When aspiring journalists look at prominent figures like WDIV-Local 4's Devin Scillian, a common and practical question arises: "What is the earning potential in a career like that?" While the specific contract details of any individual journalist are private, we can perform a comprehensive analysis of the profession to understand the factors that shape a top-tier news anchor's salary.
A career in broadcast journalism, particularly as a news anchor in a major market, offers significant earning potential. However, the salary landscape is incredibly varied. An entry-level reporter in a small town might earn around $35,000, while a seasoned, primetime anchor in a major city can command a salary well into the six or even seven figures.
This article will break down the salary expectations for a news anchor, the key factors that determine pay, and the overall outlook for this dynamic profession.
What Does a News Anchor Do?
Before diving into the numbers, it's essential to understand the role. A news anchor is the face of a newscast, but the job extends far beyond reading from a teleprompter. Anchors like Devin Scillian are accomplished journalists responsible for:
- Presenting the News: Delivering news stories with clarity, authority, and impartiality during live broadcasts.
- Content Development: Often writing, editing, and approving scripts. Many high-level anchors play a significant role in deciding which stories are featured in a newscast.
- Reporting: Many anchors also work as reporters, conducting in-depth investigations, securing exclusive interviews, and creating special segments.
- Ad-Libbing: Reacting to breaking news situations in real-time, providing unscripted context and information as events unfold.
- Community Engagement: Representing their station at public events, acting as masters of ceremonies, and serving as pillars of their local community.
It is a high-pressure role that demands a unique combination of journalistic integrity, on-camera presence, and exceptional communication skills.
Average News Anchor Salary
Determining a single "average" salary for a news anchor is challenging due to the extreme variance in the industry. However, by consulting authoritative data, we can establish a reliable baseline and understand the potential range.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) groups news anchors under the broader category of "Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys." As of May 2023, the median annual salary for this group was $48,850. It is crucial to note that this figure includes professionals from very small radio and television markets, which pulls the median down.
Reputable salary aggregators provide a more focused look at the "News Anchor" title specifically:
- Salary.com reports that the median news anchor salary in the United States is approximately $61,105, with a typical range falling between $49,040 and $81,399.
- Payscale shows a similar average base salary of around $65,000 per year, with the top 10% of earners exceeding $150,000.
For a highly experienced, lead anchor in a major media market—a profile that aligns with Devin Scillian's career—the earning potential is substantially higher. Top anchors in the 15 largest U.S. media markets can earn salaries ranging from $250,000 to well over $1,000,000 annually.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
A news anchor's salary is not a fixed number; it's a complex equation influenced by several critical factors.
### Years of Experience
Experience is arguably the most significant factor. An anchor's value is built on credibility, audience trust, and name recognition—all of which are cultivated over time.
- Entry-Level (0-3 years): Often start as multimedia journalists or reporters in small markets (DMA ranks 100-210), with salaries typically in the $35,000 to $50,000 range.
- Mid-Career (4-10 years): Have moved up to weekend anchor or weekday anchor roles in small-to-mid-sized markets. Salaries can range from $55,000 to $90,000.
- Senior/Veteran (10+ years): This is where top professionals like Devin Scillian reside. As lead anchors in medium-to-large markets, their extensive experience, industry awards, and strong connection with the audience give them immense negotiating power. Salaries at this level regularly cross the $150,000 threshold and can climb much higher.
### Geographic Location
In broadcast journalism, location is everything. The industry categorizes regions into Designated Market Areas (DMAs). The larger the DMA, the larger the audience and the higher the advertising revenue, which directly translates to higher salaries.
- Small Markets (DMA 100+): Cities like Casper, WY, or Alpena, MI. Competition is lower, and so are salaries.
- Medium Markets (DMA 50-99): Cities like Grand Rapids, MI, or Louisville, KY. Salaries are more competitive.
- Large Markets (DMA 1-49): Cities like Detroit (a Top-15 market), Atlanta, or Phoenix. These markets pay a significant premium for top talent.
- Top-Tier Markets (DMA 1-10): New York, Los Angeles, Chicago. Salaries here are the highest in the nation.
An anchor at WDIV in Detroit operates in a major media market, which places their potential earnings in the upper echelon of the industry.
### Level of Education
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry requirement for a career in broadcast journalism. Common majors include Journalism, Communications, Broadcasting, or a related field. While a master's degree is not typically required, it can provide a competitive edge or lead to opportunities in academia or management later in a career. The specific degree is less impactful on salary than experience and market size once a career is established.
### Company Type
The station's ownership and network affiliation play a role in its budget for talent.
- Network Owned-and-Operated: Stations owned directly by networks like NBC, ABC, or CBS often have larger budgets.
- Major Affiliate Groups: Stations owned by large media conglomerates (e.g., Graham Media Group, which owns WDIV, or Hearst Television) are also well-funded and pay competitive, top-market salaries.
- Small/Independent Owners: Stations owned by smaller companies or families may have more limited resources.
### Area of Specialization
Within a newsroom, different roles come with different pay scales. The lead anchor for the flagship evening newscasts (e.g., 5 PM, 6 PM, and 11 PM) is the highest-paid on-air talent. Other roles, such as morning anchor, weekend anchor, or specialized investigative reporter, also have strong earning potential but are typically compensated at a different tier than the main evening anchor.
Job Outlook
The career outlook for broadcast journalists is undergoing a significant transformation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for "Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys" is projected to decline 11 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
However, this data point requires context. While the number of traditional television news positions may be shrinking due to media consolidation and changing consumption habits, the demand for skilled storytellers and trusted communicators is shifting, not disappearing. Opportunities are growing in:
- Digital-native news outlets
- Streaming news services
- Podcasting and video series
- Corporate communications and content creation
The skills honed as a news anchor—clear communication, writing, video production, and building an audience—are highly transferable to these emerging fields.
Conclusion
While Devin Scillian's exact salary remains a private matter, his career serves as a powerful case study for the earning potential in broadcast journalism. Reaching the top tier of this profession is not easy; it requires immense dedication, talent, and the strategic navigation of media markets.
For those considering this path, the key takeaways are:
- Expect to Start Small: Nearly every successful anchor begins in a small market, building a portfolio and gaining invaluable experience.
- Experience and Location are Paramount: Your long-term earning potential is directly tied to the experience you accumulate and the size of the market you work in.
- Salaries Vary Dramatically: The range is one of the widest of any profession, from modest starting salaries to multi-million dollar contracts for the most prominent figures.
- The Future is Multi-Platform: Success in the years ahead will depend on adapting to digital platforms and leveraging journalistic skills beyond traditional broadcasting.
A career as a news anchor is a challenging but potentially rewarding path for those with a passion for storytelling and a commitment to informing the public.