News anchors' salaries vary widely depending on factors such as location, experience, market size, and the employer's size. Here is an overview of their earnings based on recent data:
- The average salary for news anchors in the United States is approximately $57,000 to $67,000 per year, with some sources citing an average around $57,966 to $66,880 annually
- Salary ranges can be broad, starting from about $27,370 at the low end to over $200,000 for top earners
- Median hourly wages are around $28, with the lowest earners making about $15 per hour and the highest up to $77 per hour
- Salaries differ by state, with higher averages in places like the District of Columbia (~$93,890), Kentucky (~$93,630), and Washington (~$92,220), while states like New Jersey report lower averages (~$30,510)
- In Texas, the average salary is about $64,050 annually
- Entry-level news anchors or those in smaller markets may earn around $40,000 to $48,000 per year, while top anchors at major networks or in large markets can earn over $100,000 annually, with some local prime-time anchors making $175,000 to $275,000 or more
- Benefits often include health care, paid time off, and retirement plans
In summary, news anchors typically make between $40,000 and $200,000 annually, with the average around $60,000 to $70,000, but top anchors at major networks or in large markets can earn significantly more.