The Ultimate Guide to a Cheryl Burton Salary: Unlocking a...

[Introduction](#introduction)
[What Does a News Anchor Actually Do?](#what-does-a-news-anchor-do)
[Average News Anchor Salary: A Deep Dive](#average-news-anchor-salary-a-deep-dive)
[Key Factors That Influence a News Anchor's Salary](#key-factors-that-influence-salary)
[Job Outlook and Career Growth for News Anchors](#job-outlook-and-career-growth)
[How to Become a News Anchor: Your Step-by-Step Guide](#how-to-get-started-in-this-career)
[Conclusion: Is a Career in Broadcast Journalism Right for You?](#conclusion)

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Introduction

When you search for a "Cheryl Burton salary," you're likely doing more than just satisfying a fleeting curiosity. You're trying to understand the financial potential of a highly visible and respected profession. You see a figure like Cheryl Burton—an Emmy Award-winning anchor at a major network affiliate in a top-three media market (WLS-TV in Chicago)—and you see the pinnacle of a career in broadcast journalism. You're asking: *What does it take to get there, and what is the reward for that level of success?*

This guide is designed to answer that question comprehensively. While an individual's specific salary is private information, we can analyze the profession she represents to build a complete picture of the earning potential for a News Anchor. The journey to a top-tier anchor desk is demanding, but for those with the right blend of talent, tenacity, and skill, it can be an exceptionally rewarding career, both personally and financially. The salary for a news anchor can range dramatically, from approximately $38,000 per year for an entry-level reporter in a small town to well over $250,000—and in some cases, millions— for veteran anchors in major metropolitan markets.

I remember my first real encounter with the impact of a local news anchor. It was during a severe weather event in my hometown. The power was out, the wind was howling, and the only source of information was a battery-powered radio. The calm, authoritative voice of the lead anchor, cutting through the chaos to deliver critical updates, wasn't just reporting; it was a public service that provided a lifeline of security and information. That experience crystallized for me that this job is far more than reading a teleprompter; it's about shouldering a significant public trust.

This article will serve as your definitive roadmap to understanding the news anchor profession. We will dissect salary expectations, explore the factors that drive compensation, analyze the future of the industry, and lay out a clear, actionable path for you to follow if you aspire to one day command the anchor desk yourself.

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What Does a News Anchor Actually Do?

The polished, on-air presentation of a news anchor is merely the tip of the iceberg. The role is a dynamic and demanding blend of journalism, public speaking, writing, and production management. An anchor is the face of the newscast, but they are also a crucial editorial leader within the newsroom. Their primary responsibility is to present news stories to the audience in a clear, compelling, and objective manner.

However, the work begins long before the "On Air" light turns on.

Core Responsibilities and Daily Tasks:

Editorial Meetings: The day typically starts with a news meeting where anchors, reporters, producers, and directors discuss the day's top stories. Anchors contribute to these discussions, helping to decide which stories will be covered, the angle of the coverage, and the order they will appear in the newscast.
Research and Information Gathering: Anchors are active journalists. They are constantly monitoring news wires (like the Associated Press), social media, and local sources for breaking news and story updates. For specific segments, they may conduct their own research or even make calls to sources.
Script Writing and Editing: While producers write much of the newscast, anchors are heavily involved in writing and editing their own scripts. They rewrite copy to fit their personal delivery style, ensure clarity and accuracy, and check for factual errors or awkward phrasing. This is a critical step in making the news delivery sound natural and authoritative.
Conducting Interviews: Anchors often conduct live or pre-taped interviews with newsmakers, experts, and community members. This requires quick thinking, sharp listening skills, and the ability to ask incisive questions under pressure.
Collaboration with the Production Team: They work closely with directors, audio technicians, and graphic artists to ensure a smooth broadcast. This involves timing their speech to match video packages, hitting their cues, and being prepared for technical glitches.
Community Engagement and Public Appearances: A significant part of the job happens off-camera. Anchors are local celebrities and are expected to represent their station at community events, charity functions, and public speaking engagements. This builds the station's brand and the anchor's personal connection with the audience.

### A Day in the Life: The 6 PM Anchor

To make this tangible, let's walk through a typical day for an anchor of a major evening newscast.

10:00 AM: Arrive at the station. Begin by reading competitor websites, national news summaries, and the Associated Press wire to get up to speed on the day's events.
10:30 AM: The main editorial meeting. The team pitches stories, debates the lead story, and assigns reporters. The 6 PM anchor weighs in, perhaps suggesting a follow-up to a story from the previous night or pushing for a particular angle on a developing situation.
12:00 PM: Back at their desk. The anchor begins reviewing the initial rundown (the list of stories) for the 6 PM show. They start writing "teases" (short promotional clips for the newscast) and their own opening monologue.
2:00 PM: A reporter files a script for a major story. The anchor reads it over, suggesting a few wording changes for clarity and to make the transition from the reporter's package back to the anchor desk smoother.
3:00 PM: Head to a small studio to pre-tape an interview with a political analyst about an upcoming election.
4:00 PM: Makeup and wardrobe. While in the chair, they are reviewing the final scripts on a tablet, making last-minute edits.
5:00 PM: Go to the main studio. Do a microphone check and read through some of the opening scripts with the director to check timing for graphics and video.
5:30 PM: The 5:30 newscast is on. They are listening intently, aware of any breaking news that might force a last-minute change to their 6 PM show. A producer may rush in with a new script about a just-announced press conference.
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Live on air. Delivering the news, ad-libbing during a technical difficulty, and conducting a live interview, all while receiving constant cues from the director through an earpiece.
7:15 PM: Post-show meeting. A quick debrief with the producer about what worked and what didn't. They may also begin discussing potential lead stories for the next day.
7:45 PM: Record promotional spots for the 10 PM news before finally heading home.

This schedule demonstrates that the role is far from passive. It requires a journalist's mind, a writer's craft, and a performer's poise.

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Average News Anchor Salary: A Deep Dive

The salary of a news anchor is one of the most variable in all of media. It's a profession of extremes, where compensation is dictated by a potent mix of market size, experience, and individual notoriety. While high-profile anchors in major cities command salaries that are the stuff of legend, the reality for the majority of professionals in the field is much more grounded.

Let's break down the numbers using data from the most reliable sources available.

### National Averages and Salary Ranges

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) groups News Anchors with "Broadcast Announcers and Reporters." According to the most recent BLS data (May 2023), the national salary landscape looks like this:

Median Annual Wage: $57,500. This means that 50% of people in this profession earned more than this amount, and 50% earned less.
Bottom 10%: Less than $33,460. This figure often represents entry-level positions in very small media markets or part-time roles.
Top 10%: More than $176,140. This represents experienced, senior anchors and reporters, typically in the largest and most competitive media markets.

It is crucial to understand that the BLS figures provide a broad overview. Salary aggregator websites, which collect self-reported data, can offer another layer of insight that often reflects the higher end of the scale more granularly.

Payscale.com reports an average base salary for a "News Anchor" of around $70,251 per year, with a typical range falling between $39,000 and $152,000.
Salary.com places the median salary for a "News Anchor" even higher, at approximately $77,414, with the range typically falling between $62,111 and $101,003. They note that top-tier talent can far exceed this range.
Glassdoor lists a national average salary of $64,683 for News Anchors.

Why the discrepancy? BLS data is rigorously collected from employers across all market sizes and experience levels, including radio, which often pays less. Sites like Payscale and Salary.com rely on user-submitted data, which may skew towards individuals in larger markets or those who are more actively tracking their career and salary progression. The truth lies in the synthesis of this data: the career has a modest starting point but a very high ceiling.

### Salary by Experience Level

The most significant driver of salary growth in broadcasting is the relentless climb up the ladder of experience and market size. Here is a typical salary trajectory you can expect:

| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |

*Note: These are estimates based on aggregated industry data and are subject to the influencing factors discussed in the next section. A figure like Cheryl Burton, with decades of experience as a primary anchor in the #3 media market, would fall squarely in the upper end of the "Senior/Veteran" category, likely earning a salary significantly higher than the average due to her tenure, awards, and local star power.*

### Beyond the Base Salary: Understanding Total Compensation

An anchor's contract is often more complex than a simple annual salary. The total compensation package is a critical part of their earnings.

Bonuses: These are common and can be tied to several factors.
Ratings Bonuses: The most common type. If the newscast achieves specific viewership goals during key "sweeps" periods (typically November, February, May, and July), the on-air talent can receive a substantial bonus.
Performance Bonuses: Can be tied to winning major awards (like an Emmy), successful investigative reports, or other notable achievements.
Signing Bonuses: Sometimes offered to lure a desirable anchor from another station or market.
Contracts and Agents: Top anchors rarely negotiate for themselves. They hire agents who specialize in media talent. These agents negotiate multi-year contracts that lock in salary, specify duties, and outline clauses for bonuses and benefits. Agents typically take a percentage of the contract's value.
Wardrobe and Hair/Makeup Allowances: It is standard practice for stations to provide a clothing allowance or partner with local retailers to outfit their anchors. This ensures a professional and consistent on-air look. Hair and makeup services are also typically provided at the station. While not direct cash, this is a significant and valuable perk that reduces personal expenses.
Other Benefits: Standard benefits like health insurance, 401(k) plans, and paid time off are included. However, contracts for top talent may also include clauses for things like a car allowance, expense accounts for community engagement, and specific scheduling requirements.

Understanding these components is key. A job offer with a slightly lower base salary but with strong ratings bonus potential and a generous wardrobe allowance might ultimately be more lucrative than a higher-salaried position with no performance incentives.

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Key Factors That Influence a News Anchor's Salary

The vast salary range in broadcast journalism isn't random. It's the result of a complex interplay of specific, measurable factors. Aspiring anchors who understand these levers can strategically guide their careers toward higher earning potential. For a veteran anchor like Cheryl Burton, her high salary is a culmination of excelling in every single one of these categories.

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Level of Education

While you won't find many news anchors with a Ph.D., a solid educational foundation is the non-negotiable price of entry.

Bachelor's Degree: This is the standard requirement. The most common and valuable degrees are in Journalism, Broadcast Journalism, Communications, or Mass Media. These programs provide the essential toolkit for the job: writing for broadcast, media ethics, communication law, video production, and on-camera performance techniques.
Impact on Salary: A bachelor's degree from a highly respected journalism school (like the Missouri School of Journalism, Northwestern's Medill, or Syracuse's Newhouse) can give a graduate a competitive edge for their first job or a prestigious internship, indirectly influencing their starting salary and career trajectory. However, once a journalist has a few years of professional experience, the quality of their on-the-job performance and demo reel quickly becomes more important than their alma mater.
Advanced Degrees: A Master's degree is generally not required to be a successful on-air anchor and does not typically translate to a direct salary increase for that role. However, it can be extremely valuable for career paths *beyond* the anchor desk. An anchor looking to pivot into newsroom management (like a News Director), a corporate communications role, or a teaching position at a university will find a Master's degree to be a significant asset, opening doors to higher-paying leadership positions later in their career.

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Years of Experience: Climbing the Market Ladder

Experience is arguably the single most important factor determining an anchor's salary. In broadcasting, experience isn't just measured in years; it's measured in markets. The career path is a well-trodden one: "climbing the market ladder."

A Designated Market Area (DMA) is a geographic region where the population receives the same television and radio station offerings. There are 210 DMAs in the United States, ranked by population size. An anchor's career, and salary, is a story of moving up this list.

Entry-Level (0-2 Years): The Small Market Proving Ground (DMAs #100-210)
Roles: Often a "one-man-band" reporter who also anchors weekends. They shoot, write, and edit their own stories.
Locations: Cities like Casper, WY (DMA #198) or Alpena, MI (DMA #208).
Salary: $38,000 - $55,000. The pay is low because the cost of living is lower, and the station's ad revenue is limited. The real payment is the experience and the creation of a demo reel.
Early-Career (3-5 Years): Moving to a Mid-Sized Market (DMAs #50-99)
Roles: Weekday morning or noon anchor, or a lead reporter for the evening news.
Locations: Cities like Des Moines, IA (DMA #68) or Richmond, VA (DMA #56).
Salary: $55,000 - $80,000. At this stage, anchors have a proven track record and a solid reel. They have honed their on-air presence and reporting skills.
Mid-Career (6-10 Years): The Large Market Arrival (DMAs #20-49)
Roles: Primary weekday anchor for evening newscasts (5, 6, 10, or 11 PM).
Locations: Cities like St. Louis, MO (DMA #23) or Portland, OR (DMA #21).
Salary: $80,000 - $150,000. These are highly competitive jobs. Anchors are now established professionals with strong name recognition in their markets and are often represented by agents.
Senior/Veteran (10+ Years): The Major Market Elite (DMAs #1-20)
Roles: Lead anchor for a major network affiliate station.
Locations: Cities like Chicago (DMA #3), Philadelphia (DMA #4), or Dallas-Ft. Worth (DMA #5).
Salary: $150,000 - $400,000+. This is the world of anchors like Cheryl Burton. They are household names in their cities. Their salaries are driven by their ability to draw and retain a large audience, which translates directly to the station's advertising revenue. Contracts are complex, multi-year affairs negotiated by top agents.

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Geographic Location: The Power of the DMA

As illustrated above, geography is inextricably linked to salary. It's not just about the cost of living; it's about the number of television households, which dictates the station's advertising rates and, consequently, its budget for talent.

Here's a look at how salaries can vary dramatically by location, using BLS data for "Broadcast Announcers" in specific metropolitan areas:

| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |

| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | #1 | $124,190 | The top media market in the country commands the highest average salaries. |

| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA| #2 | $85,070 | Another top-tier market with very high earning potential for established talent. |

| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI| #3 | $74,740 | This mean wage includes all announcers; top anchors earn significantly more. |

| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA| #6 | $79,890 | A major, competitive market in the South. |

| Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ | #11 | $66,970 | A large and rapidly growing market. |

| Kansas City, MO-KS | #34 | $55,790 | A strong mid-market salary average. |

| Little Rock-North Little Rock, AR| #60 | $49,600 | Representative of a mid-to-smaller market. |

| Boise, ID | #90 | $46,920 | Demonstrates the salary level in the upper end of the "small market" tier. |

The Takeaway: An anchor with five years of experience could earn $70,000 in a market like Des Moines, but that same anchor, with the exact same skill set, might command $120,000 for a similar role in a market like Seattle, simply because the market itself is larger and more lucrative. The goal for any financially ambitious anchor is to consistently move to a larger DMA.

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Company Type & Size

The type of company you work for also plays a major role.

Local Network Affiliates (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX): These are the most common employers and form the basis of the "market ladder." Stations owned and operated directly by the network (e.g., WABC in New York, WLS in Chicago) are called "O&Os" and typically pay the highest salaries within a given market because they have the direct financial backing of the parent corporation.
Large Broadcast Corporations (e.g., Nexstar, Sinclair, Tegna): These companies own hundreds of local stations across the country. Salaries can be competitive, but they are also known for standardizing contracts and sometimes having tighter budget controls than network O&Os.
National Cable News (CNN, Fox News, MSNBC): Working for a national cable network is a step above even a major local market. The audience is national, and the salaries reflect that. Even correspondent roles at these networks can pay in the low-to-mid six figures, with primetime hosts earning millions.
Digital-Only Outlets (e.g., Vice News, Newsy, local digital startups): This is a growing sector. Salaries can be highly variable. Some well-funded digital startups may pay competitively to attract top talent, while others may offer lower base salaries but with potential for equity or a more flexible work environment.

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Area of Specialization

While most anchors are generalists, developing a deep expertise in a specific area can increase an anchor's value and, therefore, their salary.

Investigative Reporter/Anchor: This is a highly respected and valuable specialty. Investigative units take months to produce stories that can lead to real-world change, win major awards, and bring immense prestige (and viewers) to a station. Anchors who also lead investigative teams are seen as serious journalists and can command higher pay.
Political Anchor/Correspondent: In state capitals or in Washington D.C., being the go-to political expert is a lucrative niche. These journalists have deep sources and provide indispensable context during election seasons.
Health & Science or Consumer Reporter: Having an anchor who can break down complex medical news or consumer scams into understandable reports provides immense value to the audience. This specialization can make an anchor more "sticky" with viewers.

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In-Demand Skills

Finally, a set of specific, high-value skills can give a candidate leverage during salary negotiations.

Exceptional On-Camera Presence: This is the "it" factor. It's a combination of charisma, authoritativeness, trustworthiness, and the ability to connect with the viewer through the lens. It's subjective but is the most valuable asset an anchor possesses.
Strong Writing and Ad-Libbing Skills: The ability to write clean, crisp, conversational copy is essential. Equally important is the skill to ad-lib flawlessly during breaking news, technical failures, or unscripted moments. Anchors who can fill time intelligently and calmly are invaluable.
Digital and Social Media Savvy: Modern anchors are 24/7 brands. A strong, professional presence on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram is no longer optional. Anchors who can effectively engage their audience online, break stories on social media, and drive traffic to the station's website are more valuable to their employers.
Multimedia Journalism (MMJ) Skills: Especially in smaller markets, the ability to shoot and edit your own video is a requirement. Even in larger markets, having these skills demonstrates versatility and a can-do attitude that news directors appreciate.
Data Journalism: The ability to find, interpret, and visualize data to tell a story is a cutting-edge skill in journalism. An anchor who can lead a data-driven investigation brings a unique and highly sought-after capability to the newsroom.
Bilingualism: In markets with large Hispanic populations (like Miami, Houston, or Los Angeles), being fluent in both English and Spanish can be a massive advantage and a direct path to a higher salary.

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Job Outlook and Career Growth

While the path to becoming a top-paid anchor is clear, it's crucial for aspiring professionals to have a realistic understanding of the broader industry landscape. The world of broadcast media is in a state of significant transformation, presenting both challenges and new opportunities.

### The Official Outlook: A Sobering Picture

The Ultimate Guide to a Cheryl Burton Salary: Unlocking a Career as a Top-Tier News Anchor

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