How much money do fairly senior editors and reporters make at "mainstream" media outlets?

[Anonymous]

I do a lot of freelancing and am being courted to come on full time at a DC-based media outlet, and I have no clue how much money to expect or ask for (if the offer comes through and if I decide I'm interested!) I mostly work from home, and honestly feel like I don't know many people in the field, at least not well enough to ask them for their salary. Does anyone know what people make at mainstream media outlets? Think senior editors and columnists/senior staff writers at places like the New Republic, Slate, Politico, Time-- people in their mid thirties to late forties, with strong reputations, some decent name recognition in their fields and many past bylines at similar outlets.. Does anyone have a sense of the salary range for people in jobs like this?

[Anonymous]

I have a union job in journalism, so the salary is probably slightly higher than the norm. I make low six figures. I would think a senior editor could easily command that salary. The trouble is, you won't necessarily get the same as people with name recognition, unless you also have broad name recognition. Journalism is a dying industry so they are looking to cut corners anywhere they can. If you are in your 30s or 40s and have significant experience, I would think you could pull in at least $80K. I would honestly shoot for $95-100K if they really want you. Try to make them toss out a figure first. If they come back with something much lower, push for an extra 2 weeks of vacation or some other perk to make up for it. Congrats on actually getting a job in journalism - most of us are being pushed out the door by bean counters who want to cut costs (except their own salaries of course).