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Journalism and Mass Communication Salary in India in 2025 [Average to Highest]

By Siddhant Khanvilkar

Updated on Aug 14, 2025 | 7 min read | 906.46K+ views

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Did You Know? In 2025, India’s advertising market is set to reach 1,37,099 crore, a 7.8% growth from last year. And guess what? Digital media alone is set to dominate with 50% of the market.

We live in an era where everyone is linked by a network of various modes of communication. From learning about the most recent developments from across the world within no time to available non-stop entertainment via streaming, all is possible with the power of mass media and technology. 

While mass communication involves the distribution of current events, journalism is the gathering and broadcasting of news via electronic and print media. This includes writing, editing, reporting, broadcasting, news articles, photographing, and so on.  Journalism entails analyzing, investigating, and reporting on local and global events, trends, current affairs, and more.

The average base journalism and mass communication salary in India is INR 3.95 lakh per annum.

Given the expanding popularity of mass communication channels, there is a constantly growing scope in journalism and mass communication. You can find employment at production houses, publishing houses, news networks, public relations agencies, or radio stations.

In this article, we will explore salary in mass communication and journalism in india. Read along to find out more.

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Average journalism and mass communication salary in India

Depending upon which role you take up, the average journalism and mass communication salary range in India lies between INR 2 lakhs to 11.7 lakhs. With this qualification, you can apply for many jobs, such as a news anchor, copywriter, journalist, editor, public relations specialist, etc. 

We shall further discuss journalism and mass communication salary in India based on aspects like specialization, designation, qualification, organization as well as location.

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Specialization-Wise Journalism and Mass Communication Salary

Depending upon your specialization in the media and mass communication industry, you can get varied salary packages. A glimpse of it can be seen below:

SPECIALIZATION AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY (INR)
Broadcast Journalism 4.8 lakhs
Advertising 5 lakhs
Public Relations (PR) 6 lakhs
Print Journalism 6 lakhs
Entertainment Journalism 3.2 lakhs

Designation-Wise Journalism Career Salary in India

The average salaries in journalism and mass communication can also vary based on specific job roles, due to different levels of responsibility and expertise within the industry. Take a look at the following table to know more:

DESIGNATION AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY (INR)
Editor 5.2 lakhs
Public Relations(PR) Officer 2.8 lakhs
News Anchor (TV) 11 lakhs
Social Media Manager 5.5 lakhs
Content Strategist 6 lakhs

Qualification-Wise Journalism Salary in India

Generally, educational qualifications in journalism and mass communication influence salary expectations, leading to varied salary trends for graduates, postgraduates, and those with diploma certifications from top-tier

institutions like IIMC. 

Qualification Average Annual Salary (INR)
Bachelor’s in Journalism/ Mass Communication (B.JMC) 3.95 lakhs
Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Journalism/ Mass Communication 6 lakhs
Master’s Degree (M.A. in Journalism, Mass Comm or Media Studies) 5.98 lakhs
PhD in Journalism/ Mass Communication 7.16 lakhs

Organization-Wise Journalism Salary in India

Your salary in the journalism and mass communication field can also vary across different types of organizations, including media houses, advertising agencies, PR firms, and government bodies, highlighting the impact of company size, impact, and industry.

Organization Approximate Salary Range (INR)
National Newspapers (e.g., The Times of India, Hindustan Times) 6 lakhs to 10 lakhs
TV News Channels (e.g., NDTV, Republic TV, Zee News) 6 lakhs to 12 lakhs
Advertising Agencies (e.g., Ogilvy, BBDO, DDB Mudra) 8 lakhs to 15 lakhs
Public Relations Firms (e.g., Edelman, Adfactors PR) 7 lakhs to 15 lakhs
Government Media Organizations ( e.g., Doordarshan, All India Radio) 5 lakhs to 10 lakhs

City-Wise Journalism and Mass Communication Salary in India

The location where your media job is based is another key determinant in your salary package. Depending on the cost of living, facilities, and metropolitan area, your salary in journalism varies.

CITY AVERAGE SALARY
Delhi 4.3 lakhs
Mumbai 4 lakhs
Kolkata 4.5 lakhs
Bengaluru 5 lakhs
Hyderabad 3.7 lakhs

Top jobs paying highest salary in Journalism and Mass Communication

In light of technological advancements and the proliferation of broadcasting channels such as radio stations, television sets, news channels, and social media, an intended viewership has been brought together, opening up vast possibilities and alternatives for applicants who are skilled in public writing, speaking, and reporting. 

A degree in the course of Mass Communications and Journalism opens several doors to individuals who desire to work in communications, radio, television, journalism, advertising, and related other fields. Both streams are quite important and offer several chances in the actual world.

Now that we have discussed the average journalism and mass communication salary, let’s discuss some of the roles that offer the highest salaries in this field:

JOB PROFILE AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Public Relations Specialist 6 lakhs
Journalist 4.2 lakhs
News Reporter 2.9 lakhs
Social Media Manager 5.5 lakhs
News Editor 10.9 lakhs
Creative Director (Media & Publishing) 23.1 lakhs
Corporate Communication Head 32 lakhs
Media Buyer 5.3 lakhs

Skills required for roles in journalism and mass communication

A wide range of skills covering technical, artistic, and interpersonal domains are necessary for job roles in journalism and mass communication. Let’s look at some common skills required by these media professionals: 

1. Writing and Editing Skills

  • Doing strong journalistic writing for clarity and engagement
  • Editing for grammar, accuracy, and style adherence

2. Research and Analytical Skills

  • Conducting investigative research and fact-checking
  • Data analysis to support stories with evidence

3. Communication and Interpersonal Skills

  • Interviewing subjects effectively and building rapport
  • Public speaking and presenting with confidence

4. Digital Literacy and Technical Skills

  • Proficiency with social media and digital platforms
  • Multimedia content creation like video, podcasts, graphics

5. Creative and Visual Skills

  • Basic design principles for print and digital media 
  • Visual storytelling through images, video, and graphics

6. Global Awareness and Cultural Sensitivity

  • Sharp awareness of global events and issues
  • Reporting with cultural respect and empathy

7. Broadcasting Skills and Crisis Management 

  • Voice control and articulation skills with engaging on-air presence
  • Ability to manage high-pressure situations in crisis reporting

8. Ethics and Legal Knowledge

  • Understanding media ethics and objectivity
  • Knowledge of defamation, copyright, and privacy laws

Trends in journalism and mass communication in India

The journalism and mass communication sector in India has probably witnessed one of the most massive transformations in the last decade. Due to the development of digital media platforms, shifting consumer tastes, and technology breakthroughs, we witness new avenues of journalism and broadcast. It barely takes seconds for information to spread like wildfire. This makes it come with both advantages and challenges. 

Let’s look at some major trends influencing journalism and mass communication:

  • The reign of social media dominance
  • Increased use of data journalism and data visualization
  • Emergence of freelance and independent journalism
  • The challenge of misinformation leads to the need for larger efforts in fact-checking 
  • Use of artificial intelligence for automation 
  • Increased user engagement over media platforms

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Conclusion

Media is regarded as the 4th pillar of democracy. Ideas and thoughts spread by mass media possess the capacity to influence the general population and society as a whole bringing about change. Furthermore, there is a lot of room for innovation in this subject. Due to these factors, any occupation in this industry is extremely gratifying.

The average journalism and mass communication salary in India is quite impressive, with great scope for career growth in senior roles. It indicates the large demand for skilled professionals in this industry. So, if you are interested in a career in media, now is the time to start.

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References:
https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Degree=Bachelor_of_Arts_(BA)%2C_Journalism_%26_Mass_Communication/Salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/public-relations-specialist-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/journalist-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/social-media-manager-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/news-editor-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/creative-director-salary/media-and-entertainment-or-publishing-industry
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/head-of-corporate-communications-salary-SRCH_KO0,32.htm
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/media-buyer-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/journalist-salary/new-delhi-location
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/journalist-salary/mumbai-location
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/journalist-salary/kolkata-location
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/journalist-salary/hyderabad-location
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/journalist-salary/bengaluru-location
https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Degree=Doctor_of_Philosophy_(PhD)%2C_Journalism_%26_Mass_Communication/Salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/public-relation-officer-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/editor-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/news-anchor-salary
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/content-strategist-salary-SRCH_KO0,18.htm
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/broadcast-journalist-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/public-relations-specialist-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/salaries/print-media-salaries
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/advertising-salary-SRCH_KO0,11.htm
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/entertainment-journalist-salary
https://www.ibef.org/news/india-s-advertising-market-projected-to-grow-at-7-8-in-2025-magna
https://paycheck.pk/salary/celebrity-income/rajat-sharma
https://paycheck.in/salary/salarycheckers/anjana-om-kashyap

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the top career options in mass communication in India?

Mass communication is a hot career in India as there is a greater dispersal of information through digital platforms. The top career options in mass communication in India include journalism, public relations, content writing, advertising, film direction, radio jockeying, television anchoring, and media management.

2. How is journalism education evolving in India?

Journalism education in India is evolving with a greater emphasis on digital skills, data journalism, investigative reporting, and multimedia training to keep up with industry trends.

3. What is the course content of a journalism and mass communication program?

Journalism and mass communication students study a variety of subjects including media theory, journalism practices, broadcast journalism, digital media, public relations, advertising, photography, videography, media ethics, communication laws, and research methods, preparing them for careers in media, content creation, and public relations.

4. What is the importance of media ethics in journalism?

Media ethics ensure accuracy, fairness, and impartiality in reporting, maintaining public trust, preventing bias, and safeguarding against sensationalism, privacy violations, and conflicts of interest.

5. What are the best journalism and mass communication colleges in India?

Some of the best journalism and mass communication colleges in India include the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi University (DU), Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, and the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII).

6. How is journalism education evolving in India?

Journalism education in India is evolving with a greater emphasis on digital skills, data journalism, investigative reporting, and multimedia training to keep up with industry trends.

7. What are the career prospects for PR professionals in India?

PR professionals can work in corporate communication, government PR, media agencies, or as consultants, handling media relations, brand reputation, crisis management, and public affairs.

8. How does journalism in India differ between print and digital media?

Print journalism and digital media represent two distinct forms of media. While print journalism is more traditional and focuses on long-form, in-depth stories, digital journalism focuses on instant updates, multimedia content, and interactive engagement with audiences.

9. What is the salary of a radio jockey (RJ) in India?

A radio jockey (RJ) in India typically earns between ₹0.6 lakhs to ₹6.6 lakhs annually at entry level. The average salary for experienced RJs can go up to ₹10 lakhs, depending on their popularity and radio station.

10. Is journalism a high paying job in India?

We can say that journalism is a mid paying job for people who are starting out or are in the early stage of their career. As you advance to bigger media organizations, you become eligible for higher salaries, for which you need several years of experience and credibility with the right skills. So, journalism can be considered as a high-paying job once you become a little more experienced and acquire the right skills and specialization.

11. Do journalists earn a lot in India?

It really depends on where you work and your experience. Senior journalists in top networks or online media can earn quite well, but freelancers, regional reporters, or newcomers often earn modestly. Your skills, reputation, and niche can make a big difference.

12. Which job has the highest salary?

In journalism, the highest-paying jobs are usually news anchors, senior editors, and investigative reporters. Other than media, sectors like tech, finance, or corporate roles tend to pay more. Coming to factors that can impact journalism salary, they are your location, experience, and your visibility in the field, especially if you are in broadcast journalism.

13. Is journalism a good career option in India?

Journalism can be a good career option for you in India if you are someone who is interested in storytelling, reporting, or working with the media. The rise of digital media has created loads of opportunities. In fact, freelance and independent journalism often benefits from easy access to social media.

14. Which type of journalism pays the most?

Usually, broadcast journalism pays the most. Here, you can work as TV anchors or investigative reporters. Moreover, specialized areas like business or political journalism can also be lucrative. However, an important point to note is that pay depends on experience, fame, the media house, and your area of expertise.

15. What is the salary of MA in journalism?

According to Payscale, the average MA in journalism and mass communication salary in India is INR 5.41 lakhs and the range is from 3 lakhs for roles like content writing to over 7 lakhs for roles like UX designer. Your pay after MA in Journalism and Mass Communication can also be impacted by what kind of work portfolio you have built or what practical experience you have gained during your study tenure.

16. Who is the highest paid journalist in India?

The highest paid journalists in India include experienced and high profile names like Anjana Om Kashyap, Sudhir Chaudhary, Rajat Sharma, Rajdeep Sardesai and Arnab Goswami. They earn crores every year from shows, networks, and brand endorsements. These names have established themselves as a brand of their own and are quite famous in the media space.

17. What is the salary of Rajat Sharma?

According to some sources, Rajat Sharma earns a monthly salary of approximately INR 1.3 crores. Rajat Sharma is a renowned name in Indian TV news and is a well-known anchor who is known for his shows like Aap Ki Adalat and currently works for the channel India TV.

18. What is the salary of Anjana Om Kashyap?

As per sources, Anjana Om Kashyap earns an approximate monthly salary of 33 lakhs per month and a yearly salary of 3-4 crores. Anjana has been a female pioneer in the Indian broadcast news space and is acknowledged by the Indian public. She is also one of India’s highest paid journalists.

19. What are the challenges faced by journalists in India?

The job of a journalist is not always a smooth path, it comes with various hardships. Some of the challenges faced by journalists in India are political pressure, censorship, safety hazards, particularly for investigative reporters, poor pay for entry-level employees, sensationalism, biased reporting, and the proliferation of fake news. The transition to digital also necessitates ongoing adjustment to new media platforms and changing audience tastes.

20. What is the future of journalism in India?

The future of journalism in India is expected to be shaped by digital transformation, AI-driven content, data journalism, and the need for greater focus on ethics, credibility, and fact-checking.

Siddhant Khanvilkar

19 articles published

Siddhant Khanvilkar is a digital marketing professional. He specializes in SEO, online marketing, research, blogging, and competitive analysis. Skilled in tools like Google Analytics, Search Console, ...

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