The average nominal salary in Kazakhstan for the third quarter of this year amounted to 390.3 thousand tenge. Not every newspaper vendor, reporter, or journalist from an online publication can confirm that they earn at least that much. According to the Bureau of National Statistics (BNS) of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the average salary in the "Publishing Activities" category this year is only 332.7 thousand tenge, while those creating television or radio programs earn between 336.9 thousand and 456.3 thousand tenge, as reported by inbusiness.kz citing Finprom.
Judging by the differentiation of average salaries across various occupational groups, there exists a vertical income distribution within the media sector. The highest salary levels are found among executives, ranging from 678.9 thousand to 726.8 thousand tenge. Professional specialists, which include journalists, correspondents, and reporters, earn between 243.6 thousand and 412 thousand tenge depending on the category of media. The salaries of those providing technical capabilities for news transmission and reporting are comparable, ranging from 310 thousand to 335 thousand tenge. The lowest salary levels in companies producing newspapers, radio broadcasts, or television content are observed among unskilled workers, earning between 131.4 thousand and 185.2 thousand tenge.
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Using data from salary statistics for 2024, we compiled a list of ten different professions in newspapers, radio/television, and online media. The salaries were indicated in a range from minimum to maximum. The overall overview showed that the highest salary "ceiling" is in online media, while the lowest is found in newspapers.
This trend is explained by the general decline in reader interest in print media and the shift to electronic platforms. Previously, the portal Energyprom.kz reported that advertising volumes in print media have been declining for several consecutive years, while online media are experiencing growth. As a result, more than a dozen major national and regional newspapers have closed in the country since 2013. This year, the trend in advertising budget distribution is also favoring online media.
According to the Central Asian Advertising Association, in the first quarter of 2024, the share of internet advertising from the total advertising volume in Kazakhstan reached 46.6%. Meanwhile, the press receives a very small slice of the advertising "pie": just 1.3%.
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The salary of key media personnel—journalists, reporters, and other content creation specialists—averages 250–300 thousand tenge, with a maximum of 624 thousand tenge. The BNS data confirms this with the salary ranges offered for this category of workers on the private recruitment platform Hh.kz. As of November 21, in half of the 75 published vacancies, the offered salary level is capped at 433 thousand tenge, with higher salaries being offered by large national online publications.
Regarding the income levels of top media managers, there is a significant disparity. For instance, while chief editors in small newspapers may still earn 156 thousand tenge, a person in the same profession at a large publication can earn up to 760 thousand tenge, and in certain online publications—up to 1.5 million tenge.
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Here are the results showing the distribution of employees in three categories ("Publishing Activities," "Production of Film and Television Programs," and "Program Creation and Broadcasting") by the amount of accrued salaries. In 2024, 16.5% of all hired workers in these groups earn a salary of up to 200 thousand tenge, 20% earn from 200 thousand to 300 thousand tenge, and another 22.5% take home between 300 thousand and 400 thousand tenge. The total share of those whose salaries do not reach or barely reach the average level for the economy is 59.1%.
Now, let's consider those earning more than 400 thousand tenge. The majority of this group, or 23.5% of the total, consists of media workers earning up to 600 thousand tenge, while about 14% earn between 600 thousand and 1 million tenge. The number of "millionaires" in the media, who are salaried employees, is quite small: only 247 individuals, or 3.7% of the total.
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So, what professions in the media allow one to earn a million? Finprom publishes the top 10 media professions with the highest salaries. The majority of the list is made up of heads of editorial departments and divisions. The highest-paid salaried position in the media is that of an advertising art director, earning around 1.9 million tenge. Such a specialist earns even more than the head of the general directorate (1.6 million tenge). The most lucrative editorial positions are held by individuals earning 1.5 million tenge. Radio station directors earn 868 thousand tenge, while directors of radio and television programs earn 805.9 thousand tenge.
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