing. The mode of the question paper is in English. The question paper has questions based on English Language and General Knowledge.

Q:   What are the colleges under GMCET exam?

A:

Global Media Common Entrance Test is an all South Asia entrance examination that offers admission of qualified candidates to undergraduate media courses. The colleges that come under the GMCET exam are - Sharda University, National School of Journalism, Alliance University, Auro University, Presidency University, Noida International University, LNCT University, GITAM University, Mody University, Jagran Lakecity University, Ajeenkya D.Y. Patil University, Centurion University, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Invertis University, Vivekananda Global University, and Bahra University.

How to Become a Journalist in India?

To become a journalist in India after 12th candidates first need to qualify high school with good marks and complete graduation. The most preferred subjects to graduation to build a good mass communication base are Political Science, History, Arts, etc. Apart from these candidates who want to enter into technical aspects of journalism like video production, video editing, and photography can do a short-term course in these technical aspects along with graduation. A prior knowledge of basic science also comes in handy for technical jobs. After the completion of their graduation degree, they will have to apply for the mass communication and media entrance examinations in India. Some of the famous mass communication entrance examinations in India are - 

Explore more Mass Communication & Media exams with upcoming dates

MASCOM Entrance Exam 2025 Appl...

13 Apr '25 - 11 May '25

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1 Dec '24 - 31 Dec '24

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10 Feb '25 - 10 Mar '25

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17 Feb '25 - 10 Mar '25

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1 Mar '25 - 31 Mar '25

Candidates can apply for either of the exams as per the eligibility criteria and prepare well to crack them. After qualifying in any of these exams they will have to register for the counselling process and as per their preference in the counselling process and their rank, they will be allotted seats in the courses of their choice.

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, or Digitial and 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.

Q:   Is the GMCET exam conducted annually?

A:

No, the Global Media Common Entrance Test (GMCET) exam is conducted once every month from March to October. Although this schedule is subject to change candidates are advised to visit the official website of GMCET and also stay updated through this space to get the notifications, details related to the exam schedule, and the GMCET 2024  important dates.

Q:   What is the mode of FTII JET?

A:

FTII JET is conducted offline (pen & paper based test). 

Q:   How often is FTII JET conducted?

A:

FTII JET is conducted annually or once a year in 28 cities across the country. 

Q:   What are the total marks of FTII JET?

A:

As per the official notification released by the exam conducting authority, Film and Television Institute of India each question paper will be of 100 marks. 50 marks for descriptive type questions and 50 marks for MCQs. The time duration of the FTII JET exam question paper will be 3 hours. 

Q:   Is GMCET also conducted for postgraduate courses?

A:

No, the GMCET exam is not conducted for postgraduate courses, it is only conducted for undergraduate media courses. Candidates planning to apply for the exam must go through the detailed instructions regarding the eligibility criteria before applying.

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FAQs on Salary of Journalists

Q: What is the monthly income of a Journalist?

A: The monthly salary of a journalist depends on various factors such as the experience of the candidate, the organization where they are working, their skills, etc. The maximum average salary package for a journalist is INR 6-7 lakhs 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.

Q: Is Journalism a high-paying job?

A: 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 organization 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.

Q: Is journalism a good career?

A: 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.

Q: What is the qualification of a journalist?

A: 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.

Q: Is journalism a good career in India?

A: 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 specialized 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.

Q: How can I become a journalist after 12th?

A: 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

Q: What is the lowest salary for a journalist?

A: 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.

Q: Is journalism a tough job?

A: Journalism can be a challenging profession as it requires a lot of dedication, hard work, and a passion for storytelling, breaking news, and being aware 24x7. Journalism involves collecting and presenting news and information accurately and objectively, which can be difficult at times. However, it can also be a rewarding career for those who enjoy staying up-to-date with current events, meeting new people, and having the ability to shape public opinion.

It's important to note that the field of journalism is constantly evolving, and with the rise of digital media, the job requirements and skills needed may vary. However, a degree in journalism or mass communication can provide a strong foundation in writing, communication skills, and exposure to cutting-edge technology.

Q: Is journalism helpful for UPSC?

A: UPSC and Journalism are two distant streams however, there are few links that bond them together and Journalism can be helpful for the UPSC preparation in several ways like - 

Current affairs: Journalism helps you stay updated on current events and news, which is essential for UPSC preparation. Reading newspapers and news articles can provide you with the necessary information to answer questions on current affairs.

Vocabulary: Journalism exposes you to a wide range of words and phrases, which can help improve your vocabulary. Enhancing your vocabulary can be beneficial for the English language section of the UPSC exam.

Critical thinking: Journalism teaches you to think critically and analyze information. These skills can be useful when tackling essay and opinion-based questions in the UPSC exam.

Research skills: Journalism involves conducting research and fact-checking, which can help you develop your research skills. These skills can be useful when preparing for the UPSC exam, especially for the general knowledge section.

Writing skills: Journalism helps you develop your writing skills, which can be useful when answering the descriptive-type questions in the UPSC exam.

Q: Is journalism a safe profession?

A: Journalism, like any profession, has its own set of risks and challenges. However, whether or not journalism is a safe profession depends on how one defines "safe."

If we consider safety in terms of physical well-being, then journalism can be a risky profession as Journalists may have to work in conflict zones, cover protests and demonstrations, and report from dangerous locations. They may also be at risk of physical harm, including injury or even death, while on assignment.

However, if we define safety in terms of job security and financial stability, then journalism can be a relatively safe profession. There are many opportunities for journalists in a variety of fields, including digital media, podcasting, and freelance writing.

Q: Is it stressful to be a Journalist?

A: Being a journalist can be a challenging and demanding profession, as it requires a high level of dedication, hard work, and attention to detail. However, whether or not it is stressful depends on various factors, such as the specific area of journalism you are working in, the type of stories you are covering, and your own personal preferences and coping mechanisms.

Some common stressors for journalists include tight deadlines, high expectations from audiences and editors, and the potential for backlash or criticism of their work. Additionally, journalists may be exposed to traumatic or disturbing events, such as natural disasters, political unrest, or violent crimes, which can take an emotional toll.

Despite these challenges, many journalists find their work to be rewarding and fulfilling, as they have the opportunity to share important stories, hold those in power accountable, and give voice to marginalized communities.

Q: Is journalism a skilled job?

A: Journalism is a skilled profession that requires a combination of writing, research, critical thinking, and communication skills. Journalists need to be able to collect, analyze, and present information in a clear and concise manner, often under tight deadlines and with limited resources.

To be a successful journalist, one must have a strong foundation in writing and communication skills, as well as the ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines. Additionally, journalists must be able to conduct thorough research, fact-check information, and maintain objectivity and integrity in their reporting. If you are considering a career in journalism, it's important to carefully consider your own strengths, weaknesses, and goals, as well as the current state of the industry and the potential challenges you may face. It may also be helpful to speak with experienced journalists and professionals in the field to gain a better understanding of what the work entails and what you can expect.

About the Author
author-image
Aayushi Madavi
Associate Senior Executive

Aayushi is a BAJMC graduate and an ardent consumer of content with a keen passion for film, TV and books. She specialises in Mass Communication and Humanities related exams, entrances and courses.