Journalist / Reporter Salary in Malaysia
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See how your pay compares to a typical Journalist / Reporter in Malaysia.
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| Level | Min / Month | Median / Month | Max / Month | Min / Year | Max / Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | RM 2,000 | RM 2,800 | RM 3,500 | RM 24,000 | RM 42,000 |
| Mid | RM 3,500 | RM 4,800 | RM 6,000 | RM 42,000 | RM 72,000 |
| Senior | RM 6,000 | RM 9,000 | RM 12,000 | RM 72,000 | RM 144,000 |
Journalist / Reporter Salary by City
| City / Region | Median / Month | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Kuala Lumpur / Klang Valley | RM 5,533 | RM 2,000 — RM 12,000 |
| Penang | RM 5,145 | RM 1,860 — RM 11,160 |
| Johor Bahru | RM 4,979 | RM 1,800 — RM 10,800 |
| Other states | RM 4,592 | RM 1,660 — RM 9,960 |
What's the real take-home?
The Journalist / Reporter median is RM 5,533 gross. See what's left after EPF, SOCSO & tax.
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Journalist / Reporter Salary: What to Expect
Salaries for a Journalist / Reporter in Malaysia typically range from RM 2,000 to RM 12,000 a month, centred on a median of RM 5,533. Growth in digital content and advertising fuels demand for creative and media talent.
Entry-level Journalist / Reporters start near RM 2,000–RM 3,500 per month. Pay rises markedly with experience: a senior Journalist / Reporter earns about 221% more than someone just starting out, reaching up to RM 12,000 per month at the top end. The breakdown below splits pay across 3 experience levels so you can see where you fit.
The biggest factors affecting a Journalist / Reporter's pay in Malaysia are portfolio strength, software proficiency, and brand-name client experience. Salaries also vary by employer — agencies, media houses, and in-house brand teams tend to pay differently — and by location, with the Klang Valley and Penang generally paying more than other states.
Where you work matters. A Journalist / Reporter in Kuala Lumpur or the wider Klang Valley typically earns the most, around RM 5,533 a month at the median. In Penang, expect roughly RM 5,145, and in Johor Bahru about RM 4,979. Pay in other states tends to run lower — near RM 4,592 — though the lower cost of living often makes up part of the gap.
To earn more as a Journalist / Reporter, the fastest levers are portfolio strength, software proficiency, and brand-name client experience. Moving from entry to senior level alone lifts pay by about 221% in this field, so building depth and taking on bigger scope pays off. Switching employers — particularly from a local firm to an MNC or shared-service centre — and negotiating with a documented salary benchmark are the other two moves that most reliably raise a Journalist / Reporter's package in Malaysia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Journalist / Reporter earn in Malaysia?
A Journalist / Reporter in Malaysia earns a median of RM 5,533 per month (RM 66,396 per year), with most earning between RM 2,000 and RM 12,000 monthly.
What is the starting salary for a Journalist / Reporter in Malaysia?
Entry-level Journalist / Reporters typically start at RM 2,000 to RM 3,500 per month in the Klang Valley market.
How much does a senior Journalist / Reporter make?
A senior Journalist / Reporter can earn up to RM 12,000 per month — about 221% more than an entry-level role.
How much does a Journalist / Reporter earn per hour in Malaysia?
At the median monthly pay of RM 5,533, a Journalist / Reporter earns roughly RM 28 per hour based on a standard full-time work week.
How much does a Journalist / Reporter earn in Kuala Lumpur?
In Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley, a Journalist / Reporter earns about RM 5,533 per month at the median — the highest in Malaysia. Penang and Johor Bahru pay slightly less, around RM 5,145 and RM 4,979.
Is Journalist / Reporter a well-paid job in Malaysia?
With a median of RM 5,533 per month, a Journalist / Reporter earns above the Malaysian graduate median, and pay improves notably with experience and specialised skills.