We used the latest data and insights to identify the Highest paying journalist jobs so that you can learn and earn more.
Journalism is one of the most in-demand careers today. If you’re looking to get into journalism, there are plenty of options—from writing for newspapers and magazines to reporting on TV and radio shows. But the biggest question is: How much can you make?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the highest-paying journalist jobs you might be interested in pursuing.
Statistics are extracted from data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Payscale, and other top job websites.
Here are the highest-paying journalism jobs for journalism majors and minors.
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Table of Contents
#10. Political Reporter
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Comparably
- Low Range: $21,390 per year
- High Range: $91,875 per year
- Median Pay: $36,360 per year
What do they do?
Political reporters are the eyes and ears of their communities. They report on local, national, and international politics. They cover government activities, investigate political corruption, and provide analysis of current events.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
A communication or journalism degree is enough to get started in this field. A master’s degree may help you land a good-paying job as a political reporter.
Political reporters also need excellent writing skills for both print and digital media formats; experience with news writing software is helpful as well.
Who’s hiring for this job?
These reporters typically work for national and local newspapers, television stations, or online news sites. They may also freelance for magazines like The Economist or National Review.
What is the best way to get this job?
The best way to start your career as a political reporter is by interning at your local newspaper or radio station during school breaks. Some schools offer paid internships, too. Once you’re ready to apply for jobs as a political reporter, look for openings.
What is it like to be a political reporter?
#9. Newspaper Editor
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $26,000 per year
- High Range: $68,000 per year
- Median Pay: $44,522 per year
What do they do?
Newspaper editors are professionals who work behind the scenes to ensure that every story published meets the standards and guidelines of their newspaper.Â
They check facts, organize stories, direct writers on how to improve their writing and editing skills, manage deadlines, and make decisions about what goes into each edition of the paper.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Most newspaper editor jobs require a bachelor’s degree in journalism or communications. However, some entry-level positions may require only an associate degree or online coursework in journalism or communications.Â
Employers also require at least one year of experience working as a journalist before considering you for an editor position.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Newspaper editors work for various types of newspapers, including small-town weekly papers, large metropolitan dailies, and alternative weeklies. The size and scope of the paper you work for will determine your duties as an editor.
What is the best way to get this job?
If you’re interested in working for a newspaper but don’t have any experience yet, consider volunteering to write stories or take photos for your local paper.Â
This will help you gain experience and make connections with editors who can help get your foot in the door when they start hiring.
What is it like to be a newspaper editor?
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#8. News Analyst
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Zippia
- Low Range: $31,000 per year
- High Range: $69,000 per year
- Median Pay: $47,134 per year
What do they do?
News analysts are professionals who interpret and analyze the news. They report on information from various sources, offering commentary or opinions on why it matters to the public.Â
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Most employers prefer to work with experienced news analysts. These professionals typically have a bachelor’s degree in journalism or related fields.Â
Soft skills such as strong communication skills, a good knowledge of current events, and the ability to think on one’s feet are also important.
Who’s hiring for this job?
News analysts work for news organizations, including radio and television stations, newspapers, and magazines. They may also work as independent contractors or freelance writers.
What is the best way to get this job?
If you’re just starting out, you may need to take an internship or entry-level position as a reporter before moving up to this role.Â
The most important thing to have is a strong interest in current events, politics, and the economy. You should also be able to quickly absorb information and analyze it from different angles.
Should you become a news analyst?
#7. Broadcast Journalist
How much do they get paid?
- Source: ZipRecruiter
- Low Range: $24,000 per year
- High Range: $101,000 per year
- Median Pay: $48,785 per year
What do they do?
Broadcast journalists report on breaking news events for radio and television. They gather information from various sources and relay it back to their newsroom.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Educators studying the craft must complete a bachelor’s degree program in journalism with a concentration in broadcast journalism. You should also acquire the relevant licenses, certifications, and experience that are required by your state.
Who’s hiring for this job?
These radio and television journalists work for broadcast networks, radio stations, and local television news stations. They have the opportunity to cover a wide range of topics, from politics to entertainment.
What is the best way to get this job?
To get this position, you will need to have a background in journalism and broadcasting. You should also have experience working in the field and a portfolio of published work.Â
With these qualifications, you will be able to get an entry-level position at a local television station or radio station. From there, you can work your way up the ladder by gaining experience and securing promotions.
What is it like to be a broadcast journalist?
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#6. Public Relations Specialist
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $39,000 per year
- High Range: $75,000 per year
- Median Pay: $52,696 per year
What do they do?
Public relations specialists are the people who ensure that you know about everything happening in your favorite brand.
They also develop social media strategies and manage campaigns on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
PR professionals have bachelor’s degrees in communications, public relations, or related fields. Employers also tend to go for experience in the field and a strong portfolio.Â
Writing, research, and editing skills are essential for this profession. A public relations specialist must have excellent communication skills and the ability to work with people from all walks of life.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Public relations specialists work for corporations, businesses, non-profit organizations, trade groups, and government agencies. They may work in public relations departments or as independent consultants.
What is the best way to get this job?
Consider interning at your favorite brand or agency if you’re interested in this career. Once you’ve honed your skills and gained experience, you can apply for a full-time job.Â
What is it like to be a public relations specialist?
#5. Investigative Reporter
How much do they get paid?
- Source: ZipRecruiterÂ
- Low Range: $11,000 per year
- High Range: $115,500 per year
- Median Pay: $55,262 per year
What do they do?
Investigative reporters are journalists who write about issues that require in-depth research. Other journalists and news outlets often use their reporting to deepen their own coverage, and their stories can have a lasting impact on society.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Employers hire candidates with a variety of backgrounds. Most investigative journalists have degrees in journalism or related fields.Â
Aside from the academic requirements, investigative reporters also need to be extremely detail-oriented. The best investigative journalists can track down and verify facts from disparate sources, including official documents, interviews, and more.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Investigative reporters work for a variety of publications, including newspapers and magazines. Some investigative reporters work for local news outlets, while others work for national publications.
What is the best way to get this job?
Investigative journalism is a competitive field, so candidates should consider interning at a news organization to gain valuable experience before applying for jobs.Â
Networking is another way to get your foot in the door. The best investigative journalists are often hired from within news organizations, so it’s important to get to know your local reporters and editors.
Should you become an investigative reporter?
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#4. Financial Writer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $46,000 per year
- High Range: $112,000 per year
- Median Pay: $71,809 per year
What do they do?
Financial writers are in charge of creating and editing content surrounding the financial industry. They might be responsible for writing articles on topics like economic trends, stock market analysis, or investment tips.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
These technical writers have a college degree in journalism or communications and experience covering business news before working in this position. Many employers require at least three years of experience working as an editor or reporter before they will consider hiring you.
Who’s hiring for this job?
These writers work for both online and print publications, including news websites and magazines. To be successful in this position, you need to have strong writing skills and the ability to create compelling content that keeps readers interested.
What is the best way to get this job?
To get this job title, you’ll need to network with financial publishing professionals. You can find positions in this field at publications like The Wall Street Journal and Reuters.Â
What is it like to be a financial writer?
#3. Magazine Writer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: ZipRecruiter
- Low Range: $20,500 per year
- High Range: $125,000 per year
- Median Pay: $71,827 per year
What do they do?
Magazine writers are part of a team that creates content for the many different types of magazines available today. They report on various topics and may be assigned to cover breaking news, human interest stories, or sports events.
A magazine writer:
- gather information for stories. They conduct interviews with people in the field.
- create compelling stories based on findings.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Magazine writers have undergraduate degrees in mass communications, journalism, or creative writing. They need to be able to write clearly, concisely, and with a sense of humor.Â
Most employers also prefer candidates with graduate degrees and at least five years of experience in writing for magazines.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Magazine workers work for magazines, newspapers, and other publications. They may also freelance for websites or other traditional media outlets.
What is the best way to get this job?
You can become a magazine writer by taking courses in writing. Once you have established yourself as a writer, you can gain more experience by writing for non-magazine publications such as websites and newspapers.Â
After you have enough experience, send your writing samples to magazines and ask if they’d like to see more of your work.
What is it like to be a magazine writer?
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#2. Communications Manager
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $55,000 per year
- High Range: $138,000 per year
- Median Pay: $86,602 per year
What do they do?
A communications manager, also known as a public relations manager, is a person who plans and executes public relations campaigns for an organization.Â
As a corporate communications specialist, you’ll be responsible for coordinating all of the components of their organization’s PR strategy to deliver the maximum impact on its audience. The role requires someone who have:
- Â strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
- an appreciation for new technologies like social media.
- Â a firm grasp of how to cultivate positive relationships with various stakeholders (including competitors).
- a thorough understanding of their client’s business goals.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
While educational requirements vary depending on what type of company you work at—corporate communications might require only an associate degree, while government agencies tend to prefer bachelor’s degrees.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Communication managers work for all types of companies, from small businesses to major corporations.Â
What is the best way to get this job?
To get into this journalism career, you’ll want to ensure you have a strong portfolio of both your written work and your social media presence.
You can also get experience by working as an intern at a major corporation or agency. By building a network of colleagues, mentors, and industry experts, you’ll be able to develop your resume and get a leg up on future opportunities.
Should you become a communications manager?
#1. Digital Strategist
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $59,000 per year
- High Range: $152,000 per year
- Median Pay: $93,465 per year
What do they do?
The digital strategy profession is another hot journalism job that we expect to grow in the future. The role of a digital strategist is to steer the direction of a brand’s online presence, including social media platforms.Â
They work with marketing teams and other departments at their company to develop marketing strategies. Their aim is to grow the brand’s online audience, either through social media posts or paid ads.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
A bachelor’s degree in communication science, marketing, or a related field is the typical requirement for this position.Â
However, some employers will hire candidates without formal education if they demonstrate proficiency through portfolio examples or experience working with similar technologies.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Digital Strategists work for companies, non-profits, and political organizations to help them reach their audience through digital channels.
What is the best way to get this job?
You can get into this field by learning the basics of digital marketing and social media management. This includes an understanding of how to create content for different platforms, measure its effectiveness, and create strategies to improve performance.Â
A portfolio or sample of your work will help show potential employers that you have the skills and experience they’re looking for.
Should you become a digital strategist?
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Conclusion
Journalists are the backbone of our society, and as such, they deserve to be paid well.
The journalist profession is one of the most competitive careers today. With so many people vying for a limited number of positions, it’s important that you make yourself stand out among your peers by taking advantage of all the opportunities available to you.
This career will always have tough times—and that’s okay! What matters most is keeping your head up and fighting for what you believe in.
