Ever tuned into your evening local broadcast and wondered if that polished anchor is pulling in six figures? You’re not alone. With local TV stations facing digital shifts and budget squeezes, news anchor pay remains a hot topic for aspiring journalists and curious viewers alike.
In 2025, the average salary for local news anchors in the United States hovers around $50,000 to $60,000 annually, according to data from ZipRecruiter and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This places it squarely in the range for broadcasters overall, with the BLS reporting a median of $60,280 for news analysts, reporters, and journalists as of May 2024. PayScale pegs the broader news anchor average at $70,314, but that includes some national roles—local gigs trend lower.
Wide Range: From Small-Market Starts to Big-City Wins
Salaries aren’t one-size-fits-all. Entry-level anchors fresh out of college or small-market reporters might earn $40,000 to $50,000, often starting as weekend fillers or reporters before sliding into the anchor chair. With 1-4 years of experience, expect $51,000 to $63,000, per PayScale. Mid-career pros (5-9 years) climb to $70,000-$80,000, while veterans with 10+ years can hit $100,000 or more in prime spots.
Market size drives the biggest swings. The TV industry ranks markets from 1 (New York) to 210 (small rural areas). Here’s a snapshot:
| Market Size | Example Cities | Average Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Large (Top 10) | New York, Los Angeles, Chicago | $80,000 – $150,000+ |
| Mid-Size (50-100) | Pittsburgh, San Diego | $60,000 – $100,000 |
| Small (150+) | Erie, PA; Rural TN markets | $35,000 – $55,000 |
In high-stakes hubs like LA, anchors average $107,000, boosted by ad revenue from massive audiences. San Jose tops local-specific lists at $105,000, while Pittsburgh sits at $62,000 base. Smaller markets? ZipRecruiter shows $43,000 in Tennessee and $46,000 in Pennsylvania.
What Influences the Paycheck?
Several factors dictate earnings beyond experience:
- Location and Cost of Living: Big cities mean bigger bucks but steeper expenses. New York anchors earn 9% above national averages but face sky-high rents.
- Station Size and Ownership: Affiliates of ABC, NBC, or CBS (often owned by giants like Sinclair or Nexstar) pay more than independents. National reach correlates with higher budgets.
- Role and Shift: Lead evening anchors outearn morning or sports specialists. Weekend slots pay 10-20% less.
- Education and Skills: A bachelor’s in journalism helps, but advanced degrees or bilingual skills can add $5,000-$10,000. Digital savvy—like streaming or social media chops—boosts value amid cord-cutting trends.
- Union Status: SAG-AFTRA members in union shops negotiate better rates, often 15-25% higher.
Benefits sweeten the deal: Health insurance, 401(k) matches, and perks like free gym access or event tickets. Top earners snag bonuses tied to ratings—think $5,000-$20,000 for a hit segment.
Real Talk from the Field
Industry insiders echo the variability. A Reddit thread from D.C. journalists revealed lead anchors at local-national hybrids pulling $650,000, but that’s rare for pure locals. In San Diego (market #28), veterans hit $150,000 after years grinding smaller gigs. Comparably notes San Jose locals averaging $105,000, 97% above the U.S. norm of $53,452.
Experts like media analyst Kathryn Vasel point to market climbs as the fast track: “Start small, build a reel, jump to mid-markets for 20-30% raises.” With journalism jobs projected to dip 4% by 2034 (BLS), versatility pays—anchors moonlighting on podcasts or TikTok news clips report 10-15% income bumps.
Why It Matters for You
If you’re eyeing this career, crunch the numbers against your lifestyle. A $50,000 salary in a low-cost small town stretches further than $80,000 in NYC. Aspiring anchors: Intern early, network at NAB conferences, and track openings on sites like TVJobs.com. For viewers, it underscores local news’s value—your anchors deliver community intel that shapes votes, alerts, and daily decisions.
In summary, local news anchors earn a solid but variable living, averaging $50K-$70K with room to grow through hustle and relocation. As media evolves, those blending on-air charisma with online flair will command the best paychecks moving forward.