How Much Do News Anchors Make?

The salary of news anchors can vary widely depending on factors such as their level of experience, the size and location of the media market they work in, and the network or station they are affiliated with.

And therefore, it’s difficult to say exactly what is the salary of a news anchor with surety. However, based on the historical data, anecdotal evidence and average economic conditions of the state and countries, we are capable of making good guesses on the average of what a typical news anchor makes per annum.

With that being said, it’s important to note that salaries can also be influenced by other factors such as contract negotiations, individual performance, and the overall financial health of the media organization. So based on those considerations, check out the salaries of news anchors data below.

News anchor Average salary by state in USA

Alabama: $41,440 per year
Alaska: $50,158 per year
Arizona: $67,395 per year
Arkansas: $50,095 per year
California: $54,037 per year
Colorado: $38,191 per year
Connecticut: $35,679 per year
Delaware: $48,850 per year
District of Columbia: $72,020 per year
Florida: $58,604 per year
Georgia: $53,861 per year
Hawaii: $48,486 per year
Idaho: $37,746 per year
Illinois: $43,937 per year
Indiana: $40,036 per year
Iowa: $36,817 per year
Kansas: $48,507 per year
Kentucky: $73,544 per year
Louisiana: $33,166 per year
Maine: $48,112 per year
Maryland: $54,198 per year
Massachusetts: $50,718 per year
Michigan: $30,325 per year
Minnesota: $37,208 per year
Mississippi: $28,231 per year
Missouri: $39,389 per year
Montana: $26,619 per year
Nebraska: $35,524 per year
Nevada: $41,694 per year
New Hampshire: $39,691 per year
New Jersey: $54,005 per year
New Mexico: $33,998 per year
New York: $68,577 per year
North Carolina: $48,594 per year
North Dakota: $47,960 per year
Ohio: $35,806 per year
Oklahoma: $27,667 per year
Oregon: $64,004 per year
Pennsylvania: $46,982 per year
Rhode Island: $49,548 per year
South Carolina: $47,231 per year
South Dakota: $46,124 per year
Tennessee: $38,544 per year
Texas: $35,351 per year
Utah: $43,523 per year
Vermont: $47,257 per year
Virginia: $29,385 per year
Washington: $97,632 per year
West Virginia: $46,234 per year
Wisconsin: $57,765 per year
Wyoming: $40,005 per year

News Anchor Average Salary by Countries

Austria: €50,000 – €100,000+
Belgium: €40,000 – €80,000+
Denmark: DKK 500,000 – DKK 1,000,000+
Finland: €40,000 – €80,000+
Greece: €30,000 – €60,000+
Ireland: €40,000 – €80,000+
Portugal: €30,000 – €60,000+
Poland: PLN 100,000 – PLN 200,000+
Czech Republic: CZK 800,000 – CZK 1,500,000+
Hungary: HUF 5,000,000 – HUF 10,000,000+
Romania: RON 100,000 – RON 200,000+
Croatia: HRK 200,000 – HRK 400,000+
Iceland: ISK 5,000,000 – ISK 10,000,000+
New Zealand: NZD 80,000 – NZD 150,000+
Israel: ILS 200,000 – ILS 400,000+
Qatar: QAR 200,000 – QAR 500,000+
Kuwait: KWD 20,000 – KWD 40,000+
Malaysia: MYR 80,000 – MYR 150,000+
Philippines: PHP 1,000,000 – PHP 2,000,000+
Vietnam: VND 500,000,000 – VND 1,000,000,000+
Ukraine: UAH 500,000 – UAH 1,000,000+
Netherlands: €50,000 – €100,000+
South Africa: ZAR 400,000 – ZAR 800,000+
Mexico: MXN 500,000 – MXN 1,000,000+
Russia: RUB 2,000,000 – RUB 4,000,000+
Saudi Arabia: SAR 200,000 – SAR 500,000+
Nigeria: NGN 5,000,000 – NGN 10,000,000+
South Korea: KRW 60,000,000 – KRW 120,000,000+
France: €50,000 – €100,000+
Italy: €40,000 – €80,000+
Spain: €30,000 – €60,000+
Netherlands: €50,000 – €100,000+
Switzerland: CHF 80,000 – CHF 150,000+
Sweden: SEK 500,000 – SEK 1,000,000+
Norway: NOK 500,000 – NOK 1,000,000+
Singapore: SGD 80,000 – SGD 150,000+
United Arab Emirates: AED 200,000 – AED 500,000+
Turkey: TRY 100,000 – TRY 200,000+
Argentina: ARS 1,000,000 – ARS 2,000,000+
Chile: CLP 20,000,000 – CLP 40,000,000+
Egypt: EGP 300,000 – EGP 600,000+
Thailand: THB 1,000,000 – THB 2,000,000+
Indonesia: IDR 300,000,000 – IDR 600,000,000+
Azerbaijan: AZN 30,000 – AZN 60,000+
Kazakhstan: KZT 15,000,000 – KZT 30,000,000+
Pakistan: PKR 2,000,000 – PKR 4,000,000+
Bangladesh: BDT 1,000,000 – BDT 2,000,000+
Sri Lanka: LKR 2,000,000 – LKR 4,000,000+
Myanmar (Burma): MMK 30,000,000 – MMK 60,000,000+
Cambodia: KHR 40,000,000 – KHR 80,000,000+
Nepal: NPR 2,000,000 – NPR 4,000,000+
Bhutan: BTN 800,000 – BTN 1,600,000+
Afghanistan: AFN 1,500,000 – AFN 3,000,000+
Iraq: IQD 40,000,000 – IQD 80,000,000+
Iran: IRR 400,000,000 – IRR 800,000,000+
Lebanon: LBP 30,000,000 – LBP 60,000,000+
Jordan: JOD 40,000 – JOD 80,000+
Morocco: MAD 400,000 – MAD 800,000+
Tunisia: TND 40,000 – TND 80,000+
Algeria: DZD 4,000,000 – DZD 8,000,000+
Libya: LYD 80,000 – LYD 160,000+
Ethiopia: ETB 800,000 – ETB 1,600,000+
Kenya: KES 2,000,000 – KES 4,000,000+
Nigeria: NGN 5,000,000 – NGN 10,000,000+
Ghana: GHS 80,000 – GHS 160,000+
Ivory Coast: XOF 4,000,000 – XOF 8,000,000+
Senegal: XOF 4,000,000 – XOF 8,000,000+
South Africa: ZAR 400,000 – ZAR 800,000+
Cameroon: XAF 2,000,000 – XAF 4,000,000+
Uganda: UGX 40,000,000 – UGX 80,000,000+

What Do News Anchors do?

News anchors are the faces of television. They’re responsible for delivering information to the audience. Their primary role involves presenting news stories, either through scripted material or live reporting, with an emphasis on clarity and impartiality.

Effective communication skills, including pronunciation and pacing, are essential for conveying complex information to a diverse audience.

In addition to presenting news, anchors may conduct interviews, collaborate with production teams, and stay abreast of current events through thorough research. They work closely with producers, reporters, and other staff members to ensure a cohesive and well-coordinated broadcast.

Anchors also contribute to the public image of the news organization through their on-air presence, professionalism, and engagement with viewers.

How to Become a News Anchor

To pursue a career as a news anchor, follow these steps:

Earn a bachelor’s degree: Major in Communications, Journalism, English, or Political Science to build a foundation in language, media, and global culture.
Gain relevant work experience: Volunteer or intern at college TV or radio stations, freelance, or work in entry-level positions within the news industry.
Work as a news reporter: Many news anchors start as reporters, covering local events, investigating stories, and delivering on-camera reports.
Practice important skills: Hone public speaking, interpersonal, and computer skills to succeed as a news anchor. Create a social media presence to showcase your reporting abilities.
Create an application portfolio: Develop a resume highlighting your education, internships, and work experience. Include a portfolio with video clips showcasing your speech and delivery style.

Work Environment for News Anchors

The work environment for news anchors can vary depending on the specific media organization and the type of news outlet they work for. Here are some common aspects of the work environment for news anchors:

Newsroom or Studio: News anchors typically work in a newsroom or studio setting. This may include a desk with a computer, teleprompter, and other equipment necessary for broadcasting.
Dressing Room/Wardrobe Area: They may have access to a dressing room or wardrobe area where they can prepare and change into appropriate attire for on-air appearances.
Control Room: In a television studio, there is usually a control room where directors, producers, and technical staff work to manage the live broadcast. News anchors may communicate with the control room during the broadcast.
Deadline Pressure: News anchors often work under tight deadlines, especially at the time of breaking news. This can create a high-pressure environment where staying composed and delivering information accurately and quickly is important.
Variable Hours: Depending on the nature of the news outlet and the time of day their program airs, news anchors may work early mornings, evenings, or even overnight shifts. Breaking news can also require flexibility in working hours.

Advancement Opportunities for News Anchors

Advancement opportunities for news anchors can vary based on factors such as experience, skills, market size, and personal career goals.

Here are some potential opportunities they can pursue…

News Director or Managing Editor: Some news anchors transition to managerial roles, such as News Director or Managing Editor. In these positions, they are responsible for overseeing the newsroom, making editorial decisions, and managing the news team.
Specialized Reporting: News anchors may choose to specialize in specific areas of reporting, such as politics, business, health, or investigative journalism. Specialization can lead to becoming an expert in a particular field and earning recognition for expertise.
Network or National Opportunities: Experienced local news anchors may have opportunities to transition to national or network news. This could involve hosting national programs, contributing to major news networks, or becoming a correspondent for a larger audience.
Media Personality or Columnist: Some news anchors become media personalities with a broader public presence. They might host talk shows, participate in panel discussions, or write columns for newspapers or online platforms.
Author or Speaker: News anchors who have developed a strong personal brand and expertise in a specific area may explore opportunities to write books, contribute articles, or become public speakers on relevant topics.
Entrepreneurship: With a background in journalism and media, some news anchors may choose entrepreneurial paths. This could involve starting their own media production company, launching a podcast, or creating online content.
Educational Roles: Experienced news anchors may transition to educational roles, such as teaching journalism, media studies, or communication at universities or training institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are there additional sources of income for news anchors?

Yes, some high-profile anchors may earn additional income from endorsements, speaking engagements, or other opportunities related to their public profile.

How often are news anchor salaries renegotiated?

Contract negotiations vary, but news anchor salaries are typically subject to periodic reviews and renegotiations, often tied to the anchor’s contract term.

Do news anchors only read from a teleprompter?

No. While news anchors often use teleprompters for scripted material, they also engage in live reporting, interviews, and ad-libbing. Their ability to think on their feet and adapt to breaking news situations is crucial to their role.

Can news anchors express their personal opinions on air?

No! Generally, news anchors are expected to maintain impartiality and objectivity. Expressing personal opinions on air is discouraged to uphold journalistic integrity. Commentary and analysis are typically reserved for opinion segments or expert guests.

Are news anchors involved in story development?

Yes, news anchors often collaborate with producers, reporters, and editorial teams in story development. They contribute insights, ask questions, and provide input to ensure a comprehensive and well-rounded presentation of news stories.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only. Individual news anchor salaries may vary significantly based on numerous factors, and the figures presented are estimations based on historical data. It’s essential to consult industry reports, salary surveys, or reliable sources specific to the broadcasting industry for the most accurate and up-to-date information. This information does not constitute professional advice, and users are encouraged to conduct further research or seek professional guidance for specific situations.