Journalism and Mass Communication Salary in India in 2025 [Average to Highest]
Updated on Aug 14, 2025 | 7 min read | 906.46K+ views
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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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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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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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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:
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:
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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
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https://paycheck.in/salary/salarycheckers/anjana-om-kashyap
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.
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.
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.
Media ethics ensure accuracy, fairness, and impartiality in reporting, maintaining public trust, preventing bias, and safeguarding against sensationalism, privacy violations, and conflicts of interest.
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).
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.
PR professionals can work in corporate communication, government PR, media agencies, or as consultants, handling media relations, brand reputation, crisis management, and public affairs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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