Journalist Salary in South Africa

Journalists are important people as they play a significant role in society. They have great responsibility because they hold the people in power accountable. Journalists have a demanding job and have to deal with criticism.

Occupation:	Journalist
Monthly Salary Range:	R 13600 – R 59800
Average Monthly Salary:	R 61820.5
Description:	Journalists play an essential role as they hold government and powerful institutions accountable. They provide accurate and timely information to the ordinary people. Moreover, they highlight the wrongdoings and corruption of powerful people.
Minimum Qualification:	To become a journalist in South Africa, individuals should get a bachelor’s degree in communication or journalism. Depending on your liking, you can choose between print journalism or broadcast journalism. When done, you should intern at a media house for practical experience.

The question that most people think of is whether they get paid according to the work they do. You can find the answer by scrolling down. The salary structure, along with the responsibilities, are discussed.

Overview of Journalist Salary

Salaries for journalists in South Africa vary widely depending on experience, employer, and type of media (print, digital, broadcast). Entry-level journalists earn around R18,800–R22,300 per month. Mid-career journalists earn R28,000–R39,500 per month. Senior or experienced journalists (with many years’ experience or in major media houses) can earn R48,900–R59,800 per month. Taking the full distribution into account, a realistic average monthly salary is around R38,300.

Salary Structure by Experience

Years / Role Stage	Approximate Monthly Salary (ZAR)
Entry-level / Junior (0–2 years)	~ R18,800 – R22,300
Early-career (2–5 years)	~ R22,300 – R28,600
Mid-career (5–10 years)	~ R28,600 – R39,500
Experienced (10–15 years)	~ R39,500 – R48,900
Senior / Veteran (15–20 years)	~ R48,900 – R52,400
20+ years / Top-level / Specialist	~ R52,400 – R59,800+

Those with advanced skills or working in high-paying segments (broadcast media, investigative journalism, high-demand beats) tend toward the upper end.

Allowances / Bonuses & Other Compensation

Many media employers supplement base salary with benefits or allowances. These may include medical aid contributions, pension/retirement contributions, and occasional bonuses. In some cases, bonuses or extra pay for overtime or special assignments can add to overall compensation.

Responsibilities of a Journalist

• Reporting and writing news stories — from politics to social issues, local news to global affairs.
• Investigative journalism: researching issues, interviewing sources, verifying facts before publication.
• Protecting sources: ensuring the confidentiality and safety of informants, especially when dealing with sensitive topics.
• Ethical and legal responsibility: follow media regulations, avoid defamation, respect privacy, provide balanced reporting.
• Adapt to multiple formats: print, digital, broadcast, social media; may need multimedia skills (video, audio, photo, editing) in modern media houses.

FAQs

What is the typical starting salary for a journalist in South Africa?
Entry‑level journalists earn about R18,800–R22,300 per month.

What is a typical mid‑career journalist’s salary?
Mid‑career journalists often earn between R28,000 and R39,500 per month.

How much can an experienced journalist earn monthly?
Senior or long‑tenure journalists can earn R48,900–R59,800 per month, sometimes more depending on role and employer.

Do journalists get benefits beyond base pay?
Yes — many receive medical aid or pension contributions, and some receive bonuses or extra pay depending on assignments and employer policy.

Is journalism a stable and rewarding career in South Africa?
It can be — especially for experienced, skilled journalists working in established media houses or specializing in high‑demand fields. Pay varies widely, but with experience and specialization, earnings can become decent.salaries vary depending upon the practical experience and the media house they’re associated with.